Category: CATHOLIC Quotes

Posted in "Follow Me", DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOMINICAN OP, GOD ALONE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Quote/s of the Day – 5 April – St Vincent Ferrer

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Quote/s of the Day – 5 April – St Vincent Ferrer OP (1350-1419) Confessor, called “The Angel of the Apocalypse” and of “The Last Judgement” and the “Mouthpiece of God.”

“If you truly wish to help
the soul of your neighbour,
you should firstly approach God
with all your heart.
Ask Him simply,
to fill you with charity,
the greatest of all virtues.”

“When troubled by temptations,
raise up your heart and soul to God,
humbly beseeching Him
to turn them to His greater glory
and to your salvation,
supporting the temptations
as long as it shall please Him
and imploring Him, to grant you grace,
never to offend Him.”

“Regard yourself as more vile
and miserable in the sight of God
because of your faults,
than any sinner whatever,
no matter what his sins. . .
and consider closely that any grace,
or inclination to good or desire of virtue,
you may have, is not of yourself
but of the sole mercy of Christ.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/05/quote-s-of-the-day-5-april-st-vincent-ferrer-2/

St Vincent Ferrer OP (1350-1419)

Posted in "Follow Me", BAPTISM, CATECHESIS, DOCTORS of the Church, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), franciscan OFM, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CREATION, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 April – Three Names, One Essence

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One Minute Reflection – 5 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – Easter Friday – St Vincent Ferrer OP (1350-1419) Confessor, called the “Angel of the Apocalypse/The Last Judgement” and the “Mouthpiece of God” – 1 Peter 3:18-22, Matthew 28:16-20 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Go, therefore, teach all nations, baptising them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” – Matthew 28:19

REFLECTION – “The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, are of One substance and inseparably equal. Their Unity is in their Essence, their plurality in the Persons. The Lord openly showed the Unity of the Divine Essence and the Trinity of Persons, when He said: “Baptise them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” He did not say “in the NAMES” but “in the Name” by which He showed the Unity of Essence. But, He then used Three Names in order to show that there are Three Persons.

In this Trinity can be found, the supreme origin of all things, perfect beauty, very blessed joy. As Saint Augustine said in his book on true religion, the supreme origin is God the Father, from Whom all things come, from Whom proceed the Son and the HolyGhost. The very perfect Beauty is the Son, the Truth of the Father, Who is not dissimilar to Him in anything, Whom we venerate with the Father and in the Father, Who is the model for all things because, everything was made through Him and everything relates to Him. The very blessed Joy, the sovereign goodness is the Holy Ghost Who is the Gift of the Father and of the Son and we must believe and hold that this Gift is exactly like the Father and the Son.

When we look at creation, we finish with the Trinity which is of One single substance. We understand One single God – the Father from Whom we are, the Son by Whom we are, the Holy Ghost in Whom we are – the Origin to Whom we run; the Model Whom we follow; the Grace which reconciles us!” – St Anthony of Padua OFM (c1195-1231) Franciscan, Evangelical Doctor of the Church (Sermons for Sundays and the Feasts of the Saints).

PRAYER – O God, Who graciously enlightened Thy Church by the virtues and preaching of blessed Vincent, Thy Confessor, grant that we, Thy servants, may, be taught by his example and delivered from all harm by his intercession.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on TIME, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on Will (Sensual or Inferior), THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 4 April–Of the Time to be Given to the Exercise of Each Virtue and Of the Signs of Progress (Part One)

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Thought for the Day – 4 April– The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XL: … Of the Time to be Given to the Exercise
of Each Virtue and Of the Signs of Progress (Part One)

“It is not for me to determine the time to be given to the exercise of each several virtue.
This must be regulated by the state and necessities of individuals, by the progress they are making in their spiritual course and, by the judgement of their director.

But, if we set ourselves faithfully and diligently to work after the manner I have described, there is no doubt but that, in a few weeks’ time, we shall have made no little progress.

It is a sign of advancement in holiness if we persevere in our exercises of virtue amid dryness, darkness and anguish of spirit and the withdrawal of spiritual consolation.

Another clear indication will be the degree of resistance made by the senses to the performance of acts of virtue; for the weaker this resistance, the greater will be our progress.
When, therefore, we cease to experience any opposition or rebellion in the inferior and sensual will and, more especially, in sudden and unexpected assaults, we may look upon it as a sign that we have acquired the virtue.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on JOY, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on WATCHING, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The SECOND COMING

Quote/s of the Day – 4 April – ‘… For us, a Light from His Light has arisen…’

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Quote/s of the Day – 4 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – Easter Thursday

“Our Lord Jesus Christ
Has appeared to us from the bosom of the Father.
He has come and drawn us out of the shadows
And enlightened us with His joyful Light.

Day has dawned for humankind,
Cast out the power of darkness.
For us, a Light from His Light has arisen
That has enlightened our darkened eyes.

Over the world He has made His glory arise
And has lit up the deepest depths.
Death is no more, darkness has ended,
The gates of hell are shattered.

He has illumined every creature,
All the shades from times long past.
He has brought about salvation and given us Life;
Next He will come in glory.

Our King is coming in His great glory:
Let us light our lamps
and go out to meet Him (Mt 25,6);
Let us be glad in Him, as He has been glad in us
And gives us gladness, with His glorious Light.

My friends, arise! make yourselves ready
To give thanks to our Saviour King,
Who will come in His glory and make us joyful
With His joyous Light in the Kingdom.”

St Ephrem (306-373)
Father of the Church

(Hymn I on the Resurrection)

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CHRIST the HIGH PRIEST, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, The LAMB of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 4 April – O Lamb of God By St Irenaeus

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Our Morning Offering – 4 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – Easter Thursday

O Lamb of God
By St Irenaeus (c130 – c202)
Bishop & Martyr,
Father of the Church

O Lamb of God,
who takes away the sin of the world,
look upon us
and have mercy upon us,
Thou who art Thyself,
both Victim and Priest,
Thyself, both Reward and Redeemer,
keep safe from all evil
those whom Thou hast redeemed,
O Saviour of the world!
Amen

Posted in QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on VIRTUE, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 3 April– How to Avail Ourselves of Occasions for the Exercise of a Single Virtue

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Thought for the Day – 3 April– The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXIX: … How to Avail Ourselves of Occasions
for the Exercise of a Single Virtue

“We have already seen that it is more profitable to exercise ourselves, for a time, in a single virtue than in many at once and that, we should use, with this view, the occasions we meet with, however diverse they may be.
Now learn how to accomplish this, with tolerable success.

It may happen that in the same day, or even in the same hour, we are approved for something in which we have done well, or blamed on some other account; we may be harshly refused some favour we have asked, it maybe a mere trifle; we may be unjustly suspected; or, we may be called upon to endure some bodily pain, or some petty annoyance, such as a dish badly cooked; or some more heavy affliction and more difficult to be borne, may befall us, such as this wretched life is full of!

Although, in the variety of these or similar occurrences, we may perform various acts of virtue, yet, if we would keep to the rule laid down, we shall continue to exercise ourselves in acts wholly conformable to the virtue we have at the time in hand; as for example:

+++If, when these occasions present themselves, we are exercising ourselves in patience, we shall endure them all willingly and with a joyful heart.

+++If our exercise be of humility, we shall, in all these little crosses, acknowledge ourselves to be deserving of every possible ill.

+++If of obedience, we shall submit ourselves at once to the Almighty Hand of God, as well as, to all created things, whether rational or even inanimate which may have caused us these annoyances and this, to please Him because He has so willed it.

+++If of poverty, we shall be well content to be stripped and robbed of all earthly consolations, whether great or small.

+++If of charity, we shall produce acts of love towards our neighbour as the instrument of good to us and towards our Lord God, as the first and loving cause whence these annoyances proceed, or by Whom they are permitted for our spiritual exercise and improvement.

From what has been said of the various accidents which may befall us daily, we may also learn how, during a single trial of long duration, such as sickness or other like affliction, we may yet continue to produce acts of that virtue in which we are at the time exercising ourselves.

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE WORLD, St PETER!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 April – ‘… We are caught like fish in the net of the faith and brought to shore.’

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One Minute Reflection – 3 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – Easter Wednesday – Acts 3:13-15; 3:17-19, John 21:1-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Simon Peter … drew the net to land …” – John 21:11

REFLECTION – “After catching such a large catch of fish, “Simon Peter went overboard and dragged the net ashore.” I believe that you, dear listeners, now perceive why it was Peter who brought the net to land. Our holy Church had been entrusted to him; it was to him individually that it was said: “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me? Feed my sheep.” What was afterwards disclosed to him in words, was now indicated to him by an action.

Because the Church’s preacher was to part us from the waves of this world, it was surely necessary that Peter bring the net full of fish to land. He dragged the fish to the firm ground of the shore because, by his preaching, he revealed to the faithful the stability of our eternal home. He accomplished this by his words and by his letters and, he accomplishes it daily, by his miraculous signs. As often as he serves us from the uproar of earthly affairs, what occurs, is that we are caught like fish in the net of the faith and brought to shore.” – St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on the Gospel No 24).

PRAYER – O God, Who dost every year fill us with holy gladness through the rising of the Lord, mercifully grant that these Feast-days which we are now keeping here in time, may be to us, a means whereby, in the end, we may worthily attain unto those pleasures which are at Thy Right Hand, for evermore.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on VIRTUE, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 2 April– Esteem All Opportunities of Fighting for the Acquisition of Virtue (Part Two)

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Thought for the Day – 2 April– The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXVIII: … Esteem All Opportunities of
Fighting for the Acquisition of Virtue (Part Two)

“The other consideration (of which we have already spoken) is, that all events which befall us come from God, for our good, in order that we may derive fruit therefrom.

And although, as we have said before, some of these occasions, such as our own defects, or those of others, cannot be said to be of God, Who wills not sin, yet they are from Him, inasmuch as He permits them and though able to hinder them, hinders them not.
But all the sorrows and afflictions which come upon us, either by our own fault or the malice of others, are both from God and of God because He concurs in them and that, which He would not have us do, as being full of a deformity beyond measure hateful to His most pure eyes, He would yet have us suffer, for our greater advancement in holiness, or for some other wise reason unknown to us.

Seeing, then, that it is most assuredly our Lord’s will that we should suffer willingly, any Cross which may come upon us, either from others or from our own evil deeds, to say, as many do in excuse for their impatience that God wills not evil but abhors it, is a vain pretext, whereby to cover our own faults and avoid the Cross which He wills us to bear.

Nay, I will say further, that supposing all other circumstances the same, our Lord is more pleased with our patient endurance of trials which come upon us from the wickedness of men, especially of those, whom we have served and benefited, than with our endurance of other grievous annoyances.
And this because, our proud nature is, for the most part, more humbled by the former than by the latter and also because, by willingly enduring them, we do above measure, please and magnify our God, co-operating with Him in that, wherein His ineffable goodness and omnipotence shine forth most brightly, namely, in extracting from the deadly poison of malice and wickedness, the sweet and precious fruit of holiness and virtue!

No sooner, therefore, does our Lord perceive in us an earnest desire to attempt and persevere in so glorious an undertaking, than He prepares a chalice of strongest temptation and strongest trial, for us, that we may drink it at the appointed hour and we, recognising therein His love and our own good, should receive it willingly and blindly, confidently and promptly drinking it to the very dregs, as a medicine compounded by a Hand which cannot err; of ingredients the more profitable to the soul, in proportion to their intrinsic bitterness!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/01/thought-for-the-day-1-april-esteem-all-opportunities-of-fighting-for-the-acquisition-of-virtue-part-one/

Posted in APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, CHRIST the LIGHT, EASTER, FATHERS of the Church, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HOPE, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 2 April – Our Life and Light

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Quote/s of the Day – 2 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – Easter Tuesday

“Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!!!
For with thee is the fountain of life
and in Thy Light, we shall see light.”

Psalm 36:9

“Do we, then, regard it as a great
and marvellous thing,
for the Creator of all things,
to bring about the resurrection of those,
who have served Him with holiness,
in the assurance of a good faith?…
With this hope, then, let our souls be bound to Him
Who is faithful, to His promises
and upright in His judgements.
He, Who has commanded us not to lie
will much more not lie Himself.
For nothing is impossible to God
except lying (Jn 32:17; Lk 1:37; 6:18).”
(Letter to the Corinthians, #24-28)

St Pope Clement I (c35-c99)
Pope from about 90 to 99
Apostolic Father

“Let us listen to the holy Voice of God
which summons us from on high,
from the holy mountain top.
There, we must hasten – I make bold to say –
like Jesus, Who is our leader
and has gone before us into Heaven.
There, with Him, may the eyes of our mind
shine with His light and the features of our soul
be made new; may we be transfigured with Him
and moulded to His image,
ever becoming divine,
being transformed in an ever greater degree of glory.”

St Anastasius Sinaita (Died 6th Century)
Priest and Abbot

“We must make our way towards eternity,
never regarding what men think of us,
or of our actions,
studying only to please God.”

St Francis Borgia (1510-1572)

Posted in APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, DOCTORS of the Church, EASTER, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on the CHURCH, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 April – ‘ …You too, then, have faith – it is He, the Bridegroom!’

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One Minute Reflection – 2 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – Easter Tuesday – Acts 13:16; 13:26-33; Luke 24:36-47 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And He said to them: Why are you troubled and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?” – Luke 24:38

REFLECTION – “This Gospel passage… shows us in truth, Who the Messiah is and who the Church … that we might understand well which Bride it is that this Divine Bridegroom has chosen and Who the Bridegroom of this holy Bride is … On this page we can read their deed of espousal …

You have learned that Christ is the Word, God’s Utterance, united to a human soul and human body … Here, the disciples thought they were seeing a ghost; they did not believe that the Lord had a real body. But since the Lord understood the danger of such thoughts, He made haste to snatch them out of their hearts … “Why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at My Hands and My Feet; touch Me and see because, a ghost does not have flesh and bone, as you can see I have.” Yet you, with these same questioning thoughts, strongly oppose the rule of faith you have received …

Christ is truly the Word, the Only-begotten Son equal to the Father, united to a truly human soul and a real body, clean of all sin. This is the Body which died, the Body which rose again, this Body was fastened to the Cross, this Body laid in the tomb, this Body is seated in the Heavens. Our Lord wished to persuade His disciples that what they were seeing was truly bone and flesh… Why did He want to convince me of this truth? Because He knew, just how much it was to my own good, to have faith in it and how much I had to lose, if I did not. You too, then, have faith – it is He, the Bridegroom!

Now listen to what was said about the Bride… “The Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, is to be preached in His Name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” This is the Bride… the Church is spread all over the earth and has taken all peoples to her heart … The Apostles saw Christ and believed in what they did not see, the Church. We, on our part, see the Church; so let us believe in Jesus Christ, Whom we do not see and so, by holding onto what we see, we shall come to Him Whom, as yet, we do not see.” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 238).

PRAYER – O God, Who art ever multiplying the children of Thy Church, grant unto the same, Thy servants that they may lead the rest of their lives, according to this beginning, wherein Thou hast given them faith to receive the Sacrament of the New Birth. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, CHRIST the LIGHT, EASTER, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, POETRY, PRAYERS, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS on FAITH, QUOTES for CHRIST, Quotes on SALVATION, The RESURRECTION

Our Morning Offering – 2 April – He is Risen, Tell the Story

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Our Morning Offering – 2 April – Easter Tuesday

He is Risen, Tell the Story
By Father Willard F Janusch (1930-2018)

He is risen, tell the story
to the nations of the night;
from their sin and from their blindness,
let them walk in Easter light.
Now begins a new creation,
now has come our true salvation.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God!

Mary goes to tell the others
of the wonders she has seen;
John and Peter come a’running
what can all this truly mean?
O Rabboni, Master holy,
to appear to one so lowly!
Jesus Christ, the Son of God!

He has cut down death and evil,
He has conquered all despair;
He has lifted from our shoulders,
all the weight of anxious care.
Risen Brother, now before you,
we will worship and adore You.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God!

Now get busy, bring the message,
so that all may come to know
there is hope for saint and sinner,
for our God has loved us so.
Ev’ry Church bell is a’ringing,
ev’ry Christian now is singing.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God!

A Parish Priest, Seminary Professor and prolific Musician and Hymnist, Fr Willard wa Ordained in 1956 and died at the age of 88 in 2018.

Posted in APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HOLY COMMUNION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

Devotions for the Month of April – The Resurrection and The Blessed Sacrament

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Devotions for the Month of April

The Resurrection and The Blessed Sacrament

The Month of April is dedicated both to devotion to the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ and to the Holy Eucharist – the proof of the promise of the love of God and of ETERNAL LIFE.

“My brethren, when was it that the Lord made Himself recognised? — When He broke the bread. — So, we ourselves are convinced, too, that when we break the bread, we recognise the Lord. — If He had not wanted to be recognised until that moment, it was for our sakes, we, who were not to see Him in the flesh but who were yet to eat Him in the flesh. ” – St Augustine (354-430) Father, Doctor of Grace

“I am the Resurrection and the Life,
he who believes in Me,
although he be dead, shall live.”

John 11:25

“I am the Living Bread
Who came down from Heaven.
If any man eat of this Bread,
he shall live forever
and the Bread that I will give,
is My Flesh, for the Life of the world.”

John 6:51-52

“For His Body, has been given to you
under the appearance of bread
and His Blood, under the appearance of wine,
so that, when you have partaken
of the Body and Blood of Christ,
you might be One Body and One Blood with Him.
So shall we become Christ-bearers [“Christophers”].
His Body and Blood are diffused through all our members – see, then,
how we become participants
in the Divine Nature!”

St Cyril of Jerusalem (c 313-386)
Father and Doctor of theChurch

Posted in OUR Cross, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on VIRTUE, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 1 April– Esteem All Opportunities of Fighting for the Acquisition of Virtue (Part One)

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Thought for the Day – 1 April– The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXVIII: … Esteem All Opportunities of
Fighting for the Acquisition of Virtue (Part One)

“I shall not be contented to have you simply NOT shun the opportunities which may present themselves of attaining the different virtues, – for, I would have you esteem them as goods of great price and value – seek and embrace them joyfully whenever they present themselves and, account those dearest and most precious which are most repugnant to nature!

To this end, by the Divine assistance, you will be enabled to attain, by impressing strongly upon your mind, the following considerations:
Firstly – that opportunities are means adapted, nay, necessary, for the attainment of virtue.
When, therefore, you pray to the Lord for any virtue, you at the same time ask for occasions to exercise it; or else would your prayer be vain and you would be contradicting yourself and tempting your God, Who does not usually give patience without tribulation, nor humility without humiliations!

The same may be said of all virtues which are most surely attained by means of Crosses.
And the more painful these are, the more effectually do they aid us and, therefore, the more acceptable and welcome should they be.
For acts of virtue performed in such circumstances, are more generous and energetic and open to us, an easier and more speedy way to virtue.

But, we ought also, to value and not to leave without its appropriate exercise, the most trifling occasion, though it be but a word or a look which crosses our will – because, the acts thus produced, are more frequent, though less intense, than those called forth by circumstances of great difficulty.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, Quotes on SALVATION, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 1 April –

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Quote/s of the Day – 1 April – Easter Monday

“This is the day which the Lord hath made,
let us be glad and rejoice therein.”

Psalm 117:24.

“If we follow Christ closely we shall be allowed,
even on this earth,
to stand, as it were,
on the threshold of the heavenly Jerusalem
and enjoy the contemplation,
of that everlasting Feast,
like the blessed Apostles,
who, in following the Saviour as their Leader,
showed and still show,
the way to obtain the same gift from God.
They said – See, we have left all things and followed Thee.
We too follow the Lord
and we keep His Feast
by deeds rather than by words.”

St Athanasius (297-373)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“For Christ is our Salvation.
For He is our Salvation,
Who was wounded for us
and fastened with nails to the Wood
and taken down from the Wood
and laid in the sepulchre.
But He rose from the sepulchre
and although His Wounds were healed,
the Scars remained.
For this He judged expedient for His Disciples
that He should keep His Scars,
to heal the wounds of their soul.”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

“All I want to know is Christ
and the power flowing
from His Resurrection!”

St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226)

Posted in EASTER, NOTES to Followers, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, The RESURRECTION

The Lord is Risen! Easter Sunday – 31 March – Alleluia! Alleluia!

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The Lord is Risen!
Alleluia! Alleluia!

“This is the day which the Lord hath made,
let us be glad and rejoice therein.”
Psalm 117:24

Wishing you a Holy and Joyful Easter!

Thank you for accompanying me on our Lenten journey, I pray you have been inspired by our Saints and have grown in faith, hope and love.
Today we rejoice and continue with joy singing in our hearts through the Octave as we celebrate this great Feast!
May the Risen Lord fill your hearts with His infinite love,
may He protect your faith and your families.

A special word of gratitude to the benefactors of “Breathing Catholic.” 💘🤗
Because of YOU, we are able to travel onward and upward!
May the Beloved bless you abundantly.

“Live joyfully!
Our Lord is looking lovingly down upon you! ”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, EASTER, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRAYERS on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, The HOLY CROSS, The LAMB of GOD, The REDEMPTION

Thought for the Day – 31 March – The Redemption

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Thought for the Day – 31 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Redemption

“In conclusion, let us say this prayer of St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787):
“My soul, look at this Crucified Man …
see how the arms extend to embrace you,
how the head bows forward
to give you the kiss of peace.
See how His side is open to receive you.
What have you to say?
Such a good and loving God deserves to be loved.
O my Jesus!
Adorable Jesus!
O Love of my soul!
How can I ever forget Thee?
How can I ever love anything
apart from Thee!
O suffering Jesus,
may the memory of Thee ever remain
in my heart!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/13/thought-for-the-day-13-september-the-redemption/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/31/thought-for-the-day-31-march-the-redemption/

Posted in APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, EASTER, FATHERS of the Church, LENT 2024, QUOTES on JOY, The RESURRECTION

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 31 March – On this Day … Day of Resurrection, Day of Our Joy!

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Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 31 March – Easter Sunday, Alleluia, He is Truly Risen, Alleluia! – 1 Corinthians 5:7-8, Mark 16:1-7 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“This is the day the Lord hath made,
let us be glad and rejoice therein.”
Psalm 117:24

“You seek Jesus of Nazareth,
Who was Crucified.
He is risen, He is not here.”
Mark 16:6

On This Day … Day of Resurrection
Day of Our Joy!

St Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450)
Priest, Exegete, Scholar, Monk, Hermit, Writer.

“The festival we celebrate today, is one of victory—the victory of the Son of God, King of the whole universe. On this day, the devil is defeated by the Crucified One; our race is filled with joy by the Risen One. In honour of my resurrection in Christ, this day cries out:

“In my journey I beheld a new wonder—an open tomb,
a Man Risen from the dead, bones exulting, souls rejoicing,
men and women refashioned, the heavens opened
and powers crying out:
‘Lift up your gates, you princes;
be lifted up, you everlasting doors
that the King of Glory may enter in.’

“On this day, I saw the King of Heaven, robed in Light, ascend above the lightning and the rays of the sun, above the sun and the sources of water, above the dwelling place of the angelic powers and the City of Eternal Life.”

On this day, the Divine call is heard, the Kingdom is prepared, we are saved and Christ is adored.

Hidden first in a womb of flesh, He sanctified human birth by His own birth; hidden afterward in the womb of the earth, He gave life to the dead by his Resurrection.
Suffering, pain and sighs have now fled away.

For Who has known the mind of God, or Who has been His Counsellor if not the Word made flesh, Who was nailed to the Cross, Who rose from the dead an, Who was taken up into Heaven?

This day brings a message of joy: – it is the day of the Lord’s Resurrection when, with Himself, He raised up the race of Adam. Born for the sake of human beings, He rose from the dead with them.

On this day, Paradise is opened by the Risen One, Adam is restored to life and Eve is consoled.

On this day, the Divine call is heard, the Kingdom is prepared, we are saved and Christ is adored.

On this day, when He had trampled death underfoot, made the tyrant a prisoner and despoiled the underworld, Christ ascended into Heaven as a King in victory, as a Ruler in glory, as an invincible Charioteer.

He said to the Father — here Am I, O God, with the children you have given me and He heard the Father’s reply: “Sit at My Right Hand until I make your enemies your footstool.” To Him be glory, now and forever, through endless ages, amen!” – (Easter Homily: Source chrétiennes 187, 66-69)

St Hesychius of Jerusalem
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/28/saint-of-the-day-28-march-saint-hesychius-of-jerusalem-died-c450-priest/

Posted in BAPTISM, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, EASTER, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, The LAMB of GOD, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 31 March – This is the day!

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One Minute Reflection – 31 March – Easter Sunday, Alleluia, He is Truly Risen, Alleluia! – 1 Corinthians 5:7-8, Mark 16:1-7 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us be glad and rejoice therein.” – Psalm 117:24

REFLECTION – “This is the day the Lord hath made; let us be glad and rejoice therein.” (Ps 117:24) Why? Because the sun is no longer darkened and everything is illuminated; the curtain in the Temple is no longer torn, the Church is revealed; we are no longer holding palm branches, we are surrounding the newly baptised.

“This is the day the Lord hath made”… This now is the day in the real sense of the word, the triumphant day, the day consecrated to celebrating the Resurrection, the day when we adorn ourselves with grace, the day when we share the spiritual Lamb, the day when we give milk to those who have just been born, the day when the plan of Providence for the poor is realised. “Let us rejoice and be glad therein.”

This is the day when Adam was freed, when Eve was delivered from her pain, when savage death shuddered, when the power of rocks was broken, when the bars of the tomb were torn away…, when the unchangeable laws of the powers of hell were abrogated, when the heavens were opened because Christ, our Master, rose. This is the day when, for the good of humankind, the green and fertile plant of the Resurrection multiplied its offshoots, all over the world, as in a garden, when the lilies of the newly enlightened opened … when, the crowd of believers rejoices, when the Martyrs’ crowns again grow green. “This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad therein!” – (Attri) St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – O God, Who, on this day, through Thine Only-begotten Son, hast conquered death and thrown open to us, the Gate of everlasting life, give effect by thine aid to our desires, which Thou dost anticipate and inspire. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in EASTER, franciscan OFM, HYMNS, I BELIEVE!, Our MORNING Offering, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Our Morning Offering – 31 March– Easter Sunday, O Filii et Filiae – Ye Sons and Daughters of the Lord

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Our Morning Offering – 31 March – Easter Sunday, Alleluia, He is Truly Risen, Alleluia!

O Filii et Filiae
Ye Sons and Daughters of the Lord
By Jean Tisserand OFM (Died 1497)
(The original Hymn comprises the nine stanzas below).
Trans. Fr Edward Caswell C.Orat. (1814-1878)

Ye sons and daughters of the Lord,
The King of Heaven, the King adored,
From death this day Himself restored.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

On Sunday morn at break of day
The holy women went their way,
To see the tomb where Jesus lay.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

An Angel clad in white they see,
Who sat,and spake unto the three:
“Your Lord hath gone to Galilee.”
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

That night the’ Apostle met in fear,
But Christ didst in the midst appear:
“My peace,” He saith, “be on thee!”
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

But Thomas, when of this he heard,
Was doubtful of his brethren’s word;
Wherefore, again there came the Lord.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

“Behold My side, O Thomas, see;
My hands, My feet, I show to thee;
Not faithless but believing be.”
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

When Thomas say that wounded side,
The truth no longer he denied,
“Thou art my Lord and God,” he cried.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Oh, blest are they who have not seen
Their Lord and yet believe in Him;
Eternal life awaiteth them.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

On this Most Holy Day of days,
To God your hearts and voices raise
In laud and jubilee and praise.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
Amen!

Posted in GOD ALONE!, HOLY SATURDAY, INGRATITUDE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The LAMB of GOD, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION, The SEVEN LAST WORDS of CHRIST, The SEVEN PASSION Feasts

Thought for the Day – 30 March – The Death of our Saviour

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Thought for the Day – 30 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Death of our Saviour

“Jesus had now come to the last morning of His earthly life.
The Blood had been drained from His Body as a result of His fatal Wounds and He felt a great thirst, “I thirst,” He murmured in a weak voice.
He expressed in these words, not only His physical thirst but also, His spiritual thirst for souls.
He had given everything for the eternal salvation of men, yet, He realised with Divine foresight, that many would refuse to co-operate with His infinite love,
His thirst was a burning love for us and it was answered, on the physical level, by the vinegar which was given to Him to drink and in the moral order, by our ingratitude.

Seeing that His mission was fulfilled with His last breath, Jesus entrusted His soul to His Heavenly Father, “Father, into Thy Hands, I commend My spirit” (Lk 23:46).
Then, in order to show that His Death was voluntary, He cried out in a loud Voice, “It is consummated!” (Jn 19:30).
Jesus was dead!

Let us prostrate ourselves before His lifeless Body covered with sores and furrowed with blood.
Let us vow, never to offend Him again.
Let us give Him our minds, our hearts, our souls, our whole being.
Let us love Him more and more!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/14/thought-for-the-day-14-april-the-death-of-our-saviour/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/03/thought-for-the-day-3-april-the-death-of-our-saviour/

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, HOLY SATURDAY, HOLY WEEK, OUR Cross, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, St Francis de Sales, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The REDEMPTION

Quote/s of the Day – 30 March – Holy Saturday

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Quote/s of the Day – 30 March – Holy Saturday

“INTO THY HANDS,
O my God, I entrust my spirit.
Dost Thou wish me to be in dryness or in consolation?
Into Thy Hands, I entrust my spirit.
Dost Thou wish me to be contradicted,
to experience repugnances and difficulties,
to be loved or not, to obey this one or that one
and in whatever it may be,
in great things or small?
Then into Thy Hands, I entrust my spirit!”

“My soul, live henceforward
amid the scourges and the thorns
of thy Saviour and there,
as a nightingale in its bush, sing sweetly:
Live Jesus, Who didst die
that my soul might live!
Ah, Eternal Father!
What can the world return Thee
for the gift Thou hast made it of Thy only Son?
Alas! to redeem a thing so vile as I,
the Saviour delivered Himself to death
and, unhappy me!
I hesitate to surrender my nothingness to Him,
Who has given me everything!”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CATECHESIS, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, EASTER, FATHERS of the Church, HOLY SATURDAY, LENT 2024, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on WATCHING, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 30 March – The Night which Sets Us Free From the Sleep of Death

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Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 30 March – Holy Saturday – The Lord’s Vigil Mass of Easter, Blessing of the Fire, Prophecies, Blessing of the Font, First Mass of Easter – Matthew 28,1-7 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“It was very necessary that Christ
should rise during the night because ,
His Resurrection has enlightened our darkness! … ”
St Augustine

“He is not here.
For He is risen, as He said.”
Matthew 28:6

LUMEN CHRISTI
Deo Gratias!

The Night which Sets Us Free
From the Sleep of Death

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Brethren, let us keep watch, for Christ remained in the tomb until this night.
It was on this night that the Resurrection of His flesh took place.
On the Cross it was the butt of mockery; today, Heaven and earth give it worship.
This night already forms part of our Sunday.
It was very necessary that Christ should rise during the night because, His Resurrection has enlightened our darkness! …
Just as our faith, strengthened by Christ’s Resurrection, dispels all sleep, so this night, lightened by our vigils, is filled with brightness.
With the Church throughout the earth, it causes us to hope we shall never be surprised during the night (Mk 13:33).

Amongst so many peoples whom this Feast – kept so solemnly everywhere – gathers together in the Name of Christ, the sun has gone down.
Yet, day has not disappeared; the lights of Heaven have taken over from the lights of earth…
He, Who has given us the glory of His Name (Ps 28:2) has also illumined this night.
He to Whom we say “Thou lighten my darkness” (Ps 18:28) sheds His brightness in our hearts.
Just as our dazzled eyes behold these shining torches, so our enlightened spirits enable us to see how luminous is this night, this holy night in which our Lord initiated, in His own flesh, the Life which knows neither sleep nor death!” – (2nd Sermon for the Easter Vigil; PLS 2, 549-552 – Sermon Morin Guelferbytanus 5).

Posted in APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, EASTER, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, HOLY SATURDAY, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The RESURRECTION, The WORD, THEOLOGICAL

One Minute Reflection – 30 March – He is not here, for He is risen, as He said.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 30 March – Holy Saturday – The Lord’s Vigil Mass of Easter, Blessing of the Fire, Prophecies, Blessing of the Font, First Mass of Easter – Matthew 28:1-7 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And the Angel answering, said to the women: Fear not you, for I know that you seek Jesus Who was Crucified, He is not here, for He is risen, as He said.” – Matthew 28:5-6

REFLECTION – “When the third day dawned of the Lord’s Sacred repose in the tomb … Christ, the “power and Wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24), with the author of death lying prostrate, conquered even death itself and opened to us access to eternity, when He raised Himself from the dead by His Divine Power in order to make known to us the paths of Life.

Then there was a great earthquake, for an Angel of the Lord came down from Heaven, with raiment like snow and his countenance like lightening.   He appeared attractive to the devout and severe to the wicked – for he terrified the soldiers and comforted the timid women, to whom the Lord Himself first appeared after rising because, their intense devotion, so merited.   Then He was seen by Peter, then by the disciples going to Emmaus, then by all the Apostles except Thomas.   Later He presented Himself to be touched by Thomas, who proclaimed his faith:  “My Lord and my God.”   And thus, during forty days, He appeared in many ways to His disciples, both eating and drinking with them.

He enlightened our faith with proofs and lifted up our hope with promises, so as finally, to enkindle our love with gifts from Heaven!” … St Bonaventure (1217-1274) Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – O God, Who dost illuminate this most holy night by the glory of the Lord’s Resurrection, preserve in the new children of Thy family, the spirit of adoption which Thou hast given, that renewed in body and mind, they may render to Thee a pure service. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 29 March – The Crucifixion

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Thought for the Day – 29 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Crucifixion

“On either side of Jesus there were two other crosses, to which two robbers had been tied.
When one of these saw how Jesus prayed and forgave, in the midst of His sufferings, he was touched by the grace of God.
He began to hate his crimes and sins and to believe in the Divine Redeemer.
Turning towards Jesus, he begged for forgiveness.
“Lord,” he said, “remember me when Thou comes into Thy Kingdom.”
Jesus returned his gaze at once and replied:
“This day, thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.”

This moving episode holds two main lessons for us.
(1) No matter how great and numerous our sins are, God in His Infinite Mercy, will forgive us if we sincerely repent and resolve to lead better lives.
(2) We should not, on the other hand, put off our conversion until the moment of death.

As St Augustine points out, only one of the two thieves is reported to have been converted.
We are taking a grave risk whenever we abuse God’s Goodness and Mercy!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/02/thought-for-the-day-2-april-the-crucifixion/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/15/thought-for-the-day-15-april-the-crucifixion/

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, GOOD FRIDAY, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, OUR Cross, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The SEVEN PASSION Feasts, The SIGN of the CROSS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 March – Good Friday, By the Cross, we put on Christ

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Quote/s of the Day – 29 March – Good Friday – The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to St John 18:1-40.19:1-42 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And bearing His own Cross,
He went forth to the place which is called Calvary
but in Hebrew Golgotha.”

John 19:17

“By the Cross, death was slain
and Adam was restored to life.
The Cross is the glory of all the Apostles,
the Crown of the Martyrs,
the Sanctification of the Saints.
By the Cross, we put on Christ
and cast aside our former self.
By the Cross we, the sheep of Christ,
have been gathered into one flock,
destined for the Sheepfold of Heaven.”

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)

“O souls!
Seek a refuge, like pure doves,
in the shadow of the Crucifix.
There, mourn the Passion
of your Divine Spouse
and drawing from your hearts,
flames of love and rivers of tears,
make of them a precious balm
with which to anoint
the Wounds of your Saviour.”

“When you are alone in your room,
take your Crucifix,
kiss Its Five Wounds reverently,
tell It to preach you a little sermon
and then listen to the Words of eternal life
that It speaks to your heart.
Listen to the pleading of the Thorns,
the Nails, the Precious Blood.
Oh, what an eloquent sermon!”

St Paul of the Cross CP (1694-1775)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DYING / LAST WORDS, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOOD FRIDAY, ONE Minute REFLECTION, OUR Cross, POETRY, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The LAMB of GOD, The PASSION, The SECOND COMING, The SEVEN PASSION Feasts, The SIGN of the CROSS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 March– There they crucified Him – John 19:18

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One Minute Reflection – 29 March – Good Friday – The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to St John 18:1-40.19,1-42. – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“There they crucified Him and with Him two others, one on either side and Jesus between them. ” – John 19:18

REFLECTION – “Truly, you are a hidden God!” (Is 45:15).   Why hidden?   Because He had neither form nor beauty, yet power was in His Hands.   It was there His fortitude was hidden.

Was He not hidden when He submitted His Hands to brutes and His Palms received the nails?   The print of the nails gleamed on His Hands and His innocent Side received the wound.   They shackled His Feet in fetters, the iron pierced His soles and His Feet were fastened to the tree.   These wounds did God suffer on our behalf, at the hands of His own people, in His own home.   O how marvellous are His Wounds by which the wounds of the world were healed!   How victorious His Wounds, by which He slew death and stung hell! … Therefore, O Church, O dove, You have coverts in the rock and a hollow in the wall in which to rest (cf. Sg 2:14). …

And what will you do … when He comes in the clouds with great power and majesty? (cf Mt 24:30)   He will come down with Heaven and earth ablaze and by the terror of His coming, He will dissolve the elements.   When He has come, the Sign of the Cross will be seen in the sky and the beloved One will show the scars of His Wounds and the prints of the nails, by which He was transfixed in His own home!” … St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159) – Cistercian Monk, Bishop

PRAYER – Deliver us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, from all evils, past, present and to come and by the intercession of the blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God and of the Holy Apostles, Peter and Paul and of all the Saints, mercifully grant peace in our days, that through the assistance of Thy mercy we may be always free from sin and secure from all disturbance. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.
Faithful Cross! above all other, One and only noble Tree!
None in foliage, none in blossom, None in fruit thy peer may be.
Sweetest wood and sweetest iron,
Sweetest weight is hung on thee. (Antiphons).

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, GOOD FRIDAY, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The SEVEN PASSION Feasts

Our Morning Offering – 29 March – Membra Jesu Nostri, O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

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Our Morning Offering – 29 March – Good Friday

Membra Jesu Nostri
O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
By Blessed Arnulf of Leuven O.Cist. (c1200-1276)

O sacred Head, now wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, Thine only crown;
O sacred Head, what glory,
what bliss till now was Thine!
Yet, though despised and gory,
I joy to call Thee mine.

What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered,
was all for sinners’ gain;
Mine, mine, was the transgression
but Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Saviour!
’Tis I deserve Thy place;
Look on me with Thy favour,
vouchsafe to me Thy grace.

Men mock and taunt and jeer Thee,
Thou noble Countenance,
Though mighty worlds shall fear Thee
and flee before Thy glance.
How art thou pale with anguish,
with sore abuse and scorn!
How doth Thy Visage languish
that once was bright as morn!

Now from Thy cheeks has vanished,
their colour once so fair;
From Thy red lips is banished
the splendour that was there.
Grim death, with cruel rigour,
hath robbed Thee of Thy life;
Thus Thou hast lost Thy vigour,
Thy strength in this sad strife.

My burden in Thy Passion,
Lord, Thou hast borne for me,
For it was my transgression
which brought this woe on Thee.
I cast me down before Thee,
wrath were my rightful lot;
Have mercy, I implore Thee;
Redeemer, spurn me not!

What language shall I borrow
to thank Thee, dearest Friend,
For this Thy dying sorrow,
Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever
and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never,
outlive my love to Thee.

My Shepherd, now receive me;
my Guardian, own me Thine.
Great blessings Thou didst give me,
O Source of gifts Divine.
Thy Lips have often fed me
with words of Truth and Love;
Thy Spirit oft hath led me
to Heavenly joys above.

Here I will stand beside Thee,
from Thee I will not part;
O Saviour, do not chide me!
When breaks Thy loving Heart,
When soul and body languish
in death’s cold, cruel grasp,
Then, in Thy deepest anguish,
Thee in mine arms I’ll clasp.

The joy can never be spoken,
above all joys beside,
When in Thy Body broken
I thus with safety hide.
O Lord of Life, desiring
Thy Glory now to see,
Beside Thy Cross expiring,
I’d breathe my soul to Thee.

My Saviour, be Thou near me
when death is at my door;
Then let Thy Presence cheer me,
forsake me nevermore!
When soul and body languish,
oh, leave me not alone
But take away mine anguish
by virtue of Thine own!

Be Thou my consolation,
my shield when I must die;
Remind me of Thy Passion
when my last hour draws nigh.
Mine eyes shall then behold Thee,
upon Thy Cross shall dwell,
My heart by faith enfolds Thee.
Who dieth thus dies well!

This Poem/Hymn was incorrectly ascribed to St Bernard of Clairvaux, for they are consistent with his style and his devotion. However, “the external proof for this ascription is so slight as to be negligible” (Hurlbut, VII, 18).
The “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” did appear in St Bernard’s collected works but only two hundred years after his death. When the Monasteries were suppressed in the French Revolution, all of the relevant manuscripts disappeared. The only surviving manuscript, dated 1320, bears Arnulf’s name (Arnulfus de louan). Here is Blessed Arnulf’s story:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/02/saint-of-the-day-2-april-blessed-arnulf-of-leuven-o-cist-c1200-1276-abbot/

Arnulf’s Poem consists of a cycle of seven Poems, each a meditation on one of the Wounds of the Crucified Christ.
The words of the Hymn remind us, not only of the depth of Christ’s love but also how much He suffers because of our sins.

Posted in EVENING and NIGHT Prayers, GOD ALONE!, HOLY WEEK, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, The LAMB of GOD, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 28 March –The Night of the Passion

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 28 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Night of the Passion

“Picture Jesus during this long and sorrowful night.
Abandoned by everyone, betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, unjustly judged worthy of death by the Hight Priest, buffered and mocked by the soldiers, He suffers and prays and offers Himself as a victim of reparation, especially for all those sins which are being committed and will be committed by night! – throughout the ages and all over the world.

Let us bow low before Him in spirit.
Let us tell Him with penitent hearts that we shall never offend Him again and that we love and adore Him.
Let us promise to offer the prayers and sufferings of this day in reparation for the sins which men commit under cover of darkness.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/13/thought-for-the-day-13-april-the-night-of-the-passion/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/14/thought-for-the-day-14-april-the-night-of-the-passion/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, FATHERS of the Church, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), GOD ALONE!, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The INCARNATION, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Quote/s of the Day – 28 March – St Hesychius of Jerusalem

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Quote/s of the Day – 28 March – St Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450) Priest, Exegete, Father.

“Truly blessed is he who cleaves,
with his thought, to the Prayer of Jesus,
constantly calling to Him in his heart,
just as air cleaves to our bodies,
or the flame to the candle.”

“Scripture is perfect wisdom,
starting point and point of arrival,
to which our whole existence
should be adapted.”

“You have guarded the integrity
of the temple [of your body];
you have kept your tabernacle free from all sin,
so that the Father becomes your guest,
the Holy Ghost overshadows you
and the Only-begotten Son Incarnate
is born of you.”

St Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450)
Priest, Exegete, Father

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MAUNDY THURSDAY, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRIDE, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The WORD

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 28 March – Maundy Thursday – Your Attitude Must Be That of Christ

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 28 March – Maundy Thursday – 1 Corinthians 11:20-32, John 13:1-15 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Carry one another’s burdens.”
Gal 6:2

“He loved them unto the end.”
John 13:1

MAUNDY THURSDAY
Your Attitude Must Be That of Christ

Blessed Guerric of Igny (c1080-1157)
Cistercian Abbot

“He was in the form of God,” equal to God by nature, since He shared in God’s power, God’s eternity and God’s very being … He did the job of a servant “by humbling Himself, obeying His Father even to death, death on a Cross.” (cf Phil 2:5-8). One might consider it to be trivial that, as God’s Son and His equal, He served His Father as a servant. More than that, He served His own servant more than any other servant. For the human being had been created to serve His Creator. What could be more just for you, than to serve him who made you, without Whom you would not be? And what could be more blest, than to serve Him, since to serve Him is to reign? But the human being said to His Creator: “I will not serve.” (Jer 2:20)

Then the Creator said to the human being: “So I will serve you! Go sit down at the table; I will serve. I will wash your feet. Rest. I will take your pains upon myself; I will carry your weakness… If you grow tired or are burdened, I will carry you, you and your burden, so as to be the first to fulfil my law: ‘Carry one another’s burdens’ (Gal 6:2)… If you are hungry or thirsty… here I Am, ready to be sacrificed, so that you might eat My Flesh and drink My Blood… If you are taken into captivity or, if you are sold, here I Am… Redeem yourself by paying the ransom you will get from Me. I give Myself as ransom… If you are sick, if you fear death, I will die in your place, so that from My Blood you may make for yourself, a life-giving remedy!…”

O my Lord, what a price Thou paid to ransom my useless service! … What a way Thou has, full of love, of gentleness and of kindness, to win back and submit this rebellious servant, by triumphing over evil through good, by confounding my pride with Thy humility, by filling this ungrateful person, with Thy kindness! This! This is howThy Wisdom triumphed!” – (1st Sermon for Palm Sunday),