QUOTES on CONSCIENCE – Page 5

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Thought for the Day – 31 March – Entertainment and Sport

Posted on March 31, 2020March 31, 2020 by AnaStpaul

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

Entertainment and Sport

“It is wrong to imagine that Christianity is a sad and gloomy religion.
Quite otherwise, it is the religion of joy, that is, which comes from God, from the serenity of a sound conscience and from the hope and sure expectation of the immeasurable happiness of heaven, after the trials of this world are over.
Other pleasures are passing and often leave behind disillusionment, boredom and remorse.
The happiness of living a sincere Christian life does not vanish, even in the midst of suffering, for it bestows an inner peace, which nothing else can give.
“The kingdom of God,” says St Paul, “does not consist in food and drink but in justice and peace and joy, in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17).
“The fruit of the Spirit,” he says in his letter to the Galatians, “is charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness…” (Gal 5:22).
St John the Apostle, writing to the faithful of his time, encourages them to be joyful with the joy which comes from Jesus Christ. “These things we write to you that you may rejoice and our joy may be full” (1 Jn 1:4).
It is not contrary to Christian teaching, to indulge in lawful recreation and amusement.
If a bow is drawn too tight, it snaps.
Our physical constitution demands that after our work, we should rest.
Resting does not mean idleness and inactivity but suitable recreation and entertainment.
God, Himself, set aside six days for working and one for repose.
This day of solemn repose, however, should be dedicated in a particular way to God, by the fulfilment of the obligations which the Church prescribes.
But, there is no question of our being forbidden to refresh ourselves, mentally and physically, on this day, by suitable entertainment.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

The image is, of course, our mountain-climbing Blessed,

Pier Giorgio Frassati OP (1901-1925)

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Thought for the Day – 28 March – Conscience

Posted on March 28, 2020March 5, 2022 by AnaStpaul

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

Conscience

“Conscience is the inner judgement of the soul, which keeps us in full conformity with the law of God and the precepts of the Church, by indicating the principles in accordance with which we should act, from moment to moment.
Unfortunately, this judgement is not always enlightened and sincere.
Some people become so broad-minded, that they appear to have no conscience at all.
In their vocabulary, sins become mere acts of folly, scruples become melancholic tendencies which ought to be ignored and our natural weaknesses become necessary handicaps of nature, which we can do nothing to overcome.
As a result, they join their disorderly pleasures and sins of every kind, with the practice of their religion.
They imagine that they will be able to compensate for their offences against God, by their false and superficial sanctimoniousness.
But Jesus tells us: “You are to be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect (Mt 5:48).
Moreover, He has given us a law to be observed and has instituted the Church to interpret God’s law and to lay down for us, specific standards of behaviour.
Our Lord said to His Apostles and their successors: “He who hears you, hears me” (Lk 10:16).
He warns us that it is not enough to cry: “Lord, Lord! but it is necessary to do the will of His Father Who is in Heaven” (Mt 7:21).
He warns us, moreover, that “everyone who hears these, my words and does not act upon them, shall be likened to a foolish man who built his house on sand” (Mt 7:26).
We must form a reliable conscience in ourselves with the help of the Church’s teaching and the advice of a good Spiritual Director.
Then we must earnestly put it’s dictates into practice.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 March – ‘… Lest instead of Lazarus, there be many’

Posted on March 12, 2020March 16, 2022 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 21 March – Thursday of the Second week of Lent

And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy upon me and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’

Luke 16:24

“… Let us be afraid, my beloved,
lest we also see the poor
and pass them by,
lest instead of Lazarus,
there be many
to accuse us hereafter.”

St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor

Sermon 6 on Lazarus and the Rich Man

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Thought for the Day – 20 February – The Five Tribunals

Posted on February 20, 2020February 20, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 20 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Five Tribunals

“We can distinguish five courts of justice, each of which, passes sentence on us.
(1) The first, is the tribunal of public opinion, of which some people are so afraid.
(2) Then, there is our own conscience, which shows, us what we are and what we ought to be.
(3) The third, is the tribunal of Penance, and
(4) the fourth is the civil court.
(5) Lastly, there is the judgement seat of God, before which, we shall have to appear one day with all our sins and our few merits.

Public opinion can be deceived by subterfuge and hyprocisy.
Conscience can be ignored, or, it can become warped or deadened.
The tribunal of Penance, can be misused and we can remain obdurate in our sins.
Civil authority can sometimes be evaded, it is also open to deception and corruption.
But, the tribunal of God is different.
We shall be alone before Him – fraud and deceit will be useless.
There will be no excuses, no defence.
Everything will be clear and His judgement, will be just and unchangeable.
Let us reflect on this while we have time.
Let us adopt the necessary remedies, for soon, there will be no more time!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Advent Reflection – 16 December – He made of Him the Way

Posted on December 16, 2019December 16, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Advent Reflection – 16 December – Monday of the Third Week of Advent, Year A, Readings: Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17, Psalm 25:4-9, Matthew 21:23-27

“The Lord is at hand, come, let us adore him.”

“We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” … Matthew 21:27

REFLECTION – “In truth, brethren, what God promised seemed humanly unbelievable, that starting from this mortal state in which people are corruptible, despicable, weak, dust and ashes, they would become equal to God’s angels! That is why God wasn’t satisfied with making a scriptural covenant for them, to believe but put forward a mediator as proof of His faith – no prince, no angel or archangel but His only Son. In this way, He would point out and bestow through His own Son, the way by which He would lead us to the end promised to us. Yet for God it was too small a thing that His Son should show us the way, He made of Him the Way (cf. Jn 14:6), the Way by which you would go under His direction, the Way you would follow…

How far we were from Him! He who is so high and we so low! We were sick, with no hope of healing. A doctor was sent but the patient did not recognise Him, “for if they had known him they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1Cor 2:8). But the death of the doctor has been the cure of the patient, the doctor came to visit him and died to heal him. He made those who believed in Him understand He was God and man, God who created us, man who recreated us. The one was visible in Him, the other hidden and that which was hidden, far exceeded what was seen… The patient has been healed by what was visible, that later he might be able to see in full. God postponed this final vision by concealing it, He did not refuse it.” … St Augustine (354-430) Doctor of Grace – Discourses on the Psalms, Ps 110[109] advent monday of the third week 16 dec 2019 for god it was too small a thing - st augustine .jpg

MEDITATION – “Now is the time to say to Jesus: “Lord, I have let myself be deceived; in a thousand ways I have shunned Your love, yet here I am once more, to renew my covenant with You. I need you. Save me once again, Lord, take me once more into Your redeeming embrace”. … Pope Francis – The Joy of the Gospel

ADVENT ACTION – Let us go to Confession! Lead your family to the door of God’s love and mercy.

PRAYER – “My beloved Redeemer, how much did it cost You to raise me from the ruin, which I brought on myself through my sins? What can I do without Your grace? I can do nothing but pray that You will help me but even this prayer comes from the merits of Your suffering and death! O my Jesus, help me!” … St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most zealous Doctor my beloved redeemer - how much did it cost you - st alphonsus - christmas confession.jpg

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Thought for the Day – 27 November – What is the surest kind of witness?

Posted on November 27, 2019November 27, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 27 November – Wednesday of the Thirty Fourth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 21:12–19

“But not a hair of your head shall perish.” … Luke 21:9

What is the surest kind of witness?

St Ambrose (340-397) Father & Doctor of the Church

“You can be a witness to Christ every day. You were tempted by the spirit of impurity but… you considered that chastity of spirit and body should not be soiled – you are a martyr or, in other words, a witness to Christ… You were tempted by the spirit of pride but, seeing the poor and needy, you were seized by tender compassion and preferred humility to arrogance – you are a witness to Christ. Better still – you have not given your witness in word alone but in deed as well.
What is the surest kind of witness? “Anyone who acknowledges that Jesus Christ came among us in the flesh” (cf. 1Jn 4,2) and who keeps the commands of the Gospel… How many there are each day of these hidden martyrs of Christ who confess the Lord Jesus! The apostle Paul knew that kind of martyrdom and witness of faith rendered to Christ, he who said: “Our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience” (2Cor 1,12). For how many people have made a confession of faith exteriorly but denied it interiorly!… So be faithful and courageous in interior persecutions so that you may also win the victory in exterior persecutions. There are “kings and rulers,” judges of formidable power, in the persecutions within, likewise. You have an example of these in the temptations undergone by our Lord (Mt 4,1ff.)”… (Sermon 20 on Psalm 118) what-is-the-surest-kind-of-witness-st-ambrose-13-july-2019 and 27 nov 2019

“When I feel overwhelmed by misfortune,
the greatest joy that the Lord can give me,
is to go to the altar, to put my forehead against it
(as on the day of my ordination to the priesthood)
and to feel the presence of the only reality.
Not only does calm return
but my body seems to be annihilated,
the only true life begins,
the life of that which is intangible.”

Blessed Leonid Feodorov (1879-1935) Martyr

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Sunday Reflection – 24 November – ‘He is in the hands of sinners once more’

Posted on November 24, 2019November 24, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Sunday Reflection – 24 November – The Solemnity of Christ the King, the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year C

He is in the hands of sinners once more

St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

He took bread and blessed and made it His Body. He took wine and gave thanks and made it His Blood and He gave His priests the power to do what He had done. Henceforth, He is in the hands of sinners once more. Frail, ignorant, sinful man, by the sacerdotal power given to him, compels the presence of the Highest; he lays Him up in a small Tabernacle; he dispenses Him to a sinful people. Those who are only just now, cleansed from mortal sin, open their lips for Him; those who are soon to return to mortal sin, receive Him into their breasts; those who are polluted with vanity and selfishness and ambition and pride, presume to make Him their Guest; the frivolous, the tepid, the worldly-minded, fear not to welcome Him.
Alas! Alas! even those who wish to be more in earnest, entertain Him with cold and wandering thoughts and quench that Love which would inflame them with It’s own fire, did they but open to It! Such are the best of us and then for the worst? What shall we of sacrilege? of His reception to hearts polluted with mortal, unforsaken sin? of those further nameless profanations, which from time to time occur, when unbelief dares to present itself at the holy Altar and blasphemously gains possession of Him? …. he is in the hands of sinners once more st john henry newman sun ref christ the king.jpg
I place myself in the presence of Him, in whose Incarnate Presence I am, before I place myself there!
I adore Thee, O my Saviour, present here as God and man, in soul and body, in true flesh and blood.
I acknowledge and confess, that I kneel before that Sacred Humanity, which was conceived in Mary’s womb and lay in Mary’s bosom; which grew up to man’s estate and by the Sea of Galilee, called the Twelve, wrought miracles and spoke words of wisdom and peace; which in due season hung on the Cross, lay in the tomb, rose from the dead and now reigns in heaven.
I praise and bless and give myself wholly to Him, who is the true Bread of my soul and my everlasting joy. Amen. i place myself in the presence of him - st john henry newman 24 nov 2019.jpg

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Thought for the Day – 18 November – The doorkeepers of heaven – St Odo of Cluny

Posted on November 18, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 18 November – The Memorial of Saint Odo of Cluny (c 880–942) Monk and Abbot

In the following passage, John of Salerno, Odo’s biographer, says he combined the power of his position as Abbot, with wry humour, to compel members of his entourage to behave charitably:

“The blind and the lame, Odo said, would be the doorkeepers of heaven. Therefore, no- one ought to drive them away from his house, so that in the future, they should not shut the doors of heaven against him.
So if one of our servants, not being able to put up with their shameless begging, replied sharply to them or denied them access to the door of our tent, Odo at once rebuked him with threats.
Then, in the servant’s presence, he used to call the poor man and command him, saying:
“When this man comes to the gate of heaven, pay him back in the same way.”
He said this to frighten the servants, so that they should not act in this way again, and that he might teach them to love charity.”

the blind and the lame st odo said would be the doorkeeprs of heaven - st odo of cluny 18 nov 2019.jpg

Perhaps Odo’s notion was not fictitious—that the poor we refuse or people we snub, will be our greeters after death.
Imagine that the person meeting us at heaven’s gate, will be the person we have offended most, now empowered to welcome or to reject us.
That thought, should make us hurry to be reconciled, with anyone we have hurt!
Let us run in haste and follow Odo’s bidding!

St Odo of Cluny, Pray for us!

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Thought for the Day – 30 October – “We build ourselves houses, in which the flesh may enjoy its lust and the eye its pride.”

Posted on October 30, 2019October 30, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 30 October – Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time, Year , Gospel: Luke 13:22–30

And someone said to him,
“Lord, will those who are saved be few?” … Luke 13:23

“Easy circumstances are generally thought a special happiness, it is thought a great point to get rid of annoyance or discomfort of mind and body, it is thought allowable and suitable, to make use of all means available, for making life pleasant.”

“We build ourselves houses, in which the flesh may enjoy its lust

and the eye its pride.”

Saint John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

“Such advice is especially suitable to an age like this, when there is an effort on all hands to multiply comforts and to get rid of the daily inconveniences and distresses of life.
Alas! my brethren, how do you know, if you avail yourselves of the luxuries of this world without restraint but that you are only postponing and increasing by postponing, an inevitable chastisement?
How do you know but that, if you will not satisfy the debt of daily sin now, it will hereafter come upon you with interest? See whether this is not a thought, which would spoil that enjoyment, which even religious persons are apt to take in this world’s goods, if they would but admit it.
It is said that we ought to enjoy this life as the gift of God.
Easy circumstances are generally thought a special happiness, it is thought a great point, to get rid of annoyance, or discomfort, of mind and body, it is thought allowable and suitable, to make use of all means available, for making life pleasant. We desire and confess we desire, to make time pass agreeably and to live in the sunshine. All things harsh and austere are carefully put aside. We shrink from the rude lap of earth and the embrace of the elements and we build ourselves houses in which the flesh may enjoy its lust and the eye its pride.
We aim at having all things at our will.
Cold and hunger and hard lodging and ill usage and humble offices and mean appearance, are all considered serious evils.

And thus year follows year, tomorrow as today, till we think that this, our artificial life, is our natural state and must and ever will be.” we-desire-and-confess-we-desire-lent-prep-nov-4-march-2019 and 30 october 2019.jpg

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One Minute Reflection – 22 October – ‘There are two means – prayer and detachment from self.’

Posted on October 22, 2019October 22, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 22 October – Tuesday of the Twenty Ninth Week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel Luke 12:35–38 and the Memorial of St Pope John Paul II (1920-2005)

Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes ... Luke 12:37

REFLECTION – “What are we to do if we are to overcome our weakness of soul? There are two means – prayer and detachment from self. Our Lord Jesus counsels us to watch. We must be on the watch if we want our heart to be pure but our watching must be peaceful if our heart is to be touched. Because it can be moved by good things or bad, within or without. Thus we need to watch carefully.
As a general rule God’s inspiration is an unobtrusive grace, we mustn’t turn it away… if our heart’s aren’t awake, grace turns back. Divine inspiration is very exact, just as a writer guides his pen, so the grace of God, guides the soul. So let us try hard to attain greater interior recollection.
Our Lord wants us to desire to love Him. The watchful soul notices when it falls and realises that, of itself, it cannot reach it’s destination. That is why it experiences the need for prayer. Our petition is founded on the conviction that we can do nothing of ourselves but God can do all. Prayer is needed to obtain light and strength.” … Saint Maximilian Kolbe OFM (1894-1941) Martyr – Conference of 13/2/1941 luke-12-37-blessed-are-those-servants-st max kolbe - what are we to do to overcome - 22 oct 2019

PRAYER – Lord God, strengthen in our hearts the faith You have given us, so that no trials may quench the fire Your Spirit has kindled within us. May Your Light shine through our lives and be constantly lit to lead us ready for the day the Lord Jesus calls. St John Paul, by your prayers, may our way be made holy. Through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. st john paul II pray for us 18 may 2019 his birthday 99 years old

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Quote/s of the Day – 19 October – Truth!

Posted on October 19, 2019October 19, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 19 October – The Memorial of Bl Jerzy Popiełuszko (1947-1984) Priest and Martyr

”To live in Truth
is the basic minimum of human dignity,
even if the price to defend the Truth could be costly.
You need to always remain faithful to the Truth.
Truth can never be betrayed.”

“Truth never changes.
It cannot be destroyed
by any decision or legal act.
Telling the truth with courage,
is a way, leading directly to freedom.
A man who tells the Truth,
is a free man,
despite external slavery, imprisonment or custody.”

“It is not enough for a Christian to condemn evil, cowardice, lies
and use of force, hatred and oppression.
He must at all times be a witness to
and defender of justice, goodness, truth, freedom and love.
He must never tire of claiming these values
as a right both for himself and others.”

“Truth, like Justice,
is connected to Love
and Love has a Price.”

“An idea which needs
rifles to survive,
dies of its own accord.”

Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko (1947-1984) Martyr

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One Minute Reflection – 19 October – ‘If necessary, even to die for the truth.’

Posted on October 19, 2019October 19, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 19 October – Saturday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 12:8-12 and The Memorial of Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko (1947-1984) Priest and Martyr

“And I tell you, every one who acknowledges me before men, the Son of man also, will acknowledge before the angels of God…” … Luke 12:8

REFLECTION – “It seems to me that in the history of the Church, in the history of Christianity, there are many examples showing to what extent you have to defend the Truth. You have to defend it to the end. Jesus Christ sacrificed His life in order to announce His Divine Truth. Likewise, the apostles sacrificed their lives. Therefore, the role of the priest is to proclaim the Truth and suffer for the Truth…… If necessary, even to die for the truth. Such examples are plenty in Christianity and from these examples, we should draw conclusions, for ourselves.” … Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko (1947-1984) Priest and Martyr

PRAYER – God of power and mercy, You gave Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko, the grace to overcome the sufferings of his nation through the good of the Gospel and to face his own martyrdom with unfailing courage through Your love for him, grant us, who celebrate his victory, that the power of Your protecting hand may keep us unshaken in the face of our ancient enemy and all his hidden snares. Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko, pray for us! Through our Lord Jesus Christ, in union with our Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen. bl jerzy popiesluscko pray for us 19 oct 2019.jpg

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Journeying with Newman – The Thanksgiving Novena – Day Five – 8 October

Posted on October 8, 2019October 8, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Journeying with Newman
The Thanksgiving Novena for, with and to
the beloved and blessed John Henry Newman

Day Five – 8 October

Guardian of Conscience

“We can believe what we choose.
We are answerable
for what we choose
to believe.”

From his writings
Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

Prayer
Please pray one decade of the Rosary (any you choose) for this Intention and add the following Prayer:

O God our heavenly Father,
we offer You heartfelt thanks
for the life and holiness of John Henry Newman.
In him You give us,
an inspiring example of priest and teacher,
heroic and humble, in his labour
for the salvation of souls
and the pursuit of holiness.
Through his intercession,
we ask You to lead us,
by the kindly light of the Holy Spirit
and so grant us peace and joy,
in the one fold of the Redeemer.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

Ora pro nobis!

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One Minute Reflection – 22 September – “You cannot serve God and mammon.”

Posted on September 22, 2019September 21, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 22 September – Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 16:1–13 and the Memorial of St Ignatius of Santhia OFM Cap (1686-1770)

“You cannot serve God and mammon.” … Luke 16:13

REFLECTION – “A servant cannot serve two masters.” Not that there are two, there is only one Master. For even if there are some people who serve money, it has no inherent right to be a master, they themselves are the ones, who assume the yoke of this slavery. In fact, money has no rightful authority but constitutes an unjust bondage. That is why Jesus says: “Make friends for yourselves with deceitful money” so that by generosity to the poor we will win the favour of angels and saints.

The steward is not blamed. By this we learn that we are not masters but rather stewards of other people’s wealth. He was praised even though he was in the wrong because, in paying out to others in his master’s name he won support for himself. And how rightly Jesus spoke of “deceitful wealth” because love of money so tempts our desires with its various seductions that we consent to become its slaves. That is why He said: “If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours?” Riches are alien to us because they exist outside of our nature, they are not born with us, they do not follow us in death. But Christ, to the contrary, belongs to us because He is life… So don’t let us become slaves of exterior goods because Christ is the only one we should acknowledge as our Lord.” … Saint Ambrose (340-397) – Bishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church – Commentary on Saint Luke’s Gospel, 7, 244s SC 52 you cannot serve god and mammom - love of money st ambrose - 22 sept 2019

PRAYER – All-powerful, eternal God, splendour of true light and never-ending day, turn our ears and hearts to Your Word, that we may hear and live by the seed You have sown. May all that grows in us, be of Your good seed and yield fruit a hundredfold. Grant Lord, we pray, that by the prayers of St Ignatius of Santhia, we may be filled with courage and love and spread Your Word by our lives. We make our prayer through Jesus, our Lord and Word, with the Holy Spirit, one God with You, forever, amen. st ignatius of santhia - pray for us - 22 sept 2019

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One Minute Reflection – 18 September – “How long are we going to put off obeying Christ..?” St Basil the Great

Posted on September 18, 2019September 18, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 18 September – Wednesday of the Twenty Fourth week in Ordinary Tim, Year C, Gospel: Luke 7:31–35 and the Memorial of St Joseph of Cupertino (1603-1663)

“To what then shall I compare the men of this generation and what are they like? “…Luke 7:31

REFLECTION – “How long are we going to put off obeying Christ, who calls us into His heavenly Kingdom? Aren’t we going to purify ourselves? Won’t we resolve to forsake our customary way of life to follow the Gospel radically?… We claim to want the Kingdom of God yet without bothering to concern ourselves with the means of obtaining it.

What is more, in the conceitedness of our souls, without taking the least trouble to obey the Lord’s commandments, we think ourselves worthy to receive the same reward as those who have resisted sin to the death! But how could anyone sit and sleep at home during the time of sowing and then gather sheaves by the armful at harvest? Who has ever brought in the grapes without having planted and tended the vine? Fruit is for those who have toil, rewards and crowns for those who have conquered. Has anyone ever crowned an athlete who did not even strip to fight his opponent? And yet, not only must we win but we must also “fight according to the rules”, as the apostle Paul says, that is to say according to the commandments we have been given…

God is good but He is also just… “The Lord loves justice and right” (Ps 32:5), that is why, “of kindness and judgement I will sing” (Ps 100:1)… See how wisely the Lord exercises kindness. He is not gracious without consideration, nor does He judge without mercy for, “gracious is the Lord and just” (Ps 115:5). So don’t underestimate God – His love for men should not become a pretext for negligence on our part.” … St Basil the Great (329-379) Father & Doctor of the Church – Longer monastic Rules, prologue

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, help me to be holy in the way that You have laid out for me. Let me carry out my duties of my state of life to the full and grant me the grace to carry my crosses in honour of You. Only in You may I attain holiness, learning to give myself, my will, my heart and my soul only to You. St Joseph of Cupertino, you who were so disadvantaged, achieved by the grace of God, sanctity in this life and now behold His Face through all eternity. We ask for your intercession, through our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st-joseph-of-cupertino-pray-for-us-18 sept 2017.jpg

DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, The LAST THINGS, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 31 August – Christ will Impose a Reckoning on me

Posted on August 31, 2019August 31, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 31 August – Saturday of the Twenty-first week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 25:14–30

“And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness,

there men will weep and gnash their teeth.’” ... Matthew 25:30 matthew 25 30 and cast the worthless servant - 31 aug 2019.jpg

Christ will Impose a Reckoning on me

Saint Gertrude of Helfta “the Great” (1256-1301)

Benedictine nun
Exercises VII, SC 127

Behold, I become passionately alarmed by what I have committed, I blush very much at what I have omitted, I become exceedingly frightened at the wastefulness of my life. I fear, that future investigation, at which Christ, a noble man, will impose a reckoning on me. behold i become passionately - st gertrude the great - 31 aug 2019.jpg

If He wanted to exact a deposit from me for my time and interest from the talent of understanding He conferred on me, I would, in short, not find any worthy answer for Your charity. What will I do? Where will I turn? I lack the strength to dig, I should blush to beg. (Lk 16:3) O Loving-kindness. Loving-kindnes,. speak up now, may Your dulcet counsel, I entreat You, warm my spirit back to life. Ah, answer me – what does it seem to You I should do in this [situation), for according to Your name You have a truly loving and kind heart and You know best what may be expedient for me in all this. Ah, pardon me and bring me help and in this tribulation, do not be detached from me. Let the poverty of my spirit move You and, touched by the compassion of Your heart, say to me with loving-kindness: “May there be one purse for me and You.” (Prv 1:14)

O Loving-kindness, Loving-kindness, You have stored up with Yourself riches so immeasurable, that heaven and earth do not suffice to contain them. You have driven my Jesus to give His soul for my soul, His life for mine, so that You might make everything that was His, mine and thus, out of your abundance, this pauper’s substance might increase. Ah, call my starved soul to Your food supply, so that in this life, I may live from Your riches and, reared by You and nourished by You, may not grow faint under the discipline of the Lord until at length, under Your guidance, I turn back to my God and give my spirit back to Him who gave it. (Eccl 12:7)

Mater Misericordiae, Ora pro Nobis!

FATHERS of the Church, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GRANDPARENTS, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 27 August – St Caesarius of Arles (470-542)

Posted on August 27, 2019October 28, 2023 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 27 August – The Memorial of St Caesarius of Arles (470-542) Father of the Church

“What sort of people are we?
When God gives, we want to receive,
when He asks, we refuse to give?
When a poor man is hungry,
Christ is in need, as He said Himself:
“I was hungry and you gave me no food” (v. 42).
Take care not to despise the hardship of the poor,
if you would hope, without fear,
to have your sins forgiven…
What He receives on earth,
He returns in heaven!”

” For true charity, beloved brethren,
is the soul of the whole of Scripture,
the strength of prophecy,
the structure of knowledge,
the fruit of faith,
the wealth of the poor,
the life of the dying.
So keep it faithfully,
cherish it with all your heart
and all the strength of your soul.”

“I put you this question, dearly beloved –
what is it you want,
what is it you are looking for,
when you come to church?
What indeed if not mercy?
Show mercy on earth and you will receive mercy in heaven.
A poor man is begging from you
and you are begging from God,
he asks for a scrap, you ask for eternal life…
And so when you come to church
give whatever alms you can to the poor
in accordance with your means.”

“So hold fast to the sweet and salutary bond of love,
without which,
the rich are poor
and with which the poor are rich.
What do the rich possess if not charity? (…)
And since “God is love,” (1 Jn 4:8) as John the evangelist says,
what can the poor lack,
if they merit to possess God by means of charity? (…)
So love, dearest brethren
and hold fast to charity
without which no-one
will ever see God.”

Saint Caesarius of Arles (470-543)

CONFESSION/PENANCE, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 August – “..Let us each examine our conscience..”

Posted on August 27, 2019August 27, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 27 August – Tuesday of the Twenty-first week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 23:23–26 and The Memorial of St Caesarius of Arles (470-542) Father of the Church

“You blind Pharisee! first cleanse the inside of the cup and of the plate, that the outside also may be clean.”…Matthew 23:26 matthew 23 26 you blind pharisee first cleanse the inside of the cup - 27 aug 2019.jpg

REFLECTION – “And so, dearly beloved brethren, let us each examine his conscience and when he sees that he has been wounded by some sin, let him first strive to cleanse his conscience by prayer, fasting, almsgiving and so dare to approach the Eucharist. If he recognises his guilt and is reluctant to approach the holy altar, he will be quickly pardoned by the Divine Mercy, “for whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Mt 23:12). If then, as I have said, a man conscious of his sins, humbly decides to stay away from the altar until he reforms his life, he will not be afraid of being completely excluded from the eternal banquet of heaven.
I ask you then, brethren, to pay careful attention. If no-one dares approach an influential man’s table in tattered, soiled garments, how much more should one refrain in reverence and humility from the banquet of the Eternal King, that is, from the altar of the Lord, if one is smitten with poisonous envy, or anger, or is full of rage and fury? For it is written, “Go first and be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift” (Mt 5:24). And again, “Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?” And when he kept silent, that man said to the attendants, ‘bind his hands and feet and cast him forth into the darkness outside, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth,” (Mt 22:12,13). The same sentence awaits the man who dares present himself at the wedding feast, that is at the Lord’s table, if he is guilty of drunkenness, or adultery, or retains hatred in his heart.” … St Caesarius of Arles (470-542) Bishop of Arles, Father of the Church i ask you then brethren to pay careful attention - st caesarius bishop and father 20 jan 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Lord God, renew Your Church with the Spirit of wisdom and love which You gave to St Caesarius. Lead us by that same Spirit, to seek You, the only fountain of true wisdom and the source of everlasting love. May we turn to You in sorrow and true repentance when we fail and strive always and everywhere to live in Your truth and Your love for all. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, in union with the Spirit, one God, forever and ever. St Caesarius, pray for the Church and for us all, amen. st caesarius of arles pray for us 27 aug 2019.jpg

"Follow Me", MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 June – “Follow me.”

Posted on June 30, 2019June 29, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 30 June – Thirteenth Sunday of the Year in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 9:51–62 and the Memorial of Gennaro Maria Sarnelli C.Ss.R. (1702–1743)

“Follow me.”…Luke 9:59

REFLECTION – “The Saviour preceded us on the path of poverty. All the possessions of heaven and earth belonged to Him. They presented for Him no danger, He could make use of them while keeping His heart completely free. But He knew that it is almost impossible for a human being to have possessions without subjecting ourselves to them and becoming a slave. That is why He gave up everything and so showed us by His example, even more than by His words, that only the one who possesses nothing possesses everything. His birth in a stable and His flight to Egypt already showed, that the Son of the Man had nowhere to rest His head. Whoever wants to follow Him must know that we have here below no permanent dwelling. The more deeply we become aware of it, the more ardently we shall aim towards our future dwelling and we shall exult in the thought, that we will find our home in heaven.”…St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross [Edith Stein] (1891-1942) Martyr – Meditation for the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

PRAYER – Lord God, strength of those who hope in You. Support us in our prayer because we are weak and can do nothing without You. Help us as we follow Your Son, whose Light leads us home to You. Grant us always the help of Your grace and listen, we pray to the prayers of Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli, who cries to You on our behalf. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, in unity with You and the Holy Spirit, one G always and for all eternity, amen. bl gennaro maria sarnelli pray for us 30 june 2019.jpg

ON the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on HUMAN DIGNITY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, The TEN COMMANDMENTS

Thought for the Day – 24 March – An Incarnational Faith must be expressed publicly

Posted on March 24, 2019March 24, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 24 March – The Third Sunday of Lent, Year C and The Memorial of Bl Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (1917–1980) Martyr

The night before he was murdered while celebrating Mass, Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador said on the radio:

“I would like to appeal in a special way to the men of the army and in particular to the troops of the National Guard, the police and the garrisons. Brothers, you belong to our own people. You kill your own brother peasants and in the face of an order to kill that is given by a man, the law of God that says ‘Do not kill!’ should prevail.

No soldier is obliged to obey an order counter to the law of God. No-one has to comply with an immoral law. It is the time now that you recover your conscience and obey its dictates rather than the command of sin. . . . Therefore, in the name of God and in the name of this long-suffering people, whose laments rise to heaven every day more tumultuous, I beseech you, I beg you, I command you! In the name of God: ‘Cease the repression!’”

Simultaneously, Romero had eloquently upheld the gospel and effectively signed his own death warrant.

When a military junta seized control of the national government in 1979, Archbishop Romero publicly criticised the US government for backing the junta. His weekly radio sermons, broadcast throughout the country, were regarded by many as the most trustworthy source of news available.

Romero’s funeral was celebrated in the plaza outside the cathedral and drew an estimated 250,000 mourners.

His tomb in the cathedral crypt soon drew thousands of visitors each year. On 3 February 2015, Pope Francis authorised a decree recognising Oscar Romero as a martyr for the faith. His beatification took place in San Salvador on 23 May 2015. He was canonized on 14 October 2018. archbishop-romero-invites-us-to-good-sense-pope-francis-24-march-2019.jpg

Oscar Romero and many other Latin American martyrs for the faith were falsely accused of advocating a Marxist-inspired “theology of liberation.” Following Jesus always requires choices. Romero’s fiercest critics conveniently dismissed his choices as politically inspired. An incarnational faith must be expressed publicly.

St Oscar Romero, Pray for Us!

EUCHARISTIC Adoration, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 7 March by Blessed Leonid Feodorov (1879-1935) Martyr

Posted on March 7, 2019March 7, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 7 March – The Memorial of Blessed Leonid Feodorov (1879-1935) Martyr

(Fr Paul Mailleux, SJ “Exarch Leonid Feodorov, Bridgebuilder Between Rome and Moscow,” page 166)

“If the Soviet Government orders me
to act against my conscience, I do not obey.
As for teaching the Catechism,
the Catholic Church holds that children
must be taught their religion,
no matter what the law says.
Conscience is above the law.
No law which is against the conscience can bind.”

(Adressing the court during his political ‘show trial’ in 1923)

“My whole life has been based on two principles –
the love of the Church to which I am united
and the love of my country, which I adore.
If I do not care, whether I am sentenced
to ten years imprisonment or to be shot,
it is not because I am a fanatic…
Since I joined the Catholic Church,
my sole object has been,
to reconcile my country to that Church
which I believe to be the One True Church.”

“Our hearts are full, not of hatred but of sadness.
You cannot understand us,
we are not allowed liberty of conscience.
That is the only conclusion,
we can draw from what we have heard here.”

(Addressing the court shortly before being sentenced to ten years in the GULAG)

“The true messianism of the Russian (Catholic) Church
is not what the Slavophiles have imagined
but it is the example of suffering.
It is in this way that She shows,
that She is the continuation of Christ in this world.”

(Addressing a friend and confidant who was imprisoned with him at Solovki prison camp)

Prayer for Unity by Blessed Leonid

O Merciful Lord Jesus, Our Saviour,
hear the prayers and petitions
of Your unworthy, sinful servants,
who humbly call upon You
and make us all to be one
in Your One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
Flood our souls with Your unquenchable light.
Put an end to religious disagreements
and grant that we Your disciples
and Your beloved children,
may all worship You,
with a single heart and voice.
Fulfill quickly, O grace-giving Lord,
Your promise,
that there shall be one flock
and one Divine Shepherd of Your Church
and may we be made worthy
to glorify Your Holy Name
now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
Amen

Blessed Leonid Feodorov (1879-1935) Martyr

PAPAL SERMONS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on GOSSIP, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 18 February – “However, you killed at the beginning”

Posted on February 18, 2019February 18, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 18 February – Monday of the Sixth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, First Reading – Genesis 4:1-15

“Cain said to Abel his brother, “Let us go out to the field.” And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength; you shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” …Genesis 4:8-12

“Cain favoured instinct – he preferred to let this feeling stew inside him, festering and allowing it to grow. This sin, which he will later commit, which is couching behind the feeling, grows.

This, is how hostilities grow between you – they begin with something small – jealousy, envy and then this grows and I pull away from my brother, saying this person is not my brother, this one is an enemy, this one must be destroyed, driven away… and so people are destroyed -it is thus that animosity destroys families, populations, everything. It is that eating away at you, that being constantly obsessed with that person.

No!… there is no brother.
It is just me; there is no brotherhood – it is just me.
What happened at the beginning, can happen to all of us – it is a possibility. For this reason, it is a process which must be stopped immediately, at the beginning, at the first sign of bitterness. It must be stopped, because bitterness is not Christian – pain, yes, bitterness no.
Indeed, resentment is not Christian – pain yes, resentment no.
Instead, how much hostility and how many cracks exist and it ends in a war that kills.

However, you killed at the beginning. This is the process of blood and today the blood of many people in the world is crying to God from the ground.

And it is all connected – that blood has some connection, perhaps a small droplet of blood that I caused to ooze out with my envy and jealousy when I destroyed a brotherhood.”

Pope Francis – Santa Marta, 13 February 2017

It is not enough to simply “follow the rules” and stay out of trouble. If that is all we do then we are trying to achieve heaven by our own merits. God wants more from us than that. God invites us into a relationship of friends and family, a relationship of love. This type of relationship is a living, dynamic one. To love Christ and to want to be near Him is to be crucified with Him.

It means standing up for the Truth even when it is unpopular. It means finding time to pray. It means that we stay faithful to the teachings of Jesus. And it means that when we fail, we humbly confess our sins as we would apologise to a friend we have hurt, so that that relationship can be restored. It means that we must reflect Christ to the whole world, so that when people look at us they do not see us, they see Christ.

But in the end that is what it means to live for Christ and not for ourselves, to love for Christ and not for ourselves, to give of ourselves for Christ!

Blessed Fra Angelico, you gave your all for Christ, please Pray for Us!

DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 February – “The faith of the Canaanite woman”

Posted on February 14, 2019February 14, 2019 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 February – Thursday of the Fifth week in Ordinary Time, Year C – Gospel: Mark 7:24–30 and the Memorial of Sts Cyril and Methodius “Apostles to the Slavs”- Patrons of Europe and St Valentine (176-273) Martyr

But immediately a woman, whose little daughter was possessed by an unclean spirit, heard of him and came and fell down at his feet....Mark 7:25

REFLECTION – “O woman, your faith is great. Let it be done to you as you wish” (Mt 15:28). Indeed, she had great enough faith, since she knew neither the ancient miracles, commands and promises of the prophets, nor the more recent ones of the Lord himself. In addition, as often as she was disregarded by the Lord, she persevered in her entreaties and she did not cease knocking by asking him, though she knew only by popular opinion that he was the Saviour. On account of this, she secured the great object for which she implored…
If one of us has a conscience polluted by the stain of avarice, conceit, vain-glory, indignation, irascibility, or envy and the other vices, he has “a daughter badly troubled by a demon” like the Canaanite woman. He should hasten to the Lord, making supplication for her healing… Being submissive with due humility, [such a person] must not judge himself to be worthy of the company of the sheep of Israel (that is, souls that are pure) but instead, he must be of the opinion that he is unworthy of heavenly favours. Nevertheless, let him not, in despair, rest from the earnestness of his entreaty but with his mind free of doubt, let him trust in the goodness of the supreme Benefactor, for the one who could make a confessor from a robber (Lk 23:39f.), an apostle from a persecutor (Acts 9:1-30, an evangelist from a publican (Mt 9:9-13) and who could make sons for Abraham out of stones, could turn even the most insignificant dog into an Israelite sheep.”...St Bede the Venerable (673-735) – Father & Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – Help us Lord, to cleave to You alone and grow in sanctity and charity. Create in us a clean heart O Lord! As we walk in the ways of Your divine Son, our Saviour, may we grow in faith and by our lives and words, be a light in the world. Grant that by the prayers of Sts Valentine and Sts Cyril and Methodius, we may be strengthen and grow in worthiness to receive Your grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st valentine pray for us 14 feb 2019 sts-cyril-and-methodius-pray-for-us-14-feb-2018-no-2

QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on FREEDOM, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HUMAN DIGNITY, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 10 February – St “Joselito”(1913-1928) and Blessed Aloysius Stepinac (1898–1960) Martyrs

Posted on February 10, 2019February 10, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 10 February – the Memorial of St José Sánchez del Río “Joselito”(1913-1928) and Blessed Aloysius Stepinac (1898–1960) Martyrs

“My faith is not for sale.”

St José Sánchez del Río “Joselito”(1913-1928)

“Blessed be Your name, Lord!
May Your will be done!”

Blessed Alojzije Stepinac’s last words

“We affirm then that all peoples and races descend from God.
In fact, there exists but one race. The members can be white or black.
They can be separated by oceans or live on the opposing poles
but they remain first and foremost, the race created by God,
according to the precepts of natural law
and positive Divine law as it is written,
in the hearts and minds of human, or revealed by Jesus Christ,
the son of God, the sovereign of all peoples.”

25 October 1942

“We always stressed in public life,
the principles of God’s eternal law,
regardless of whether we spoke
about Croats, Serbs, Jews, Gypsies,
Catholics, Muslims, Orthodox or whoever else….
The Catholic Church
does not recognise,
races that rule
and races
that are enslaved.”

Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, 1943

“I know what my duty is.
With the grace of God,
I will carry it out to the end,
without hatred towards anyone
and without fear from anyone.”

Blessed Aloysius Stepinac (1898–1960) Martyr

QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on LOVE, SPEAKING of ....., Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 5 February – Speaking of “Conscience and Death”

Posted on February 5, 2019February 5, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 5 February

Speaking of “Conscience and Death”

Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)

“If you have a good conscience,
you would not greatly fear death.”

“The glory of the good,
is in their consciences
and not, in the tongues of men.”

“Happy is the man
who renounces everything,
which may bring a stain or burden,
upon his conscience”

“He has great tranquillity of heart,
who cares neither for the praises,
nor the fault-finding of men.
He will easily be content and pacified,
whose conscience is pure.
You are not holier if you are praised,
nor the more worthless,
if you are found fault with.
What you are, that you are;
neither by word can you be made greater,
than what you are in the sight of God.”

“Love alone makes heavy burdens light
and bears in equal balance,
things pleasing and displeasing.
Love bears a heavy burden
and does not feel it
and love, makes bitter things,
tasteful and sweet.”

“Without labour there is no rest,
nor without fighting,
can the victory be won.”

“You shall rest sweetly,
if your heart condemns you not.”

CONFESSION/PENANCE, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, SUNDAY REFLECTIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

Sunday Reflection – 20 January – “…Let him first strive to cleanse his conscience”

Posted on January 20, 2019January 20, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Sunday Reflection – 20 January – Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

“…Let him first strive to cleanse his conscience”

St Caesarius of Arles (470-542) Bishop of Arles, Father of the Church

And so, dearly beloved brethren, let us each examine his conscience and when he sees that he has been wounded by some sin, let him first strive to cleanse his conscience by prayer, fasting, almsgiving and so dare to approach the Eucharist. If he recognises his guilt and is reluctant to approach the holy altar, he will be quickly pardoned by the Divine Mercy, “for whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Mt 23:12). If then, as I have said, a man conscious of his sins, humbly decides to stay away from the altar until he reforms his life, he will not be afraid of being completely excluded from the eternal banquet of heaven.

I ask you then, brethren, to pay careful attention. If no-one dares approach an influential man’s table in tattered, soiled garments, how much more should one refrain in reverance and humility from the banquet of the Eternal King, that is, from the altar of the Lord, if one is smitten with poisonous envy, or anger, or is full of rage and fury? For it is written, “Go first and be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift” (Mt 5:24). And again, “Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?” And when he kept silent, that man said to the attendants, ‘bind his hands and feet and cast him forth into the darkness outside, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth,” (Mt 22:12,13). The same sentence awaits the man who dares present himself at the wedding feast, that is at the Lord’s table, if he is guilty of drunkenness, or adultery, or retains hatred in his heart.

St Caesarius of Arles (470-542) Bishop of Arles, was the foremost ecclesiastic of his generation in Merovingian Gaul. Caesarius is considered to be of the last generation of church leaders of Gaul that worked to promote large-scale ascetic elements into the Western Christian tradition. Caesarius was a “popular preacher of great fervour and enduring influence”. Among those who exercised the greatest influence on Caesarius were Augustine of Hippo, Julianus Pomerius and John Cassian.

QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JUSTICE, SAINT of the DAY, The LAST THINGS

Quote/s of the Day – 15 January – The Memorial of Bl Nikolaus Gross (1898-1945) Martyr

Posted on January 15, 2019January 15, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 15 January – The Memorial of Bl Nikolaus Gross (1898-1945) Martyr

“If we do not risk our life today,
how do we then, want one day,
to justify ourselves
before God and our people?”

“…One must obey God more than men”.
If something is demanded of us
that goes against God or the Faith,
then, not only, may we but we must,
refuse obedience (towards men).”

“Sometimes, my heart becomes heavy and the task appears insoluble if I measure my own human imperfection and inadequacy against the greatness of the obligation and the weight of the responsibility.

If a generation must pay the highest price, death, for its short life, we look for the answer in ourselves in vain. We find it only in Him in whose hand we are safe in life and in death. We never know what problems are waiting to test the power and strength of our souls…. Man’s ways lie in obscurity.

But even darkness is not without light. Hope and faith, which always hasten ahead of us, already have a presentiment of the breaking of a new dawn. If we know, that the best thing in us, the soul, is immortal, then we also know, that we shall meet each other again”.

Bl Nikolaus Gross (1898-1945) Martyr

“With the clear insight that the Nazi ideology was incompatible with Christian faith, he courageously took up his pen to plead for the dignity of human beings. Nikolaus loved his wife and children very much. However, the inner bond with his own family never allowed him to pull back from confessing Christ and His Church. It was clear to him, “If we do not risk our life today, how then do we want to justify ourselves one day before God and our people?”. For this conviction he submitted to being hanged, so that heaven itself might be opened to him. In the Blessed Martyr Nikolaus Gross was accomplished what the prophet foretold “The just man will live on account of his faith” (Hb 1,4).

St Pope John Paul at the Beatification of Blessed Nikolaus Gross, 7 October 2001

QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on VIOLENCE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 December – St Thomas a Becket (1118-1170) Martyr

Posted on December 29, 2018December 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 29 December – St Thomas a Becket (1118-1170) Martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury

I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the course,
I have kept the faith.
From now on a merited crown awaits me

2 Timothy 4:7

“Remember then how our fathers worked out their salvation;
remember the sufferings through which the Church has grown
and the storms the ship of Peter has weathered
because it has Christ on board.
Remember how the crown was attained,
by those whose sufferings gave new radiance to their faith.
The whole company of saints bears witness to the unfailing truth,
that without real effort no-one wins the crown.”

“I am ready to die for my Lord,
that in my blood,
the Church may obtain liberty and peace.”

“Better are the blows of a friend,
than the false kisses of an enemy.”

“Who shall resist Anti-Christ when he comes
if we show such patience
towards the vices and crimes of his precursors?
By such leniency, we encourage kings
to become tyrants
and tempt them to withdraw every privilege
and all jurisdiction from the Churches.”

It is dangerous for men in power,
if no-one dares to tell them, when they go wrong.”
(St Thomas to a friend on his ordination)

St Thomas a Becket (1118-1170) Martyr

QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PEACE, SAINT of the DAY, The SIGN of the CROSS

Quote/s of the Day – 11 November – The Memorial of St Martin of Tours (c 316-397)

Posted on November 11, 2018November 11, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 11 November – The Memorial of St Martin of Tours (c 316-397)

“Now let me fight for God.
As for your bonus, let someone
who is going to join the battle receive it.
I am a soldier of Christ-
combat is not permitted me.”

“In the name of the Lord Jesus
and protected
only by the sign of the cross,
without shield or helmet,
I shall penetrate the enemy’s ranks
and not be afraid.”

St Martin of Tours (c 316-397)

DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 August – The Memorial of St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) “Doctor of Light”

Posted on August 20, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 20 August – The Memorial of St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) “Doctor of Light”

Hold fast to …. a good conscience. Some men, by rejecting the guidance of conscience, have made shipwreck of their faith…1 Timothy 1:19 hold fast to a good conscience - 1 tim 1 19 - 20 aug 2018

REFLECTION – “A good conscience is a treasury of riches. Indeed, what greater riches can there be – or what can be sweeter – than a good conscience?….St Bernard

PRAYER – All-knowing God, may we be able to stand in Your presence with a good conscience. Help us to avoid anything that would sully our conscience and do all we can, to remain united with You. We ask that by Your goodness, the prayers of St Bernard and St Maria de Mattias, may assist us to grow in sanctity and develop a holy conscience. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. st-bernard-pray-for-us-20 aug 2017 st maria de mattias pray for us - 20 aug 2018

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