Category: QUOTES on COURAGE

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Quote/s of the Day – 29 November – “What are you looking for?”

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Quote/s of the Day – 29 November – Vigil of St Andrew Apostle – Ecclesiasticus 44:25-27; 45:2-4; 45:6-9; John 1:35-51 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Jesus turned and saw them following Him
and said to them, “What are you looking for?”

John 1:38

“Thou art the Christ,
the Son of the living God!”

Matthew 16:16

“It is He Who is our peace.”

St Paul
Ephesians 2:14

“… He effected a wonderful exchange with us,
through mutual sharing –
we gave Him the power to die,
He will give us the power to Live!”

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

“Grace is given,
not to those who speak [their faith]
but to those, who live their faith!”

St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“May He,
Who is the Track of the runners
and the Reward of the winners,
lead and guide you along it –
He, Christ Jesus!”

Bl Guerric of Igny O.Cist (c1080-1157)

“Let us go to Jesus when we are worn out by conflict
and have no strength left.
Let us go to Him when we feel
that we can walk no further
along the stony path to perfection.
He will help us and restore our courage;
He will grant us an increase of grace which is the source of the spiritual life.
It is essential, however, that we should have
a spirit of recollection.
If we are dissipated, we shall be
unable to hear the Voice of God.
We must speak with God
and open our hearts to Him;
we must tell Him that we love Him
and wish to learn to love Him more
and to conform more completely
to His designs for us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in CARMELITES, CHRIST the JUDGE, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), franciscan OFM, OUR Cross, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The HEART, The LAST THINGS, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Quote/s of the Day – 15 October – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila OCD (1515-1582) Virgin

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Quote/s of the Day – 15 October – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila OCD (1515-1582) Virgin

“Why should I fear the Judgement
when my Judge will be my Best Friend?”

“He gives according to the love He bears us …,
according to the courage He sees in each
and the love each has for His Majesty.
He will see, that whoever loves Him much,
will be able to suffer much for Him;
whoever loves Him little,
will be capable of little.
I myself hold,
that the measure for being able to bear,
a large or small cross, is love …”

“Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations,
Baptising them in the Name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28:19-20

“But, if Each One is distinct,
how can we say that the Three are One Essence?
For this is what we believe.
This is deepest truth and I would die for it
a thousand times.
In these Three Persons
there is but One Will and One Power and One Might; neither can One be without the Others.
There is One Sole Creator of all created things.
Could the Son create an ant without the Father?
No! because Their Power is One.
The same is to be said of the Holy Ghost.
Thus, there is one God Almighty
and the Three Persons are One Majesty.
Is it possible to love the Father without loving the Son
and the Holy Ghost?
No, for those who please One of the Three Persons,
please all Three Persons and those who offend One,
offend all.
Can the Father exist without the Son
and without the Holy Ghost?
No, for they are One in Being and where One is,
there are the Three; they cannot be divided.”

AND by St Teresa’s Confessor,
St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562) Confessor:

“Strain not after tears,
strive not for sentiments of devotion,
do not force your heart.
Rest rather in interior solitude.
Dwell therein quietly, waiting
until God’s will be accomplished in you.
When it shall please Him to send you tears,
oh, how sweet will those tears be,
for is not your impatience
which has secured them –
they are the fruits of humility and of peace.
On your part, then, you must receive them
with the deepest self-effacement,
allowing God to work in you.”

St Teresa, who has written much in his praise,
says among other things:

“He died as he had lived, a Saint
and I have, after his death, received
many graces from God, through his intercession.
I have often seen him in great glory
and when I saw him the first time,
he said to me:
‘O happy penance, which has obtained
so great a glory for me!‘”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/15/quote-s-of-the-day-15-october-st-teresa-of-jesus-of-avila/

St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582)

Posted in CATECHESIS, DYING / LAST WORDS, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on COURAGE, St Francis de Sales, The PASSION, The SEVEN LAST WORDS of CHRIST

Thought for the Day – 15 September – ‘Her heart was crucified …’

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Thought for the Day – 15 September – The Feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Our Lord’s Third Word … – By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritas

“Her heart was crucified
with the same nails
which Crucified Our Lord’s Body …”

“OUR LORD’S THIRD WORD was one of consolation.
He spoke it to His sacred Mother who was at the foot of the Cross, pierced by a sword of sorrow [Lk 2:35] but certainly not swooning, nor with faint heart, as artists have falsely and impertinently painted her.
The Evangelist clearly says the contrary, insisting that she remained standing with an incomparable firmness [Jn.19:25].
That courage did not keep her from the grieving which she endured with the generous and magnanimous heart belonging to her alone.
O God! what agonies were hers!
They are inexplicable and inconceivable.
Her heart was crucified with the same nails which Crucified Our Lord’s Body, for now she would be without both Child and husband.

Seeing her in this distress, our dear Saviour said a word of consolation to her. But this consoling and tender word was not given to lift her heart from such great desolation.
The heart of this perfectly submissive and resigned holy Virgin needed to be extremely strong and Our Lord, Who knew her so well, dealt with her accordingly.
Indicating St John, His Heart’s beloved disciple, He said: Woman, there is your son. [Jn 19:26.] He gave him to her to care for her, for this holy Virgin was not thinking of herself at all. Her every thought was centered around her Divine Son’s Sorrows, Sorrows which she herself pondered in her soul [cf Lk 2:35, 51] while at the Foot of His Cross.” – (Sermons of St Francis de Sales for or Lent).

Posted in GOOD FRIDAY, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN Saturdays, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, St Francis de Sales, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The PASSION, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 6 September – Mater Dolorosa and the Sacred Passion

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Quote/s of the Day – 6 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” –

“The heart of Mary became,
as it were, a mirror of the
Passion of the Son,
in which might be seen,
faithfully reflected,
the spitting, the blows and wounds
and all which Jesus suffered.”

St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1455)

“Now it is that we are to show
an invincible courage towards our Saviour,
serving Him purely for the love of His Will,
not only without pleasure
but amid this deluge of sorrows,
horrors, distresses and assaults,
as did his glorious Mother and St John,
upon the day of His Passion.
Amongst so many blasphemies,
sorrows and deadly distresses,
they remained constant in love …”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 20 August – The Interior Life

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

The Interior Life

“Let us go to Jesus when we are worn out by conflict and have no strength left.
Let us go to Him when we feel that we can walk no further along the stony path to perfection.
He will help us and restore our courage; He will grant us an increase of grace which is the source of the spiritual life.

It is essential, however, that we should have a spirit of recollection.
If we are dissipated, we shall be unable to hear the Voice of God.
We must speak with God and open our hearts to Him; we must tell Him that we love Him and wish to learn to love Him more and to conform more completely to His designs for us.
Then, we shall find peace and contentment in the interior life, such as the world can neither know, nor communicate.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, BREVIARY Prayers, CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MEEKNESS, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on WISDOM, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Our Morning Offering – 17 July – Prayer in Praise of God By St Francis of Assisi

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Our Morning Offering – 17 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”

Prayer in Praise of God
By St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226)

Thou art Holy, Lord, the only God
and Thine Deeds art wonderful.
Thou art Strong.
Thou art Great.
Thou art the Most High.
Thou art Almighty.
Thou, Holy Father art King of Heaven and earth.
Thou art Three and One, Lord God, all Good.
Thou art Good, all Good, Supreme Good,
Lord God, Living and True.
Thou art Love. Thou art Wisdom.
Thou art Humility. Thou art Endurance.
Thou art Rest. Thou art Peace.
Thou art Joy and Gladness.
Thou art Justice and Moderation.
Thou art all our Riches and Thou art Suffice for us.
Thou art Beauty. Thou art Gentleness.
Thou art our Protector.
Thou art our Guardian and Defender.
Thou art our Courage.
Thou art our Haven and our Hope.
Thou art our Faith, our great Consolation.
Thou art our Eternal Life,
Great and Wonderful Lord, God Almighty,
Merciful Saviour.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", CATHOLIC Quotes, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, OUR Cross, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REPENTANCE

Thought for the Day – 24 June – The Forerunner’s Office

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Thought for the Day – 24 June – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Forerunner’s Office .

+1. St John was something more than a Herald.
He had to prepare the way for the King, to make the crooked ways straight and the rough places smooth. His office was that which is entrusted to us all in our own sphere – to try and make the way in which the followers of Christ have to tread straight and easy.
What a privilege, if we can, by our charity and our edifying life, make the path of life easier for those whose lot it is to tread the way of the Cross and to walk over rough or stormy paths!
Is this your endeavour in your daily life, or do you place obstacles in the path of others by your bad example, want of charity and consideration, impatience, etc?

+2. St John , as the Herald or Forerunner of Christ, had to proclaim the coming of the King.
He, himself expresses this by his description of himself as the voice of one who cries in the desert; that is , Christ spoke through his mouth.
So He speaks through the mouths of all His servants in proportion to their devotion and singleness of purpose.
How poor an echo are my words of the whispers of Christ to the faithful soul! How mixed with the discordant notes
of self-will and worldliness!

+3. St John’s estimate of himself in comparison with Him, Whom he announced, was that he was not worthy to stoop down and untie the latchet of His sandal. This was the duty of the lowest slaves. It meant that he was unworthy to serve Christ, even in the capacity of a slave and, by doing the work many slaves would consider beneath them .
Am I willing to undertake the humblest and most menial duties in the service of Christ. Do I consider it a privilege to do so?

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SUFFERING, REDEMPTIVE Suffering, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 18 April –The Crucifixion

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Thought for the Day – 18 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Crucifixion

“After a painful and exhausting journey, Jesus reaches Calvary, where He is to be Crucified.
Once again, He is stripped of His garments, which, by this time, have become glued to His swollen sores.
Then, He is stretched upon the wooden Cross, to which, one of the brutal executioners fastens His Hands and Feet, with blows from a hammer.
The sharp nails are driven through His flesh into the hard wood.
Jesus looks upwards and offers Himself in silence, as a Victim of Expiation, on behalf of His tormentors and of all of us.
His Mother Mary, is standing a few paces away in the company of the holy women and of the beloved Disciple.
The blows of the hammer pierce the maternal heart of the Blessed Virgin but,she remains silent also and prays.

When we have been afflicted by misfortune or sorrow and our hearts are racked with grief, how do we behave?
Have we the resignation, the trust in God and the spirit of prayer, which Jesus and Mary had on Calvary?
Let us remind ourselves, that we are members of the Mystical Body of Christ.
If Jesus our Head, has suffered, how much more, do miserable sinners like the rest of us deserve to suffer!?
Jesus wishes us to participate in the work of redemption by uniting our sufferings to His.
“I rejoice now,” says St Paul, “in the suffering I bear … and what is lacking of the suffering of Christ, I fill up in my flesh…” (Col 1:24).

Let us face adversity with courage, therefore and keep our eyes hopefully towards Heaven.
Let us remember, as St Paul also says, that even as we share in the sufferings of Christ, so we shall share in His triumph (Cf 2 Cor 1:7).
Jesus had to ascen Mount Calvary, before He could ascend to Heaven.
If we are to walk in His footsteps, we shall have to do the same!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in GOD ALONE!, Holy Name PRAYERS, In the PRESENCE of GOD, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS to THE HOLY GHOST, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY GHOST, The HOLY NAME, The IMITATION of CHRIST, Thomas a Kempis

Our Morning Offering – 9 April – The Love of Thy Name

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Our Morning Offering – 9 April – Wednesday in Passion Week

The Love of Thy Name
By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
The Imitation of Christ
(Book 3 Ch 26:1-4)

My God, Sweetness beyond words,
make bitter all the carnal comfort
which draws me from love of the eternal
and lures me to its evil self,
by the sight of some delightful good
in the present.
Let it not overcome me, my God.
Let not flesh and blood conquer me.
Let not the world and its brief glory
deceive me, nor the devil trip me by his craftiness.
Give me courage to resist,
patience to endure
and constancy to persevere.
Give me the soothing unction of Thy spirit,
rather than all the consolations of the world
and in place of carnal love,
infuse into me,
the love of Thy Name.
Amen

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LUST, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 8 April – “The world … hates Me … John 7:7

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Quote/s of the Day – 8 April – Tuesday in Passion Week – Ferial Day – Daniel 14:27-42 – John 7:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The world … hates Me
because I bear witness concerning it,
that its works are evil.”

John 7:7

“… THE WORLD HATES Christians,
so why give your love to it,
instead of following Christ,
Who loves you and has redeemed you?
A man cannot love the Father
and love the world at the same time.
All that the world offers is the lust of the flesh,
the lust of the eyes and earthly ambition.
The world and its allurements will pass away
but the man who has done the will of God
shall live forever.
Our part, my dear brothers,
is to be single-minded, firm in faith
and steadfast in courage, ready for God’s will, whatever it may be. Banish the fear of death
and think of the eternal life which follows it.
That will show people that we really live our faith.”

St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258)
Bishop of Carthage, Martyr
Father of the Church

(An excerpt from On Man’s Mortality).

“Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in Heaven.”
Matthew 5:12

“ Rejoice, ardent travellers,
at undergoing exile and maltreatment
in a foreign land in the name
of the commandment of God!
Rejoice, you who are last in this world
but lords of blessings
which exceed our understanding (cf Phil 4:7).
Yet a little while and we shall have vanquished.
And blessed shall we be;
blessed also, it shall be said,
are the places, family and countries
which have borne you (cf Lk 11:27-28).”

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on the CHURCH, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 30 March – Jesus Before Pilate

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Lenten Meditations – 30 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Fourth Sunday in Lent
Jesus Before Pilate

Read St John xviii:28-40
(See below)

+I. Pilate was at first inclined to look with contempt on the charge brought against Christ of promoting Himself as the King of the Jews. But, he soon changed his mind. He was astonished at Our Lord’s silence and reserve. His calm dignity made a deep impression upon him.
How few there are, who imitate Christ in this! Our babbling tongues pour forth so many foolish and ill-considered words. Learn the dignity of timely silence from our Lord Jesus.

+2. Yet Jesus spoke when occasion required.
He said enough to Pilate to convince him, not only of His innocence but, of His claim to be King. Pilate was half-inclined to listen. He could not help recognising, to some degree, the Divine Beauty of the Son of God amid all His humiliations.
So the Catholic Church manifests herself to the world in a way which is sufficient to attract men of goodwill.
There are few who have not the chance of recognising her claims. Her beauty, even in her humiliations and amid the sins of men, shines forth, as did the beauty of her Divine Spouse.

+3. Pilate’s long experience, tells him plainly enough that the Jews are all mistaken and Christ is correct.
His practiced eye, detects the malice of the Jews,
their hatred of their Victim, their selfishness and unscrupulous cruelty. He longs to release Christ; he knows he ought to do so but, he fears the Jews, lest he be reported as favouring revolt.
Human fear overcomes his convictions and he has not the courage to set Jesus free.
How fatal is cowardice in things Divine!

John 18:28-40:
[28] Then they led Jesus from Caiphas to the governor’s hall. And it was morning and they went not into the hall, that they might not be defiled but that they might eat the pasch. [29] Pilate, therefore, went out to them and said: What accusation bring you against this man? [30] They answered and said to him: If He were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered Him to thee.
[31] Pilate, therefore, said to them: Take Him you and judge Him according to your law. The Jews, therefore, said to him: It is not lawful for us to put any man to death; [32] That the Word of Jesus might be fulfilled which He said, signifying what death He should die. [33] Pilate, therefore, went into the hall again and called Jesus and said to Him: Art Thou the King of the Jews? [34] Jesus answered: Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or have others told it thee of Me? [35] Pilate answered: Am I a Jew? Thy own nation and the chief priests, have delivered Thee to me, what hast Thou done?
[36] Jesus answered: My Kingdom is not of this world. If My Kingdom were of this world, My servants would certainly strive that I should not be delivered to the Jews but now, My Kingdom is not from hence. [37] Pilate, therefore, said to Him: Art Thou a King then? Jesus answered: Thou sayest that I am a King. For this was I born and for this came I into the world that I should give testimony to the truth. Everyone that is of the truth, heareth My Voice. [38] Pilate saith to Him: What is truth? And when he said this, he went out again to the Jews and saith to them: I find no cause in Him. [39] But you have a custom that I should release one unto you at the pasch, will you, therefore, that I release unto you the King of the Jews? [40] Then cried they all again, saying: Not this Man but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. [John 18:28-40]

Posted in QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 18 March – The Sequel to the Sacred Agony

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Lenten Meditations – 18 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Tuesday after the Second Sunday in Lert
The Sequel to the Sacred Agony

Read St Mark xiv:41-42

[41] And He cometh the third time and saith to them: Sleep ye now and take your rest. It is enough – the hour is come, behold, the Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of sinners. [42] Rise, let us go. Behold, he who wilt betray Me is at hand. [Mark 14:41-42]

+1. At length, Our Lord’s mental agony in the Garden was over. He had accepted the Chalice which His heavenly Father had given Him to drink. Now ,He is no longer sad and downcast but, He returns to His Apostles full of vigour and courage. He encounters His Passion almost with eagerness. This is always the result of a perfect submission to the Will of God and absolute confidence in Him!
God will always give us the courage to meet every trial and when the time comes, He will impart the strength and energy and light-heartedness which make it easy to face the suffering.

+2. Yet this change had another cause.
It was won by prayer, or, rather, Our Lord, as our Divine
Example, imparted for our sakes to His human nature, grace, such as earnest prayer alone can obtain from God. This is the secret of all spiritual victories; all are won by persevering prayer! Prayer changes the poor, timid, frightened, shrinking soul, into one brave and strong and ready to do great things for God.
Without prayer,we are sure to fail. Am I earnest in prayer?

+3. We observe too, it was not merely prayer but repeated prayer – the same words over and over again, the same entreaty to be spared, joined to the same act of resignation. We sometimes say we cannot pray but at least, we can repeat over and over again, some prayer for mercy and for aid. Our repetitions will be not vain repetitions but will bring certain relief from Him Who encourages us to importunity in prayer.

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 17 February – Septuagesima

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Quote/s of the Day – 17 February – Septuagesima

“Why stand you here idle, all the day?”

Matthew 20:6

“Prepare the way of the Lord
make His paths straight” …

Luke 3:4

“What is the surest kind of witness?
“Anyone who acknowledges that Jesus Christ
came among us in the flesh” (cf 1 Jn 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!
… So be faithful and courageous
in interior persecutions,
so that you may also win
the victory in exterior persecutions.”

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

“We are to become vessels
of God’s compassionate love for others.”

“Never forget that the way
which leads to Heaven is narrow
that the gate leading to Life,
is narrow and low
that there are but few who find it
and enter by it and if, there be some,
who go in and tread the narrow path,
for some time, there are but very few,
who persevere therein.”

St Clare (1194-1253)

“The surest and quickest way
to attain perfection, is to strive
for purity of heart.
Once the obstacles have been removed,
God finds a clear path and does wonders,
both in and through, the soul.”

Guide Me Lord
By St Albert the Great (1200-1280)
Doctor of the Church

O Lord Jesus Christ,
Who seeks those who stray
and receives them when returning,
make me approach Thee
through the frequent hearing of Thy Word,
lest I sin against my neighbour,
by the blindness of human judgement,
through the austerity of false justice,
through comparing his inferior status,
through too much trust in my merits
or through ignorance of the Divine Judgement.
Guide me to search diligently,
each corner of my conscience,
lest the flesh dominate the spirit!
Amen

St Albert the Great (1200-1280)
Universal Doctor of the Church

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, SELF-DISTRUST, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HEART

Quote/s of the Day – 31 January – St John Bosco

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Quote/s of the Day – 31 January – St John Bosco “Don Bosco” SDB (1815-1888) Priest, Confessor, Founder.

“Be brave and try to detach your heart
from worldly things.
Do your utmost to banish darkness
from your mind and come to understand
what true, selfless piety is.
Through confession, endeavour
to purify your heart of anything
which may still taint it.
Enliven your faith which is essential
to understand and achieve piety.”

“If one is to do good,
he must have a little courage,
be ready for sacrifice,
deal affably with all
and never slight anybody.
By following this method,
I have always had significant success,
in fact, marvellous success!”

“Your mortification should be
your diligence in doing your duties
and in putting up with
the annoyances of others.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/31/quote-s-of-the-day-31-january-st-john-bosco-3/

St John Bosco (1815-1888)

Posted in Holy Name PRAYERS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, PRAYERS of PETITION, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY NAME, Thomas a Kempis

Our Morning Offering – 21 January – The Love of Thy Name

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Our Morning Offering – 21 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family”

The Love of Thy Name
By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
The Imitation of Christ
(Book 3 Ch 26:1-4)

My God, Sweetness beyond words,
make bitter all the carnal comfort
which draws me from love of the eternal
and lures me to its evil self,
by the sight of some delightful good
in the present.
Let it not overcome me, my God.
Let not flesh and blood conquer me.
Let not the world and its brief glory
deceive me, nor the devil trip me by his craftiness.
Give me courage to resist,
patience to endure
and constancy to persevere.
Give me the soothing unction of Thy spirit,
rather than all the consolations of the world
and in place of carnal love,
infuse into me,
the love of Thy Name.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The HOLY INFANCY

Thought for the Day – 10 January – “The Arrival in Bethlehem”

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Thought for the Day – 10 January – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Christmastide
“The Holy Infancy”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“The Arrival in Bethlehem”

+1. When the Wise Men had obtained the information they needed, they wasted no further time in Jerusalem but turned their steps towards the Village of Bethlehem. Their faith was being very sorely tried. The Star had disappeared and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, instead of sharing their eagerness to find the Newborn King, seemed
to be either indifferent or. positively hostile to the idea of His Presence in their midst.
So Jesus, in the Blessed Sacrament, lies waiting in the Tabernacle for a visit from those whom He loves. They have no longing for Him, no desire for His Company. Only a few faithful souls go to pay their court to Him. Am I one of them?

+2. Scarcely had they left the City, when the Star reappeared to their joyful eyes. There it is; there is no mistaking it. God has not deserted us. He is still guiding us and we shall find Him Whom we seek. No wonder that they rejoiced with great joy!
So to those who have persevered amid doubt and darkness, God soon restores the Light of His Presence. Courage, faintheart! the Star will soon reappear before you!

+3. At length, the Star, instead of moving above them in the heavens, came nearer to earth and settled on the humble dwelling-place where Jesus and His Mother abode. What! the King of the Jews in that poverty-stricken shed? Yes, so it is; Christ scorns the gilded palace and loves the humble hut. There He is at home; thither
He invites His friends to come and see how He dwells with the poor and humble of heart.

Posted in Our MORNING Offering, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of PETITION, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Our Morning Offering – 6 January – Prayer for the Intercession of the Three Kings, Saint Caspar, Saint Melchior and Saint Balthasar

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Our Morning Offering – 6 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – The Feast of The Epiphany of the Lord

Prayer for the Intercession of the Three Kings,
Saint Caspar, Saint Melchior and Saint Balthasar
By Cologne Cathedral
(An Imprimatur has been granted for this
publication – Cologne Cathedral)

Lord and God
Thou created us
for a lifelong journey to Thee.
Each one of us takes a different path,
over mountains and through valleys,
through joy and sorrow and need.
May the Three Holy Kings guide us in our wanderings,
as their faith, knowledge and determination guided them
through many perils on their journey to Thee.
They saw Thee, knelt before Thee,
offered up their gifts and paid homage to Thee,
They were filled with the joy of finding Thee!

Lord and God,
We thank Thee for granting us the freedom
to seek and find Thee, our life’s goal!
Grant us the faith, strength and trust we need,
to follow in the path of the Three Kings.
Give us courage when we are at risk
of taking easier but false paths,
Let us experience the joy of being with Thee
at the end of our journey,
so that we may be eternally surrounded by Thy Love.
We ask this, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
the destination of every pilgrimage.
Amen!

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the POOR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 31 October – “We possess nothing and yet, we have everything!”

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One Minute Reflection – 31 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – The Vigil of All Saints – Apocalypse 5:6-12; Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Be glad in that day and rejoice, for behold, your reward is great in Heaven,” – Luke 6:23

REFLECTION – “Only Christians have a true sense of values; their joys and sorrows are not the same as other people’s. The sight of a wounded combatant wearing a victory crown would make someone, ignorant of the games, think only of the fighter’s wounds and how painful they must be. Such a person would know nothing of the happiness the crown gives. And, it is the same when people see the things we suffer, without knowing why we do so. It naturally seems to them to be suffering pure and simple. They see us struggling and facing danger but, beyond their vision, are the rewards, the crowns of victory — all we hope to gain, through the contest! As Paul said: “We possess nothing and yet, we have everything!” (2 Cor 6:10)…

We too, then, when we suffer anything for Christ’s sake, should do so not simply with courage but even with joy. If we have to go hungry, let us be glad, as if we were at a banquet. If we are insulted, let us be elated, as though we had been showered with praises. If we lose all we possess, let us consider ourselves the gainers of all. If we provide for the poor, let us regard ourselves as the recipients! … Above all, remember, that your struggles, are for the sake of the Lord Jesus. Then, you will easily rise above them and live out your lifetime in happiness; for nothing brings more happiness than a good conscience.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father & Doctor of the Church (Sermon on Second Corinthians, 12: 4).

PRAYER – Multiply Thy grace upon us, O Lord our God and grant that by following in holiness of life, those whose glorious festival we anticipate, we may attain to their bliss. 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 "Follow Me", CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, franciscan OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 17 September – St Francis of Assisi

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Quote/s of the Day – 17 September – The Commutation of the Stigmata of Saint Francis of Assisi

“Alms are an inheritance
and a justice
which is due to the poor
and which Jesus has levied upon us!”

“Lord, help me to live this day,
quietly, easily.
To lean upon Thy great strength,
trustfully, restfully.
To wait for the unfolding of Thy will,
patiently, serenely.
To meet others,
peacefully, joyously.
To face tomorrow,
confidently, courageously.”

St Frances of Assisi (c1181-1226)

“In beautiful things
St Francis saw Beauty itself
and through His vestiges
imprinted on creation,
he followed his Beloved everywhere,
making, from all things,
a ladder, by which he could climb up
and embrace Him, Who is utterly desirable.”

St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

“All the brothers should strive to follow
the humility and the poverty of our Lord Jesus Christ …
And they must rejoice when they live among people
who are considered to be of little worth
and who are looked down upon,
among the poor and the powerless,
the sick and the lepers and the beggars by the wayside.
And when it may be necessary,
let them go to seek alms.
And they should not be ashamed
but rather recall that our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Son of the living and all-powerful God …
was a poor man and a transient and lived on alms,
He and the Blessed Virgin and His disciples.”

(Earlier Rule, #8-9).

“Be strengthened in Almighty God
and in the power of His might,
for with His help, nothing is difficult.
Throw off the heavy load of your own will,
cast aside the burden of sin
and gird yourselves as valiant warriors!
Forget what you are leaving behind;
strain forward to the great things before you.
I tell you that every place where you set foot,
shall be yours.
For the Spirit, Who goes before your face
is Christ the Lord.
He will carry you to the topmost peak
in the arms of His Love.”

Prayer in Praise of God
By St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226)

Thou art Holy, Lord, the only God
and Thine Deeds art wonderful.
Thou art Strong.
Thou art Great.
Thou art the Most High.
Thou art Almighty.
Thou, Holy Father art King of Heaven and earth.
Thou art Three and One, Lord God, all Good.
Thou art Good, all Good, Supreme Good,
Lord God, Living and True.
Thou art Love. Thou art Wisdom.
Thou art Humility. Thou art Endurance.
Thou art Rest. Thou art Peace.
Thou art Joy and Gladness.
Thou art Justice and Moderation.
Thou art all our Riches and Thou art Suffice for us.
Thou art Beauty. Thou art Gentleness.
Thou art our Protector.
Thou art our Guardian and Defender.
Thou art our Courage.
Thou art our Haven and our Hope.
Thou art our Faith, our great Consolation.
Thou art our Eternal Life,
Great and Wonderful Lord, God Almighty,
Merciful Saviour.
Amen

Posted in CHARITY - Fr Richard Clarke SJ, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SELF-DISTRUST

Thought for the Day – 15 August – The Hopefulness of Charity – “Charity hopeth all things”

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Thought for the Day – 15 August – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

CHARITY
Meditations for a Month

The Hopefulness of Charity
“Charity hopeth all things”

How common and how fatal an evil is discouragement! Half of our enterprises fail,, simply because we become discouraged. More than half of our faults are owing to discouragement. We lose heart and, therefore, fail in the necessary perseverance. We become despondent and seek to console ourselves, by some earthly pleasure or perhaps, sinful indulgence. No general who was discouraged ever won a victory and, no sinner who lost heart, ever became a Saint or even turned to God, as long as the despondency remained.

Yet, it is no easy thing to keep up our courage and our hope. We so often fail and failures are discouraging. We commit so many faults; yet, nothing saps our courage, as much as the consciousness of having done wrong.
Then too, there are continual impediments and obstacles in our way, the neglect and indifference shown by others to our work, the opposition we meet and a thousand things more. Too often, these are causes of discouragement to all who are working for God.
We ought not to be discouraged by them, for often, difficulties and opposition are the best signs of coming success!

How are we to keep courage and to be always hopeful? The only chance for us lies in our keeping God always before us and forgetting ourselves, as far as possible which depends on the degree of our charity.
When self prevails, eventually hope disappears; when God is predominant, hope springs up in our heart, for “Charity hopeth all things.”
I shall have strong confidence and a certainty of final success, if I have a fervent charity.

Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR

Our Morning Offering – 18 July – Prayer in Praise of God By St Francis of Assisi

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Our Morning Offering – 18 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”

Prayer in Praise of God
By St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226)

Thou art Holy, Lord, the only God
and Thine Deeds art wonderful.
Thou art Strong.
Thou art Great.
Thou art the Most High.
Thou art Almighty.
Thou, Holy Father art King of Heaven and earth.
Thou art Three and One, Lord God, all Good.
Thou art Good, all Good, Supreme Good,
Lord God, Living and True.
Thou art Love. Thou art Wisdom.
Thou art Humility. Thou art Endurance.
Thou art Rest. Thou art Peace.
Thou art Joy and Gladness.
Thou art Justice and Moderation.
Thou art all our Riches and Thou art Suffice for us.
Thou art Beauty. Thou art Gentleness.
Thou art our Protector.
Thou art our Guardian and Defender.
Thou art our Courage.
Thou art our Haven and our Hope.
Thou art our Faith, our great Consolation.
Thou art our Eternal Life,
Great and Wonderful Lord, God Almighty,
Merciful Saviour.
Amen

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, St Francis de Sales, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 June – Confessing Christ

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Quote/s of the Day – 29 June – Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles – Acts 12:1-11; Matthew 16:13-19 – – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thou art the Christ,
the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:16

“… Now you must be, for a little time,
made sorrowful in divers temptations.
That the trial of your faith,
(much more precious than gold
which is tried by the fire)
may be found unto praise and glory
and honour at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 1:6-7

“And all who wish to live
piously in Christ Jesus,
will suffer persecution.”

2 Timothy 3:12

“What is the surest kind of witness?
“Anyone who acknowledges that Jesus Christ
came among us in the flesh” (cf 1 Jn 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!
… So be faithful and courageous
in interior persecutions,
so that you may also win
the victory in exterior persecutions.”

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

“It is an old custom
with the servants of God,
always to have some little prayers ready
and to be darting them up to Heaven
frequently during the day,
lifting their minds to God
out of the filth of this world.
He who adopts this plan,
will get great fruit, with little pains.”

St Philip Neri (1515-1595)

“He who most loves,
will be most loved.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, CARMELITES, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SELF-DISTRUST, St Francis de Sales, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 6 April – [He] hath called you out of darkness …

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Quote/s of the Day – 6 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – Easter Saturday – 1 Peter 2:1-10, John 20:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“[He] hath called you out of darkness
into His marvellous Light … ”

1 Peter 2:9

“Let not your hearts be troubled,
neither let them be afraid.”

John 14:27

“In the world you will have tribulation.
But take heart, I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33

“Who will be crowned without having fought?
Who will go to rest if he is not tired
(cf. 2 Tim 2:5-6)?
Who will gather the fruits of life
without having planted virtues in his soul?
Cultivate them, prepare the earth
with the greatest care,
take trouble over it, sweat over it,
children, God’s workers,
imitators of the Angels,
competitors with incorporeal beings,
lights for those who are in the world
(cf. Phil 2:15)!”

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)

“Lord, help me to live this day,
quietly, easily.
To lean upon Thy great strength,
trustfully, restfully.
To wait for the unfolding of Thy will,
patiently, serenely.
To meet others,
peacefully, joyously.
To face tomorrow,
confidently, courageously.”

St Frances of Assisi (c1181-1226)

“Let nothing perturb you,
nothing frighten you.
All things pass.
God does not change.
Patience achieves everything.”

St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582)
Doctor of Prayer

“Let us think only
of spending the present
day well.
Then, when tomorrow
shall have come,
it will be called
TODAY
and then, we will think
about it.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in franciscan OFM, MARIAN QUOTES, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, OUR Cross, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, St Francis de Sales, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 25 March – ‘… For love of Thy love …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 25 March – Monday in Holy Week

I Beg Thee, Lord
By St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226)

I beg Thee, Lord,
let the fiery, gentle power
of Thy love
take possession of my soul
and snatch it away,
from everything under Heaven,
that I may die,
for love of Thy love,
as Thou saw fit, to die
for love of mine!
Amen

“Now it is that we are to show
an invincible courage towards our Saviour,
serving Him purely for the love of His will,
not only without pleasure
but amid this deluge of sorrows,
horrors, distresses and assaults,
as did his glorious Mother and St John,
upon the day of His Passion.
Amongst so many blasphemies,
sorrows and deadly distresses,
they remained constant in love …”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in "Follow Me", QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 7 February – Of the Enemies We are to Engage and the Courage Necessary to Fight (Part Two)

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Thought for the Day – 7 February – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

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

XV: … Of the Enemies We Are to Engage
and the Courage Necessary to Fight (Part Two)

“Therefore, you must never be dismayed, although at times, your enemy seems to be strengthening his array against you, although the struggle threatens to last your whole lifetime and although, almost certain falls menace you on every side! – for know assuredly, that the whole strength and wisdom of our enemies, is in the Hands of our Divine Captain, in Whose honour the battle is arrayed – Who, prizing us beyond measure, sure and having Himself imperatively called us to the conflict, will never suffer you to be overcome!

Nay more, He will Himself fight on your right hand and will not fail, in His own good time, to subdue your foes before you and this, to your greater reward, if He should delay to give you the victory, until the last day of your life!
This alone is your concern, to fight manfully, and never, however numerous your wounds, to lay down your arms or take to flight.

Lastly, that you fail not to fight courageously, bear in mind that this is a conflict whence there is no escape and, that he who will not fight must needs be captured or slain!
Moreover, we have to deal with enemies so powerful and so filled with
deadly hate, as to leave us no hope of either peace or truce.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/06/thought-for-the-day-6-february-of-the-enemies-we-are-to-engage-and-the-courage-necessary-to-fight-part-one/

Posted in QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES: JUSTICE, PRUDENCE, TEMPERANCE, FORTITUDE, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 6 February – Of the Enemies We are to Engage and the Courage Necessary to Fight (Part One)

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Thought for the Day – 6 February – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

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

XV: … Of the Enemies We Are to Engage
and the Courage Necessary to Fight (Part One)

“You see now after what manner you must fight in order to conquer self and to adorn your soul with all virtues.

Know, furthermore, that to obtain a speedier and easier victory over your enemies, it is expedient, nay necessary, that you should fight against them daily and, especially against self-love and learn to esteem, as dear friends and benefactors, all the insults and vexations which the world can heap upon you.

And it is because men know not the necessity of this daily warfare and make too little account of it that, as I said before, their victories are rare, difficult, imperfect and unstable.

Moreover, I warn you that you must bring great courage and steadfastness of soul to this conflict.
And this gift you will readily obtain if you beseech it of God, considering, on the one hand, the undying hatred and fury of your enemies and the vast multitude of their ranks and squadrons and, on the other, how infinitely greater is the goodness of God and the love wherewith He loves you and how much mightier, too, are the Angels of Heaven and the prayers of the Saints, who fight for us.
By this consideration, have so many feeble women been enabled to overcome and conquer, all the power and wisdom of the world, all the assaults of the flesh and all the fury of hell!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in Holy Name PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY NAME, Thomas a Kempis

Our Morning Offering – 23 January – The Love of Thy Name

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Our Morning Offering – 23 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”

The Love of Thy Name
By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
The Imitation of Christ
(Book 3 Ch 26:1-4)

My God, Sweetness beyond words,
make bitter all the carnal comfort
which draws me from love of the eternal
and lures me to its evil self,
by the sight of some delightful good
in the present.
Let it not overcome me, my God.
Let not flesh and blood conquer me.
Let not the world and its brief glory
deceive me, nor the devil trip me by his craftiness.
Give me courage to resist,
patience to endure
and constancy to persevere.
Give me the soothing unction of Thy spirit,
rather than all the consolations of the world
and in place of carnal love,
infuse into me,
the love of Thy Name.
Amen

Posted in CARMELITES, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOOD RESOLUTIONS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WATCHING, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 January – O strong love of God!

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One Minute Reflection – 22 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – St Vincent of Saragossa (Died 304) Protomartyr of Spain and St Anastasius the Persian (Died 628) Martyr – Wisdom 3:1-8; Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Resolve, therefore, in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand, how you are to make your defence. For I Myself, will give you utterance and wisdom …” – Luke 21:14-15

REFLECTION – “O strong love of God! I really think, nothing seems impossible, to one who loves. O happy soul which has obtained this peace, from its God! For it has become mistress over all the trials and perils of the world. If only it can serve its good Spouse and Lord, it fears none of them – and, with good reason … Think of something which occurs to me now and which, is applicable to those who are naturally pusillanimous and have little courage … Although, in actual fact, their soul has been raised up to this state, the weakness of their nature makes them afraid. We must be on the watch, or this natural weakness, will deprive us of a great crown. When you find yourselves as pusillanimous as this, my daughters, have recourse to faith and humility and do not fail to go forward with faith, for nothing is impossible to God (Lk 1:37). He has thus been able to give many holy Saints, the courage to endure all the cruel tortures which they had resolved to suffer for His sake!

It is of this resolution and this free-will that the soul wishes to make Him Master, though He has no need of our efforts. Indeed, His Majesty is pleased that His works should shine forth in those who are weak, since in these, there is more scope for His power and, for the fulfilment of His desire, to grant us favours…

Pay no heed to the arguments adduced by your mind and your own weakness – this weakness will only grow, if you begin to imagine, what will and what will not happen …This is no time to think about your sins, leave them alone, humility is out of place now, it comes at the wrong time… Be assured that the Lord never forsakes those who love Him and risk everything for His sake!” – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582) Carmelite, Doctor of the Church (Conceptions of the Love of God Ch 3:4-6).

PRAYER – Give heed to our humble prayers, O Lord, that we who know we are guilty of our own sin, may be saved by the intercession of Thy blessed Martyrs Vincent and Anastasius.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 AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on THE WORLD, St PAUL!, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 20 January – Faith in Christ Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 20 January – St Fabian, Pope and St Sebastian, Martyrs – Hebrews 11:33-39, Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“They were stoned,
they were sawed asunder,
they were tempted,
they were put to death by the sword.
They went about in sheepskins
and goatskins, destitute,
distressed, afflicted –
of whom the world was not worthy –
wandering in deserts, mountains, caves
and holes in the earth.
And all these, approved by the testimony
of faith, were found in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Hebrews 11:37-39

“And all who wish to live
piously in Christ Jesus,
will suffer persecution.”

2 Timothy 3:12

“What is the surest kind of witness?
“Anyone who acknowledges that Jesus Christ
came among us in the flesh” (cf 1 Jn 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!
… So be faithful and courageous
in interior persecutions,
so that you may also win
the victory in exterior persecutions.”

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

“Do not love your life in this world!
If you truly love yourselves,
do not thus love your life
and then, you will save your life!”…

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

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CARMELITES, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, OUR Cross, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST

Quote/s of the Day – 4 January – The Holy Innocents

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 4 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Octave of the Holy Innocents

“They could not yet speak
but already, they are confessing Christ.
Their little bodies are, as yet,
unable to engage in combat
but already, they are carrying off
the Palm of Victory.”

St Quodvultdeus (Died c 453)
Bishop at Carthage

“These then, whom Herod’s cruelty
tore as sucklings from their mothers’ bosom,
are justly hailed as “Infant Martyr Flowers”-
they were the Church’s first blossoms,
matured by the frost of persecution,
during the cold winter of unbelief.”

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

“He gives according to the love He bears us …,
according to the courage He sees in each
and the love each has for His Majesty.
He will see, that whoever loves Him much,
will be able to suffer much for Him;
whoever loves Him little,
will be capable of little.
I myself hold,
that the measure for being able to bear,
a large or small cross, is love …”

St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Doctor of Prayer of the Church