Category: QUOTES on DOUBT

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), Thomas a Kempis

One Minute Reflection – 30 October –’ … He grants understanding to the little ones …’

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One Minute Reflection – 30 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – Ferial Day – – – Ephesians 5:15-21 –John 4:46-53 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Unless you see signs and wonders, you believe not.” – John 4:48

REFLECTION – “Whoever examines the majesty of God will be crushed by His glory” (Prv 25:27). God can do works which surpass man’s understanding… Faith is required of you and sincerity of life – not high intelligence, nor penetrating knowledge of the Mysteries of God. If you do not understand, nor grasp what is below you, how will you comprehend what is above you? Be subject to God, submit yourself to the faith and the light of knowledge will be given to you, as much as you need and can use.

Some have grave temptations concerning faith and Sacraments which are not to be imputed to them but rather, to the enemy. Take no notice, do not argue with your thoughts, nor answer the doubts with which the devil attacks you; believe God’s Word, believe His Saints and Prophets and the wicked enemy will be routed. It is often most profitable to God’s servant, to endure such things. For the devil does not tempt the infidel or sinner, of whom he has already secure possession but, he uses various means, to tempt and harass the devout faithful.

Go on then with simple unquestioning faith and approach the Sacrament with reverent beseeching. Anything you cannot understand, commit it surely to God, Who is omnipotent. God does not deceive you – the over-confident person deceives himself. God walks in step with the simple ones, He shows Himself to the humble ones, He grants understanding to the little ones; “He reveals hidden meanings to little ones” and hides away His grace from the inquisitive and the proud. Human reason is feeble and fallible but true faith cannot be deceived.  All use of reason, all human inquiry should walk in the footsteps of faith; it should not go on in front of it, nor call it in question.” – Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471) (The Imitation of Christ IV, 18).

PRAYER – O God, our refuge and our strength, the very source of holiness, heed the devout prayers of Thy Church and grant that what we seek in faith, we may obtain in fact. 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 CHRIST the LIGHT, franciscan OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PEACE

Our Morning Offering – 4 October – Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace

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Our Morning Offering – 4 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226) Confessor, Founder

Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace.
“The Peace Prayer”
By St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy Peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow Love;
where there is injury, Pardon;
where there is doubt, Faith;
where there is despair, Hope;
where there is darkness, Light
and where there is sadness, Joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving
that we receive;
it is in pardoning
that we are pardoned
and it is in dying,
that we are born to eternal life.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CONTEMPLATIVE Prayer, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MEDIOCRITY, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 20 August – St Bernard

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Quote/s of the Day – 20 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Feast of St Bernard (1090-1153) Confessor, Father and Mellifluous Doctor

“The more I contemplate God,
the more God looks upon me.
The more I pray to Him,
the more He thinks of me too.”

“The reason for loving God,
is God Himself!
As to how He is to be loved,
there is only one measure –
It is immeasurable!”

“In Him should all our affections gather,
so that in all things
we should seek only to do His Will,
not to please ourselves.”

“In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties,
think of Mary, call upon Mary.
Let not her name depart from your lips,
never suffer it to leave your heart.
And that you may obtain the assistance of her prayer,
neglect not to walk in her footsteps.
With her for guide, you shall never go astray;
while invoking her, you shall never lose heart;
so long as she is in your mind,
you are safe from deception;
while she holds your hand, you cannot fall;
under her protection you have nothing to fear;
if she walks before you, you shall not grow weary;
if she shows you favour, you shall reach the goal.”

Lux Alma, Jesu
Light of the Anxious Heart
By St Bernard (1091-1153).
Father & Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

Light of the anxious heart,
Jesus, Thou dost appear,
To bid the gloom of guilt depart,
And shed Thy sweetness here.

Joyous is he, with whom,
God’s Word, Thou dost abide;
Sweet Light of our eternal home,
To fleshly sense denied.

Brightness of God above!
Unfathomable grace!
Thy presence be a fount of love
Within Thy chosen place.

To Thee, Whom children see,
The Father ever blest,
The Holy Spirit, One and Three,
Be endless praise addrest.

Translation by Cardinal Newman (1800-1890).
There are eight translations.
Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord.
This Hymn is a cento from St Bernard’s Jesu Dulcis Memoria.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/08/20/quote-s-of-the-day-20-august-a-little-bit-of-bernards-wisdom/

St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father & Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on SIMPLICITY, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SACRAMENTS, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

One Minute Reflection – 12 May – Faith is required of you and sincerity of life – not high intelligence, nor penetrating knowledge of the Mysteries of God.

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One Minute Reflection – 12 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Nereus & Companions, Martyrs – Wisdom 5:1-5 – John 4:46-53 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Unless you see signs and wonders, you believe not.” – John 4:48

REFLECTION – “Whoever examines the majesty of God will be crushed by His glory” (Prv 25:27). God can do works which surpass man’s understanding… Faith is required of you and sincerity of life – not high intelligence, nor penetrating knowledge of the mysteries of God. If you do not understand, nor grasp what is below you, how will you comprehend what is above you? Be subject to God, submit yourself to the faith and the light of knowledge will be given to you, as much as you need and can use.

Some have grave temptations concerning faith and sacraments, which are not to be imputed to them but rather, to the enemy. Take no notice, do not argue with your thoughts, nor answer the doubts with which the devil attacks you; believe God’s word, believe His saints and prophets and the wicked enemy will be routed. It is often most profitable to God’s servant, to endure such things. For the devil does not tempt the infidel or sinner, of whom he has already secure possession but, he uses various means, to tempt and harass the devout faithful.

Go on then with simple unquestioning faith and approach the Sacrament with reverent beseeching. Anything you cannot understand, commit it surely to God, Who is omnipotent. God does not deceive you – the over-confident person deceives himself. God walks in step with the simple ones, He shows Himself to the humble ones, He grants understanding to the little ones; “He reveals hidden meanings to little ones” and hides away His grace from the inquisitive and the proud. Human reason is feeble and fallible but true faith cannot be deceived. All use of reason, all human inquiry should walk in the footsteps of faith; it should not go on in front of it, nor call it in question.” – Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471) (The Imitation of Christ IV, 18).

PRAYER – May the holy feast of Your Martyrs, Nereus, Achilles, Domitilla and Pancras, ever comfort us, we beseech You, O Lord and make us worthy to serve You.
And grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants, that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. 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.

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 DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 December – A splendid Decree! Saintly doubt of the disciple!

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One Minute Reflection – 21 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Ember Saturday – Feast of St Thomas, Apostle of Christ – Ephesians 2:19-22; John 20:24-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“My Lord and my God!” – John 20:28

REFLECTION – “Thomas said to the Twelve: “Unless I shall see in His Hands the print of the nails and put my finger into the place of the nails and put my hand into His Side, I will not believe!” (Jn 20:25). The name ‘Thomas‘ means ‘abyss‘ for by his doubt he gained an even deeper understanding and became firmer in his faith. … It was not by chance but by Divine Decree that Thomas was absent and unable to believe that which he heard. A splendid Decree! Saintly doubt of the disciple!

“Unless I shall see in His Hands,” he said (Jn 20:25). He wished to see raised up the fallen tent of David, of which Amos had said: “On that day, I shall raise up the fallen tent of David; I shall repair the breaches of its walls” (cf Am 9:11). ‘David‘ stands for the Divinity; the ‘tent‘ Christ’s own Body in which the Divinity was contained as in a tent, falen, crushed in death and the Passion. The breaches in the walls stand for the Wounds of His Hands, Feet and Side. These are the Wounds which the Lord would rebuild in His Resurrection. It was of them that Thomas said: “Unless I put my finger into the place of thenail and my hand into His Side, I will not believe!”

The Lord, understanding, did not want to leave His honest disciple, who was to become a vessel of election, in doubt. And so, He removed the smoke of doubt from his mind, in an act of kindness, just as he removed the blindness of infidelity from Paul. “Put your finger here and see My Hands and bring your hand and put it into My Side and do not be unbelieving but believe.” Then Thomas said to him: “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28)” – St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Franciscan, Doctor of the Church (Sunday in the Octave of Easter).

PRAYER – O Lord, grant us, we beseech Thee, to glory in the Feast-day of blessed Thomas, Thy Apostle, that we maybe helped continually by his patronage and imitate his faith with a devotion like his. 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 HOW to PRAY at ALL TIMES, QUOTES on DOUBT

Thought for the Day – 14 November – Pray In Your Doubts

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Thought for the Day – 14 November – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“How to Pray at All Times”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

Pray In Your Doubts
Excerpt from Chapter Three:V

“Whenever you are in doubt about anything -whether it regards yourself or others – act like good friends do who always consult one another in their difficulties. Show the same mark of confidence to God; consult Him; ask Him to enlighten you, that you may decide on that which is most pleasing to Him.

Put Thou words in my mouth and strengthen the resolution in my heart (Jud 9:18). Lord, make known to me that which Thou wouldst have me do and I will obey Thee: Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth (i Kings 3:10).”

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, franciscan OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DESPAIR, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PEACE

Our Morning Offering – 25 October – Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace.

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Our Morning Offering – 25 October

Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace.
“The Peace Prayer”
By St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226)

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving
that we receive;
it is in pardoning
that we are pardoned
and it is in dying,
that we are born to eternal life.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 July – “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31

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One Minute Reflection – 6 July– “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – The Octave Day of Sts Peter and Paul – Sirach 44:10-15, Matthew 14:22-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” … Matthew 14:31

REFLECTION – “Once again the disciples are a plaything of the waves and a storm, similar to the first one (Mt 8:4), hurls itself against them. The first time, however, they had Jesus with them, whereas this time, they are alone and left to themselves. …  I think this was because our Saviour wanted to stir their sleeping hearts and, by throwing them into a panic, He inspired in them, a strong desire for His presence and kept the remembrance of Him constantly in their minds.   Hence, He did not come to their help at once but “during the fourth watch of the night He came towards them, walking on the sea”. …

Peter, ever volatile, always getting in before the other disciples, said: “Lord, if it is Thee, command me to come to Thee on the water” …   He did not say, “Command me to walk on the water” but “come to Thee”  for there was none who loved Jesus as much as he.   He did the same thing after the Resurrection – unable to bear moving as slowly as the others in the boat, he jumped into the water to get there before them and satisfy his love for Christ. …  Getting out of the boat, then, Peter went towards Jesus, more delighted to be going towards Him than to be walking on the water.   But after confronting the greatest danger, that of the sea, he was to give in to a lesser, that of the wind.   Such is human nature!   Often, having overcome serious dangers we are conquered by lesser ones …  Peter had not yet been set free from all his fear … in spite of Christ’s presence beside him.   For it is of no use to be beside Christ if one is not close to Him by faith.   This is what emphasises the distance separating Master from the disciple …

“O man of little faith, why did you doubt?”   So, if Peter’s faith had not faltered, he would have resisted the wind without difficulty.   And the proof of this, is that Jesus grasped Peter while leaving the wind to continue blowing …   Just as the mother bird supports with her wings, as it is about to fall, the fledgling that has prematurely left the nest and draws it back into the nest, so does Christ with regard to Peter.” … St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on Saint Matthew’s Gospel, 50, 1-2).

PRAYER – O God, Who made this day holy by the Martyrdom of Your Apostles Peter and Paul, grant Thy Church to follow in all things, the teaching of those, from whom she first received the faith. 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 LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on TRUTH, SACRED HEART QUOTES, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 April – ‘ … Thanks to this Heart … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 12 April – “The Month of the Resurrection” –Ferial Day, Friday in the Second Week of Easter – 1 John 5:4-10, John 20:19-31 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“My Lord and my God.” – John 20:28

REFLECTION – “Thomas said: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in His Hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into His Side, I will not believe.” What an astonishing hardness of heart on this disciple’s part: not even the witness of so many of the brethren, nor even the sight of their joy, were enough to give him faith. Yet, the Lord appeared to take care of him. The good Shepherd does not allow the loss of His sheep (Mt 18:12) having said to His Father: “Thou gave them to me and none of them was lost” (Jn 17:6.12). Let the shepherds learn, then, what care they should show towards their sheep, since the Lord came for a single one. Any care and labour are a small thing, compared with the importance of one soul…

“Put your finger here and see My Hands, and bring your hand and put it into My Side, and do not be unbelieving but believe.” O blessed hand that penetrated the secrets of the Heart of Christ! What riches did they not find in it? It was while resting on this Heart that John drew out the Mysteries of Heaven (Jn 13:25), while penetrating It that Thomas found great treasures – what a wonderful school which forms such disciples! Thanks to this Heart, the former expressed marvellous things, higher than the stars, concerning the Divinity when he said: “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1). And the latter, touched by the Light of Truth, cried out this sublime cry: “My Lord and my God!” – St Thomas of Villanova OSA (1486-1555) Hermit of Saint Augustine, Bishop (Sermon for Low Sunday (in Homiliarius Breviarii Romani).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and, by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, DOCTORS of the Church, EASTER, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection –9 April – ‘ … He Who comes out alive from death and Who rises out of His woundedness, is God indeed!

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One Minute Reflection – 9 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” –Ferial Day – Tuesday in the Second Week of Easter – 1 John 5:4-10, John 20. 19-31 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thomas answered and said to Him: My Lord and my God.” – John 20:28

REFLECTION – “ Why did Thomas seek proof for his faith in this way? … Your love, my brethren, would have preferred it, if lack of faith had left no-one in doubt after the Resurrection. But Thomas bore the uncertainty, not only of his own heart but of all people. And since he was to preach the Resurrection to the gentiles, he sought out, like a good workman, what he would base a Mystery on which demands so much faith. And the Lord showed all the Apostles what Thomas had sought so late. “Jesus came … and showed them His Hands and His Side” (Jn 20:19-20). Indeed, the Person Who entered when the doors were shut, might have been taken for a spirit, by the disciples, if he had not been able to show them that it was none other than He, the Wounds being the mark of His Passion.

Then He came to Thomas and said to him: ”Put your hand in My Side and do not be unbelieving but believe. May the Wounds you are opening make faith flow into the whole world once more, those Wounds which have already poured out the water of Baptism and the Blood of Redemption.” (Jn 19:34). Thomas replied: “My Lord and my God!” Let unbelievers come and hear and, as our Lord said, let them no longer be doubters but believers. Thomas makes known and declares that this is not just a human Body but that, by the Passion of His Body of Flesh, Christ is God and Lord. He Who comes out alive from death and Who rises out of His woundedness is God indeed!” – St Peter Chrysologus (406-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 84).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God that we, who have celebrated the Paschal Feast, may, by Thy bounty, retain its fruits in our daily habits and behaviour. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, EASTER, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 April – ‘ … He entered, all the doors being shut!’

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One Minute Reflection – 7 April – “The Month of the Resurrection” – Low Sunday, The Octave Day of Easter – 1 John 5:4-10, John 20. 19-31 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“We have seen the Lord.” – John 20:25

REFLECTION – “While hiding in a house, the Apostles see Christ; He entered, all the doors being shut. But Thomas, who was absent at that time… shuts his ears and wants to open his eyes … He bursts out with his incredulity, hoping, in this way, his desire will be answered. “My doubts are not going to disappear until I see Him,” he says. “I shall put my finger in the marks of the nails and embrace this Lord of mine Whom I long for so much. Let Him reproach my lack of faith but let Him satisfy me with sight of Him. For now, I am unbelieving but, when I see Him, I shall believe. I shall believe when I clasp Him in my arms and gaze on Him. I wish to see the holes in those Hands which have healed the hands of Adam’s wrongdoing. I wish to see the Side which cast out death from mankind’s side. I wish, be my own witness, to see the Lord and another’s testimony is not enough for me. Your tales aggravate my impatience. The joyful news you bring does nothing but stir up my turmoil. I shall not be cured of this sickness, unless I touch its medicine with my own hands.”

The Lord appeared again and dispelled both the sadness and the doubt of His disciple. What am I saying? He did not dispel his doubts, He fulfilled his expectation! He entered, all the doors being shut!” – Basil of Seleucia (Died c468) Archbishop (Sermon for the Resurrection).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who have celebrated the Paschal Feast, may, by Thy bounty, retain its fruits in our daily habits and behaviour. 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 ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, CARMELITES, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on WATCHING, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 15 October – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila

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Quote/s of the Day – 15 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila OCD (1515-1582) Virgin and Doctor of the Church

“It is love alone
which gives worth
to all things.”

“Hope, O my soul, hope!
You know neither the day, nor the hour.
Watch carefully, for everything passes quickly,
even though your impatience, makes doubtful,
what is certain and turns
a very short time, into a long one.”

“Accustom yourself,
to make many acts of love, continually,
for they enkindle and melt the soul.”

“God withholds Himself
from no-one who perseveres.”

“The important thing,
is not to think much
but to love much.”

Thy Holy Will
By St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582)
Doctor of the Church

Lord,
grant that I may always
allow myself to be guided by Thee,
always follow Thy plans
and perfectly accomplish Thy Holy Will.
Grant that in all things,
great and small,
today and all the days of my life,
I may do,
whatever Thou may require of me.
Help me to respond
to the slightest prompting
of Thy grace,
so that I may be Thy trustworthy instrument,
for Thy honour.
May Thy Will be done in time
and eternity –
by me, in me and through me.
Amen

MORE:
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St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in ADVENT, CHRISTMASTIDE!, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN QUOTES, MOTHER of GOD, QUOTES on DOUBT, Quotes on SALVATION, The ANNUNCIATION, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The NATIVITY of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 11 October – Feast of the Divine Maternity

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Quote/s of the Day – 11 October – Feast of the Divine Maternity

“That anyone could doubt the right
of the holy Virgin
to be called the Mother of God,
fills me with astonishment.
Surely she must be the Mother of God,
if our Lord Jesus Christ is God
and she gave birth to Him!”

St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)
Father and Doctor of the Church

The God Whom Earth and Sea and Sky
For Mary, The Mother of God
For the Annunciation, Advent and Christmas
By St Venantius Fortunatus (c 530 – c 609)

The God whom earth and sea and sky
Adore and praise and magnify,
Whose might they claim, whose love they tell,
In Mary’s body comes to dwell.

O Mother blest! the chosen shrine
Wherein the Architect Divine,
Whose Hand contains the earth and sky,
Has come in human form to lie.

Blest in the message Gabriel brought,
Blest in the work the Spirit wrought,
Most blest, to bring to human birth
The long desired of all the earth.

O Lord, the Virgin-born, to You
Eternal praise and laud are due,
Whom with the Father we adore
And Spirit blest for evermore.

“Having confidence in you,
O Mother of God, I shall be saved.
Being under you protection,
I shall fear nothing.
With your help,
I shall give battle to my enemies
and put them to flight,
for devotion to you,
is an arm of Salvation.”

St John Damascene (676-749)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“And some seed fell on good ground”
Luke 8:8

“Rejoice, O Mary, House of the Lord,
earth trodden by the Footsteps of God…
Rejoice, O Paradise
more happy than the Garden of Eden,
where every virtue has been seeded
and where the Tree of Life has grown.”

St Theodore the Studite (750-826)
Father, Abbot, Theologian, Writer

(Sermon 2 for the Nativity of Mary)

Posted in APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, EASTER, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on TRUTH, The HEART, The RESURRECTION, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 4 October – St Francis of Assisi

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Quote/s of the Day – 4 October – St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226) Confessor, Founder

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

“Jesus is happy to come with us,
as Truth is happy to be spoken,
as Life to be lived,
as Light to be lit,
as Love is to be loved,
as Joy to be given,
as Peace to be spread.”

“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.”

“Keep a clear eye toward life’s end.
Do not forget your purpose
and destiny as God’s creature.
What you are in His sight,
is what you are and nothing more.
Remember that when you leave this earth,
you can take nothing that you have received…
but only what you have given – a full heart
enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.”

Great and Glorious God
By St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226)

Great and glorious God,
my Lord Jesus Christ!
I implore Thee to enlighten me
and to disperse the darkness of my soul.
Give me true faith, firm hope and perfect charity.
Grant me, O Lord, to know Thee so well
that in all things I may act by Thy Light
and in accordance with Thy holy Will.
Amen

Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace.
“The Peace Prayer”
By St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving
that we receive;
it is in pardoning
that we are pardoned
and it is in dying,
that we are born to eternal life.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/04/quote-s-of-the-day-4-october-st-francis-of-assisi/

St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226)

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, I BELIEVE!, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PHYSICAL SICKNESS, ILLNESS, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Thought for the Day – September – Faith and Hope

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

Faith and Hope

“We should also have great confidence in the continual assistance which God offers us in the temptations, troubles and trials of life.
When we are strongly tempted, we should remember that God will not permit us to be tempted beyond our strength (Cf 1 Cor 10:13), and we should pray to Him for help.

When pain torments us, when humiliations are difficult to bear, when all is dark. we fear each moment and we feel abandoned, let us trust in Him, Who is the Way, the Truth and Life.
He says to us, as He said to Peter floundering in the waves:
“O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?” (Mt 14:31).

He is always ready to console and comfort.
He is always there waiting for our call.
We are not alone!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/04/thought-for-the-day-4-july-faith/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/05/thought-for-the-day-5-july-faith-and-hope/

Posted in CARMELITES, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on WATCHING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 September – ‘ … I really think, nothing seems impossible, to one who loves. … ‘ St Teresa

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One Minute Reflection – 16 September – “Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Saints Cornelius and Cyprian – 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 – May the feast of the blessed Martyrs and Bishops, Cornelius and Cyprian, protect us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and may their holy prayer recommend us to Thee.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 DOCTORS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, The HOLY NAME of MARY

Our Morning Offering – 12 September – Mother Mary, Queen Most Sweet!

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Our Morning Offering – 12 September – Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary

Mother Mary, Queen Most Sweet!
Attrib. to St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor
Italian Hymn
Trans. Fr Edmund Vaughan CSSR (1827-1908)

Mother Mary, Queen most sweet!
Joy and love my heart inflame;
Gladly shall my lips repeat
Every moment thy dear name.

Ah! that name, to God so dear,
Has my heart and soul enslaved;
Like a seal it shall appear
Deep on heart and soul engraved.

When the morning gilds the skies,
I will call on Mary’s name;
When at evening twilight dies,
Mary, still will I exclaim.

Sweetest Mary, bend thine ear:
Thou my own dear mother art;
Therefore, shall thy name so dear
Never from my lips depart.

If my soul is sore oppress’d
By a load of anxious care,
Peace once more will fill my breast
When thy name re-echoes there.

Waves of doubt disturb my peace,
And my heart is faint with fear;
At thy name the billows cease,
All my’terrors disappear.

When the demon hosts invade,—
When temptation rages high,
Crying, “Mary, Mother! aid!”
I will make the tempter fly.

This shall be my comfort sweet,
When the hand of death is nigh,
Mary! Mary! to repeat
Once again—and then, to die.

This Hymn is an Anonymous Hymn belonging to the Redemptorist tradition but Hymnary.org attributes it to St Alphonsus Liguori.
“Hymns and Verses on Spiritual Subjects” (1863) notes that this is one of two Hymns, translated in that book, mentioned above, which come from a Neapolitan published collection of Mission Hymns which are attributed to St Alphonsus.

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CARMELITES, CATECHESIS, CATHOLIC TIME, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on TIME, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, St Francis de Sales, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 7 September – “I will never abandon you, I will always be with you.”

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Quote/s of the Day – 7 September – Ferial Day – Galatians 5:16-24, Matthew 6:24-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Therefore, I say to you,
do not be anxious for your life,
what you shall eat;
nor yet, for your body,
what you shall put on.”

Matthew 6:25

“… May grace and peace
be yours in abundance,
through knowledge of God
and of Jesus Our Lord…”

2 Peter 1:2

“Do you desire security?
Here you have it.
The Lord says to you, “I will never abandon you,
I will always be with you.”
If a good man made you such a promise,
you would trust him.
God makes it and do you doubt?
Do you seek a support, more sure
than the Word of God, which is infallible?
Surely, He has made the promise,
He has written it,
He has pledged His Word for it, it is most certain!”

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

“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 the world turn upside down,
let everything be in darkness, in smoke,
in uproar – God is with us!”

“I recommend that you look before you
but not dwell upon those
dangers which you see in the distance.”

“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 Caritatis

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN POETRY, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Quote/s of the Day – 5 August – You Are All Beautiful, Mary

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Quote/s of the Day – 5 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Dedication of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows

“In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties,
think of Mary, call upon Mary.
Let not her name depart from your lips,
never suffer it to leave your heart.
And that you may obtain the assistance of her prayer,
neglect not to walk in her footsteps.
With her for guide, you shall never go astray;
while invoking her, you shall never lose heart;
as long as she is in your mind,
you are safe from deception;
while she holds your hand, you cannot fall;
under her protection, you have nothing to fear;
if she walks before you, you shall not grow weary;
if she shows you favour, you shall reach the goal!”

St Bernard (1090-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

“If you are in danger,
if your hearts are confused,
turn to Mary!”

St Francis Xavier (1506-1552)

No-one who shall invoke
this Mother of Grace,
with devotion and perseverance,
can possibly perish forever.”

St John Eudes (1601-1680)
“The Apostle of Two Hearts”

Tota Pulchra Es, Maria
You Are All Beautiful, Mary
Unknown Author – 4th Century

You are all beautiful, Mary,
and the original stain is not in you.
You are the glory of Jerusalem,
you are the joy of Israel,
you give honour to our people.
You are an advocate of sinners.
O Mary, O Mary,
Virgin most intelligent,
Mother most merciful.
Pray for us,
Plead for us,
To the Lord Jesus Christ.

Tota pulchra es, Maria.
Et macula originalis non est in Te.
Tu gloria Ierusalem.
Tu laetitia Israel.
Tu honorificentia populi nostri.
Tu advocata peccatorum.
O Maria, O Maria,
Virgo prudentissima.
Mater clementissima.
Ora pro nobis.
Intercede pro nobis.
Ad Dominum Iesum Christum.

Posted in "Follow Me", DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 July – “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” – Matthew 14:31

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One Minute Reflection – 6 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – The Octave Day of Sts Peter and Paul – Sirach 44:10-15, Matthew 14:22-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” – Matthew 14:31

REFLECTION – “Once again the disciples are a plaything of the waves and a storm, similar to the first one (Mt 8:4) hurls itself against them. The first time, however, they had Jesus with them, whereas this time they are alone and left to themselves. … I think this was because our Saviour wanted to stir their sleeping hearts and, by throwing them into a panic, He inspired in them a strong desire for His presence and kept the remembrance of Him constantly in their minds. Hence, He did not come to their help at once but “during the fourth watch of the night He came towards them, walking on the sea …”

Peter, ever volatile, always getting in before the other disciples, said: “Lord, if it is Thee, command me to come to Thee on the water” … He didn’t say, “Command me to walk on the water” but “come to thee,” for, there was none who loved Jesus as much as he. He did the same thing after the Resurrection – unable to bear moving as slowly as the others in the boat, he jumped into the water to get there before them and satisfy his love for Christ. … Getting out of the boat, then, Peter went towards Jesus, more delighted to be going towards Him, than to be walking on the water. But after confronting the greatest danger, that of the sea, he was to give in to a lesser, that of the wind. Such is human nature! Often, having overcome serious dangers we are conquered by lesser ones … Peter had not yet been set free from all his fear … in spite of Christ’s presence beside him. For it is of no use to be beside Christ if one is not close to Him by faith. This is what emphasises the distance separating Master from the disciple …

“O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” So if Peter’s faith had not faltered, he would have resisted the wind without difficulty. And the proof of this, is that Jesus grasped Peter ,while leaving the wind to continue blowing … Just as the mother bird supports the fledgling which has prematurely left the nest, with her wings, as it is about to fall and draws it back into the nest, so does Christ, with regard to Peter.” … St John Chrysostom (345-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church – (Homilies on Saint Matthew’s Gospel no 50, 1-2).

PRAYER – O God, Who made this day holy by the Martyrdom of Your Apostles Peter and Paul, grant Thy Church to follow in all things, the teaching of those, from whom she first received the faith. 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 LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on TRUTH, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SACRED HEART QUOTES, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 April – ‘ … Thanks to this Heart … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 20 April – “The Month of the Resurrection” –Feria Day, Thursday in the Second Week of Easter – 1 John 5:4-10, John 20:19-31 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“My Lord and my God.” – John 20:28

REFLECTION – “Thomas said: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in His Hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into His Side, I will not believe.” What an astonishing hardness of heart on this disciple’s part: not even the witness of so many of the brethren, nor even the sight of their joy, were enough to give him faith. Yet, the Lord appeared to take care of him. The good Shepherd does not allow the loss of His sheep (Mt 18:12) having said to His Father: “Thou gave them to me and none of them was lost” (Jn 17:6.12). Let the shepherds learn, then, what care they should show towards their sheep, since the Lord came for a single one. Any care and labour are a small thing, compared with the importance of one soul…

“Put your finger here and see My Hands, and bring your hand and put it into My Side, and do not be unbelieving but believe.” O blessed hand that penetrated the secrets of the Heart of Christ! What riches did they not find in it? It was while resting on this Heart that John drew out the Mysteries of Heaven (Jn 13:25), while penetrating It that Thomas found great treasures – what a wonderful school which forms such disciples! Thanks to this Heart, the former expressed marvellous things, higher than the stars, concerning the Divinity when he said: “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1). And the latter, touched by the Light of Truth, cried out this sublime cry: “My Lord and my God!” – St Thomas of Villanova OSA (1486-1555) Hermit of Saint Augustine, Bishop (Sermon for Low Sunday (in Homiliarius Breviarii Romani).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and, by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. 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 WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TIME, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 18 April – Embrace, then, Jesus Crucified …

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Quote/s of the Day – 18 April – “The Month of the Resurrection” – Tuesday in the Second Week of Easter – 1 John 5:4-10, John 20. 19-31 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“My Lord and my God.”

John 20:28

“Are you able to drink the cup
that I am to drink?”

Matthew 20:22

“Embrace, then, Jesus Crucified,
raising to Him the eyes of your desire!
Consider His burning love for you
which made Jesus pour out His Blood
from every part of His body!
Embrace Jesus Crucified,
loving and beloved and in Him,
you will find true life because He is God made Man.
Let your heart and your soul burn
with the fire of love drawn from Jesus on the Cross!
… You will have no other desire than to follow Jesus!
Run, … do not stay asleep
because time flies and does not wait one moment!
Dwell in God’s sweet love!”

St Catherine of Sienna (1347-1380)
Doctor of the Church

“Alas, how the faith of Jesus’ Apostles
is shaken after His Crucifixion!
Assembled in a room with closed doors,
they are filled with fear.
Then Jesus enters, stands in their midst
and greets them: ‘Peace be with you.’ …
Without the presence of our Saviour,
they felt timid and lacked strength.
Such is the case when one is without God.
They were afraid.
Like a ship tossed in a storm without a pilot,
such was this poor boat.
Our Lord appears to His disciples
to bring relief to their fear.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 April – My Lord and my God!

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One Minute Reflection – 18 April – “The Month of the Resurrection” – Tuesday in the Second Week of Easter – 1 John 5:4-10, John 20. 19-31 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thomas answered and said to Him: My Lord and my God.” – John 20:28

REFLECTION – “ Why did Thomas seek proof for his faith in this way? … Your love, my brethren, would have preferred it, if lack of faith had left no-one in doubt after the Resurrection. But Thomas bore the uncertainty, not only of his own heart but of all people. And since he was to preach the Resurrection to the gentiles, he sought out, like a good workman, what he would base a Mystery on which demands so much faith. And the Lord showed all the Apostles what Thomas had sought so late. “Jesus came … and showed them His Hands and His Side” (Jn 20:19-20). Indeed, the Person Who entered when the doors were shut, might have been taken for a spirit, by the disciples, if he had not been able to show them that it was none other than He, the Wounds being the mark of His Passion.

Then He came to Thomas and said to him: ”Put your hand in My Side and do not be unbelieving but believe. May the Wounds you are opening make faith flow into the whole world once more, those Wounds which have already poured out the water of Baptism and the Blood of Redemption.” (Jn 19:34). Thomas replied: “My Lord and my God!” Let unbelievers come and hear and, as our Lord said, let them no longer be doubters but believers. Thomas makes known and declares that this is not just a human Body but that, by the Passion of His Body of Flesh, Christ is God and Lord. He Who comes out alive from death and Who rises out of His woundedness is God indeed!” – St Peter Chrysologus (406-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 84).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God that we, who have celebrated the Paschal Feast, may, by Thy bounty, retain its fruits in our daily habits and behaviour. 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 franciscan OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING

Our Morning Offering – 7 February – “The Peace Prayer”

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Our Morning Offering – 7 February – Tuesday of Septuagesima Week – Preparing to prepare, making a plan of action, seeking the best means for ourselves.

Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace.
“The Peace Prayer”
By St Francis of Assisi (c 1181–1226

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving
that we receive;
it is in pardoning
that we are pardoned
and it is in dying,
that we are born to eternal life.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, JESUIT SJ, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE, Quotes on SALVATION, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 November – St Albert the Great – ‘… Such should be the shepherd in the Church … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 15 November – St Albert the Great OP (1200-1280) Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14

REFLECTION – “I shall always love and reverence the Apostles sent by Christ and their successors, in sowing the seed of the Gospel, those zealous and tireless co-operators in propagating the Word, who may justly say of themselves: Let a man so account of us as the ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the mysteries of God. For Christ, like a most watchful and most faithful householder, wished that the Gospel lamp should be lighted by such ministers and delegates, with fire sent down from Heaven and once lighted, should not be put under a measure but set upon a candlestick, so that it may spread its brightness far and wide and put to flight, all darkness and error, rife among both Jews and Gentiles.

Now it is not enough for the Gospel teacher to be a brilliant speaker in the eyes of the people; he must also be as a voice crying in the desert and endeavour, by his eloquence, to help many to lead good lives, lest, if he omit his duty of speaking, he be called the dumb dog that is not able to bark, spoken of by the prophet. Yes, he should also burn, in such a way, that, equipped with good works and love, he may adorn his evangelical office and follow the leadership of Paul. He indeed was not satisfied with bidding the Bishop of the Ephesians: This command and teach: conduct thyself in work as a good soldier of Christ Jesus but he unflaggingly preached the Gospel to friend and foe alike and, said with a good conscience to the Bishops gathered at Ephesus: You know how I have kept back nothing that was for your good but have declared it to you and taught you in public and from house to house, urging Jews and Gentiles to turn to God in repentance and to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Such should be the shepherd in the Church who, like Paul, becomes all things to all men, so that the sick may find healing in him; the sad, joy; the desperate, hope; the ignorant, instruction; those in doubt, advice; the penitent, forgiveness and comfort and finally, everyone, whatever is necessary for salvation. And so Christ, when He wished to appoint the chief teachers of the world and of the Church, did not limit Himself to saying to His disciples: You are the light of the world but also added these words: A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a measure but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all who are in the house. Those churchmen err, who imagine that it is by brilliant preaching, rather than by holiness of and all-embracing love, they fulfil their office.” – St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1597) Doctor of the Church (Sermon excerpt).

PRAYER – O God, Who made blessed Albert, ThyBishop and Doctor, eminent in the submission of human wisdom to divine faith, grant us, we beseech Thee, so to follow the path of his teaching that we may enjoy perfect light in Heaven.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 LIGHT, franciscan OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DESPAIR, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PEACE

Our Morning Offering – 4 October – Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace.

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Our Morning Offering – 4 October – St Francis of Assisi OFM (c 1181–1226) Confessor, Founder

Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace.
“The Peace Prayer”
By St Francis of Assisi (c 1181–1226

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving
that we receive;
it is in pardoning
that we are pardoned
and it is in dying,
that we are born to eternal life.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD

Thought for the Day – 26 September – Faith and Hope

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Thought for the Day – 26 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Faith and Hope

“We should also have great confidence in the continual assistance which God offers us in the temptations, troubles and trials of life.
When we are strongly tempted, we should remember that God will not permit us to be tempted beyond our strength (Cf 1 Cor 10:13), and we should pray to Him for help.

When pain torments us, when humiliations are difficult to bear, when all is dark. we fear each moment and we feel abandoned, let us trust in Him, Who is the Way, the Truth and Life.
He says to us, as He said to Peter floundering in the waves:
“O O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?” (Mt 14:31).

He is always ready to console and comfort.
He is always there waiting for our call.
We are not alone!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/04/thought-for-the-day-4-july-faith/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/05/thought-for-the-day-5-july-faith-and-hope/

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FRUITS of the SPIRIT, I BELIEVE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, QUOTES on TRUTH, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HEART, The HOLY NAME, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING, The SIGN of the CROSS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 26 August – Blessed art thou … Matthew 16:17

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Quote/s of the Day – 26 August – St Zephyrinus (Died 217) Martyr and Pope – 1 Pet 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19

“Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona
because flesh and blood
hath not revealed it to thee
but My Father Who is in Heaven.”

Matthew 16:17

“Keep me, O Lord, as the apple of Your eye;
hide me in the shadow of Your wings.”

Psalm 16:8,2

“… May grace and peace
be yours in abundance,
through knowledge of God
and of Jesus Our Lord…”

2 Peter 1:2

“We recognise a tree by its fruit
and we ought to be able to recognise
a Christian by his action.
The fruit of faith
should be evident in our lives,
for being a Christian,
is more than making
sound professions of faith.
It should reveal itself
in practical and visible ways.
Indeed, it is better to keep quiet
about our beliefs
and live them out,
than to talk eloquently
about what we believe
but fail, to live by it.”

St Ignatius of Antioch (c 35-c 108)
Father of the Church

“See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
‘I am he’ and ‘The time has come.’
Do not follow them!”

Luke 21:8

“[Christ speaks:]
I became useless to those who knew Me not,
because I shall hide Myself,
from those who possessed Me not.
And I will be with those who love Me. …
I arose and am with them
and will speak by their mouths.
For they have rejected those who persecute them
and I threw over them, the yoke of My love. …
Then I heard their voice
and placed their faith in My Heart.
And I placed My Name upon their forehead (Rv 14,1)
because they are free and they are Mine!”

Odes of Solomon
(Hebrew Christian text from the beginning
of the 2nd century) N° 42)

“Do you desire security?
Here you have it.
The Lord says to you,
“I will never abandon you,
I will always be with you.”
If a good man made you such a promise,
you would trust him.
God makes it and do you doubt?
Do you seek a support, more sure
than the Word of God, which is infallible?
Surely, He has made the promise,
He has written it,
He has pledged His Word for it,
it is most certain!”

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

“Believing is:
an act of the intellect
assenting to the divine truth,
by command of the will,
moved by God through grace.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor Angelicus. Doctor Communis

“Each one of us has a thirst
for all that is infinite, eternal and perfect.
God alone can satisfy this thirst.
Just as we are created by God,
so we are created for Him.
Just as we came from God,
so we are gradually travelling back towards Him,
for He is the final goal of our earthly journey.
We should meditate on this great truth
which we were first taught in the Catechism,
namely, that we were created
to know, love and serve God
on this earth and to be happy with Him
forever in Heaven.
God alone is the eternal beauty
which will satisfy our hearts.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, LENT 2022, LENTEN PRAYERS & NOVENAS, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent – 29 March – Our Lenten Journey with the Great Fathers – ‘ … Will He not save you too, since you have believed? …’

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Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent – 29 March – Our Lenten Journey with the Great Fathers – Exodus 32:7-14, John 7:14-31

“Arise, O Lord, help us! Redeem us for Your Name’s sake.” – Psalm 43:26

“But of the people, many believed in him …”

John 7:31

“THE ONE WORD “FAITH” can have two meanings. One kind of faith concerns doctrines. It involves the soul’s ascent to and acceptance of some particular matter. It also concerns the soul’s good, according to the words of the Lord: Whoever hears my voice and believes in him who sent me has eternal life and will not come to be judged. And again: He who believes in the Son is not condemned but has passed from death to life.

HOW GREAT is God’s love for men! Some good men have been found pleasing to God because of years of work. What they achieved by working, for many hours at a task pleasing to God, is freely given to you by Jesus in one short hour. For if you believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved and taken up to paradise by Him, just as He brought the thief there. Do not doubt that this is possible. After all, He saved the thief on the holy hill of Golgotha because of one hour’s faith; will He not save you too, since you have believed?

THE OTHER KIND OF FAITH is given by Christ by means of a special grace. To one wise sayings are given through the Spirit, to another perceptive comments by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing. Now this kind of faith, given by the Spirit as a special favour, is not confined to doctrinal matters, for it produces effects beyond any human capability. If a man ,who has this faith, says to this mountain, move from here to there, it will move. For when anybody says thi,s in faith, believing it will happen and having no doubt in his heart, he then receives that grace.

IT IS THIS KIND OF FAITH, moreover, of which it is said – ‘If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed.’ The mustard seed is small in size but it holds an explosive force; although it is sown in a small hole, it produces great branches and when it is grown, birds can nest therein In the same way, faith produces great effects in the soul instantaneously. Enlightened by faith, the soul pictures God and sees Him as clearly as any soul can. It circles the earth; even before the end of this world, it sees the judgement and the conferring of promised rewards.

SO MAY YOU HAVE THE FAITH which depends on you and is directed to God, that you may receive from Him, that faith too, which transcends man’s capacity.” – St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387) – Bishop, Confessor, Great Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from his Catecheses 5).