Category: QUOTES on GRACE

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD

Thought for the Day – 30 March – The Hour of Trial

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

The Hour of Trial

“We should meditate on the following passage from The Imitation of Christ.

“Just Father, ever to be praised, the hour is come for Your servant to be tried. Beloved Father, it is right that in this hour Your servant should suffer something for You. O Father, forever to be honoured, the hour which You knew from all eternity is at hand, when, for a short time, Your servant should be outwardly oppressed but inwardly, should ever live with You.

Let him be a little slighted, let him be humbled, let him fail in the sight of men, let him be afflicted with sufferings and pains, so that he may rise again with You in the dawn of the New Light and be glorified in Heaven.”

“Holy Father, You have so appointed and wished it. What has happened is what You commanded. For this is a favour to Your friend, to suffer and be troubled in the world for Your love, no matter how often and by whom, You permit it to happen to him.”

“Grant me, O Lord, the grace to know what should be known, to praise what is most pleasing to You, to esteem that, which appears most precious to You and to abhor what is unclean in Your sight.” (Bk III c 50).

In the light of these reflections, every trial will be bearable and, by the grace of God, even welcome!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/18/thought-for-the-day-18-february-the-hour-of-trial/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/30/thought-for-the-day-30-march-the-hour-of-trial/

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).

Posted in CARMELITES, DOCTORS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, The WILL of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 28 March – Thy Holy Will

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Our Morning Offering – 28 March – Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent

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

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SIN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 26 March – Repent!

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Quote/s of the Day – 26 March – Saturday of the Third Week of Lent – Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62, John 8:1-11

“Go and from now on, sin no more”

John 8:11

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

Luke 3:4

“You do not know
when your last day may come.
You are an ingrate!
Why not use the day, today,
that God has given you
to repent?”

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

“What are you afraid of, you men of little faith?
That He will not pardon your sins?
But with His own hands He has nailed them to the cross.
That you are used to soft living
and your tastes are fastidious?
But He knows the clay of which we are made (Gn 2:7).
That a prolonged habit of sinning binds you like a chain?
But the Lord loosens the shackles of prisoners.
Or perhaps that angered by the enormity
and frequency of your sins,
He is slow to extend a helping hand?
But where sin abounded,
grace became superabundant (Rom 5,20).
Are you worried about clothing
and food and other bodily necessities
so that you hesitate to give up your possessions?
But He knows that you need all these things (Mt 6,32).
What more can you wish?
What else is there to hold you back
from the way of salvation? ”

St Bernard (1091-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FRUITS of the SPIRIT, GOD the FATHER, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, The HEART, The HOLY GHOST, The TEN COMMANDMENTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 23 March – ‘But why did the first Law, written with the Finger of God (Ex 31:18), not give us the essential assistance of grace?’ – St Augustine

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One Minute Reflection – 23 March – Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent – Exodus 20:12-24, Matthew 15:1-20

“Hypocrites, well did Isaias prophesy of you, saying, ‘This people honours me with their lips but their heart is far from Me and in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrine, the precepts of men.’ ” – Matthew 15:7

REFLECTION – “The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed you from the law of sin and death” (Rm 8:2) … Saint Paul says that the Law of Moses has been given to prove our weakness and not just to prove it but, to increase it and thus force us to find the Doctor. … “Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more” (Rm 5:20; cf. 3:20) … But why did the first Law, written with the Finger of God (Ex 31:18), not give us the essential assistance of grace? Because it was written on tablets of stone, not the tablets of flesh, that are our hearts (2 Cor 3:3) ….

It is the Holy Spirit Who writes “the Law of the Spirit of life” not on stone but in the heart; this Law of the Spirit of life that is in Jesus Christ in Whom the Passover has been celebrated in truth (1 Cor 5:7-8), has delivered you from the law of sin and death. Do you want to have proof of the manifest and certain difference separating the Old Testament from the New? … Hear what the Lord spoke by the mouth of one of the prophets. … ”I will place my law within them and write it upon their hearts” (Jr 31:33). So if God’s Law is written in your heart, it does not bring forth fear [as at Sinai] but pours a secret sweetness into your soul.” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 155, 6 ).

PRAYER – Breathe in Me, O Holy Spirit By St Augustine (354-420)

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit,
that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit,
that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit,
that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit,
to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit,
that I always may be holy.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on GRACE, The HEART, The HOLY GHOST

Our Morning Offering – 23 March – Inflame our Hearts with Your Love By St Alphonsus

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Our Morning Offering – 23 March – Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent

Inflame our Hearts with Your Love
Prayer To the Holy Spirit
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

You made Mary full of grace
and enflamed the hearts of the Apostles
with a holy zeal.
Inflame our hearts with Your love.
You are the Spirit of Goodness,
Give us the courage to confront evil.
You are Fire, set us ablaze with Your love.
You are Light, enlighten our minds,
that we may see what is truly important.
You are the Dove, give us gentleness.
You are a soothing Breeze,
bring calm to the storms that rage within us.
You are the Tongue,
may our lips ever sing God’s praises
You are the Cloud,
shelter us under the shadow of Your protection
O Holy Ghost, melt the frozen,
warm the chilled
and enkindle in us an earnest desire
to please You.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE

Thought for the Day – 22 March – Our Temperament

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Thought for the Day – 22 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Our Temperament

“There is a theory that it is impossible to form character because, our character is and always will be, what nature has given us.
“Naturam expellas furca, tamen usque recurret” ( “You cast out nature with a pitchfork but only until such time, as it comes back again”) (Horace, Epistles 1 10:24).
Montaigne and Rousseau extended this idea of Horace, to the extent of holding, that it would be evil as well as superfluous, to attempt to shape character, which should be what nature intended it to be.
Although there is some little truth in this opinion, fundamentally, it is false.
It is true that nature cannot be suppressed but, it can be shaped and improved by a sound and well-directed education.
Our natural temperament can be compared to an uncultivated field, covered with weeds and bushes, or to a horse which is still untamed and unaccustomed to labour.
It abounds in hidden energies and unregulated instincts; it is dangerous to leave it to itself.
It would become as Dante puts it, “a large forest, wild and rough” (Inferno 1:5).

So, it is necessary for character to be formed under the guidance of a good teacher and subject to the wisdom and grace of God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/22/thought-for-the-day-22-march-our-temperament/

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on TRUTH, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 20 March – “Whoever does not gatherwith me, scatters.” – Luke 11:23

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Quote/s of the Day – 20 March – The Third Sunday of Lent – Ephesians 5:1-9, Luke 11:14-28

“Whoever does not gather
with me, scatters.”

Luke 11:23

“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

The waters have risen
and severe storms are upon us
but we do not fear drowning,
for we stand firmly upon a rock.
Let the sea rage,
it cannot break the rock.”
Let the waves rise,
they cannot sink the Boat of Jesus.”

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Without the Way, there is no going,
Without the Truth, there is no knowing,
Without the Life, there is no living.”

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 March – Persevere to the end and prefer to die rather than abandon the post to which God has called you!

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One Minute Reflection – 13 March – The Second Sunday of Lent – Daniel 3:47-51, Matthew 17:1-9 and “The Month of St Joseph”

“Lord, it is good for us to be here” – Matthew 17:4

REFLECTION – “Rejoice and be happy! Persevere to the end and prefer to die rather than abandon the post to which God has called you!

But embrace the Cross with patience and hide in God’s breast with your troubles: fix your eyes on the Lamb immolated for your sake and always be content with what God gives you and destines for you. We must act like this because we are sure that God is calling us and has chosen for us ,what will make us the most pleasing in His sight. Thus you will go from light to light and the pains endured for the sake of Jesus Crucified will be delightful to you, whereas the pleasures and consolations of the world ,will become bitter.

You will begin to taste, even in this life, a foretaste of eternal life, for the principal beatitude of the soul in Heaven is to be confirmed forever in the Will of the Father. Thus it tastes the divine sweetness. But it will never taste it in Heaven, if it is not clothed with it on earth, where we are pilgrims and travellers. When it is clothed with it, it tastes God by grace in its troubles; its memory will be full of the Blood of the Lamb without blemish; its mind will be opened and contemplate the ineffable love that God has made known in the Wisdom of His Son and the love it finds in the Holy Spirit’s goodness, casts out self-love and love for created things, to love only God.

So do not be afraid … but suffer with joy, so as to conform yourself to the Will of God.” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church (Sermon for the Second Sunday of Lent [20 Feb 1622])

PRAYER – O God, Who tempered the flames of fire for the three young men, mercifully grant that the flames of sin may not burn us, Your servants.
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 BAPTISM, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on GRACE, Quotes on SALVATION, SACRAMENTS

Thought for the Day – 11 March – The Growth of Jesus

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Thought for the Day – 11 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Growth of Jesus

“It is impossible to stand still in life.
This is true, whether we are speaking of the natural or of the supernatural order of life..
Life is motion and activity; there can be no cessation.
In the natural order, life begins in the womb and passes through the various stages of infancy, adolescence, maturity and old age.

The supernatural life begins in Baptism, matures in Confirmation and is made entirely holy in the Eucharistic union with Jesus
But, if this life begins to fail, the result can be everlasting ruin.
It is true that in His infrinite goodness, Jesus has provided the Sacrament of Penance for those who fall and extinguish in themselves, the supernatural life of grace.
The Sacrament of Penance, has been instituted for their salvation.

At the hour of death moreover, the Sacrament of Extreme Unction heals the soul of sin and soothes the worn-out body with a refreshing ray of the spiritual life.

But woe betide those who abuse God’s gifts!
If anyone repeatedly rejects His favours and appears, instead of advancing in goodness, to be sliding backwards into ruin, he will be engulfed in the languor of spiritual death!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/11/thought-for-the-day-11-march-the-growth-of-jesus/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, Holy Name PRAYERS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, Quotes on SALVATION, The HOLY NAME

Our Morning Offering – 8 March – St Alphonsus’ Prayer for the Gift of Prayer

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Our Morning Offering – 8 March – Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

Prayer for the Gift of Prayer
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

O Incarnate Word,
You have given Your Blood and Your Life
to confer on our prayers that power by which,
according to Your promise,
they obtain for us, all that we ask.
And we, O God,
are so careless of our salvation,
that we will not even ask You for the graces
that we must have, if we should be saved!
In prayer You have given us the key
of all Your Divine treasures
and we, rather than pray,
choose to remain in our misery.
Alas! O Lord, enlighten us,
and make us know the value of prayers,
offered in Your Name and by Your merits,
in the eyes of Your Eternal Father.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, I BELIEVE!, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quotes of the Day – 7 March – St Thomas Aquinas

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Quotes of the Day – 7 March – Monday of the First Week of Lent and the Memorial of St Thomas Aquinas OP (1225-1274) Doctor Angelicus and Doctor Communis

“Charity is
the form,
mover,
mother
and root
of all
the virtues.”

“To love is to
will the good
of the other.”

“The greatest kindness
one can render
to any man
consists in leading him
from error to truth.”

“The celebration of Holy Mass
is as valuable, as the death
of Jesus on the cross.”

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

“He who is NOT angry
when there is just cause
for anger, is IMMORAL.
WHY?
Because anger looks to
the good of Justice.
And if you can live amid Injustice
without anger,
you ARE IMMORAL
as well as UNJUST!”

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

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, HOLY SPIRIT, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, The HEART, The HOLY GHOST, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY, The WILL of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 7 March – All Highest, Glorious God & Prayer to do the Will of God

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Our Morning Offering – 7 March – Monday of the First Week of Lent

Prayer to do the Will of God
By St Francis of Assisi (c 1181-1226)

Almighty, eternal, just and merciful God,
grant us in our misery,
the grace to do for You alone
what we know You want us to do
and always to desire, what pleases You.
Thus, inwardly cleansed,
interiorly enlightened
and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit,
may we be able to follow in the footprints of
Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
And, by Your grace alone,
may we make our way to You,
Most High, Who live and rule in perfect Trinity
and simple Unity
and are glorified God
all-powerful, forever and ever.
Amen

All Highest, Glorious God

All highest, glorious God,
cast Your light into the darkness of our hearts,
give us true faith, firm hope,
perfect charity and profound humility,
so that with wisdom,
courage and perception, O Lord,
we may do what is truly Your holy will.
Amen.

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 2 March – Prayer as a Necessary Means of Salvation

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Thought for the Day – 2 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Prayer as a Necessary Means of Salvation

“The man who prays, will be saved, the man who does not pray, will be damned!”
This reflection occurs in much the same words in the writings St Teresa, of St Alphonsus and of other masters of the spiritual life.
There is no suggestion that prayer ALONE, without sincerity of purpose, the Sacraments and good works, is sufficient for salvation.
What is meant, is that anyone, who does not pray, cannot possibly be saved, except by a miracle because, God, does not normally give His grace to anyone, who does ot ask for it!
Even though the soul has grown indifferent and submerged in sin, if it does not abandon the habit of praying, it will sooner or later, be overcome by remorse and will turn again to God.
St John Chrysostom teaches us, that it is impossible for anyone, who prays fervently and consta\ntly, to fall and remain in serious sin.

Let us pray, therefore.
Let prayer be our constant support in every situation and in every action.
If we remain close to God, we are assured of salvation.
As long as we remain united to Our Lord, His grace will pervade our souls.
But, if we sever this bond of prayer with God, we shall be alone and helpless and shall fall into sin.
This has been the sad experience of many before us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/15/thought-for-the-day-15-march-prayer-as-a-necessary-means-of-salvation/

Posted in QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on PRAYER

Thought for the Day – 27 February – Evening Prayer

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Thought for the Day – 27 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Evening Prayer

“We should pray all the time because we always need the help of God.
“They must always pray and not lose heart” (Lk 18:11).
There are certain times, however, when this need of God is greater than usual.
This is so when we are tempted, or when we are threatened by some evil, whether spiritual or physical.
Our need is also greater when we have some important decision to make, or difficult task to undertake.
When we are close to death, this need of God is exceptionally urgent.

Apart from these occasions, there is a time everyday, when we should feel a special need to kneel and pray to God..
This is when we are going to bed.
Before retiring, we should kneel by the bedside and say our prayers fervently.
We have many reasons for praying –
(1) We should thank God for His graces during the day;
(2) We should ask forgiveness for our lack of co-operation with the gifts He has given us;
(3) We should ask the good God to grant us new fervour.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, OUR Cross, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HEART, The HOLY CROSS, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 27 February – Let us begin anew

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Quote/s of the Day – 27 February – Quinquagesima Sunday – 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 18:31-43

“Open wide your door
to the One who comes.
Open your soul,
throw open the depths of your heart
to see the riches of simplicity,
the treasures of peace,
the sweetness of grace.
Open your heart and run to meet
the Sun of eternal Light
that illuminates all men.”

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

“He who calls us, came here below,
to give us the means of getting there.
He chose the wood
that would enable us to cross the sea –
indeed, no-one can cross the ocean of this world,
who is not borne by the Cross of Christ.
Even the blind can cling to this Cross.
If you can’t see where you are going very well,
don’t let go of it, it will guide you by itself. ”

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

“O heavenly Father, have compassion for my cry
as You did for the prodigal son,
for I, too, am throwing myself at Your feet
and crying aloud as he cried:
“Father, I have sinned!”
Do not reject me Your unworthy child,
O my Saviour but cause Your angels
to rejoice also on my behalf,
O God of goodness You,
Who desire that all should be saved.”

St Romanos Melodios (c 490-c 556)
Monk, Composer of hymns, Poet

“Each day then, we ought to renew our resolutions
and arouse ourselves to fervour,
as though it were the first day
of our turning back to God.
We ought to say: “Help me, O Lord God,
in my good resolution
and in Your holy service.
Grant me now, this very day,
to begin perfectly,
for thus far I have done nothing.”
… Just men depend on the grace of God
rather than on their own wisdom
in keeping their resolutions.
In Him they confide every undertaking …”

Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Thought for the Day – 25 February – Fervour and Tepidity

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Thought for the Day – 25 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Fervour and Tepidity

“The ONLY choice in the life of a Catholic is between fervour and sin!
The tepid or negligent soul cannot remain long in the grace of God and, when God’s grace is removed, it means the death of the soul.

The spiritual life resembles a steep hill.
A man cannot stay still.
He must keep going upwards or begin to slip downwards.
Whoever struggles on, up the hill is approaching perfection and Heaven; whoever slips backwards, is approaching sin, a dead soul and Hell.

There us NO MIDDLE WAY!
Those who are lukewarm are an object of DISGUST to their Creator, Who casts them away from Himself – “Because thou art lukewarm and neither cold nor hot,” the Holy Spirit says, “I am about to vomit thee out of my mouth” (Apoc 3:16).

So, it is not enough to be mediocre Catholic.
The half-hearted and indifferent are already travelling along the slippery path of sin and are on the waiting list for hell!
It is dangerous for anyone to remain thoughtlessly in this state of spiritude ineptitude.
A man who never thinks of his own salvation, is suffering from a serious illness.
He is running a very great risk of eternal damnation.
He has one foot in Hell here on this earth!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in ACT of PERFECT CONTRITION, CONFESSION/PENANCE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 23 February – The Sacrament of Penance

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Thought for the Day – 23 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Sacrament of Penance

“We should confess our sins humbly and sincerely.
We are obliged to confess at least all the mortal sins which we have committed after Baptism and have never included in a previous good confession.
We should prepare for the Sacrament by making a careful examination of conscience in the presence of God.
When we kneel before our Confessor, we should remember that, even though he is only a man like ourselves, he is the representative of God.
We should confess at least our mortal sins in a clear and exact manner.
Whenever possible, we should confess deliberate venial sins in order to be sure of obtaining forgiveness for them.

It is very necessary to be sincerely sorry for our sins and to be firmly resolved never to commit them again, with the help of divine grace.

Perfect contrition, which stems from a pure and disinterested act of love for God, is not necessary.
Attrition is sufficient, that is, imperfect sorrow which springs from a lower supernatural motive, such as the fear of hell, the hideousness of sin, insofar, as it is an offence against God, or the loss of eternal happiness.

Let us examine ourselves to ensure that we fulfil all the ncessary conditions in our Convession.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/23/thought-for-the-day-23-february-the-sacrament-of-penance/

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY CROSS, The REDEMPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 23 February – ‘ … If then, we are steadfast in our faith in Him and in our love for Him,…’

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One Minute Reflection – 23 February – The Memorial of St Peter Damian (1007-1072) Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19

“I have come, not to abolish but to fulfil.” … Matthew 5:17

REFLECTION – “In Him, the promise made through the shadows of prophecy, stands revealed, along with the full meaning of the precepts of the law. He is the One Who teaches the Truth of prophecy, through His presence and makes obedience to the commandments possible, through grace.
In the preaching of the holy Gospel all should receive a strengthening of their faith. No-one should be ashamed of the Cross of Christ, through which the world has been redeemed.
No-one should fear to suffer for the sake of justice, no-one should lose confidence in the reward that has been promised. The way to rest is through toil, the way to life is through death. Christ has taken on Himself the whole weakness of our lowly human nature. If then, we are steadfast in our faith in Him and in our love for Him, we win the victory that He has won, we receive what He has promised.
When it comes to obeying the commandments or enduring adversity, the words uttered by the Father should always echo in our ears – “This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I am well pleased, listen to Him.” … St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from Sermo 51).

PRAYER – Grant us, we beseech You, almighty God, to follow the counsel and examples of St Peter, Your Confessor and Bishop, so that by setting earthly goods at naught, we may attain everlasting happiness. 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, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 21 February – Lord, That I May See!

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Thought for the Day – 21 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Lord, That I May See!

“Spiritually, we are all blind to a greater or lesser extent.
Do we understand the infinite truth, beauty and goodness of God, in Whom our true happiness consists?
Do we understand the emptiness of the world, despite the glory of its transient beauty, which can never satisfy our hearts?
Do we understand our own nothingness and our dependence on God for light and grace?
If we understood all this, then the scales of our spiritual blindness would fall from our eyes.
Our faith would be even purer and more heartfelt than that of the poor blind man of Jericho.
If we do not possess this lively faith and our eyes are dazzled by the glittering vanities of the world, let us turn to Jesus and beseech Him: “Lord, that I may see!”
Only the light which comes from You is the true light which illumines every man who comes into this world (Jn 1:9).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/21/thought-for-the-day-21-february-lord-that-i-may-see/

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, The DIVINE INFANT

Quote of the Day – 19 February – Saint Quodvultdeus

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Quote of the Day – 19 February – Saint Quodvultdeus (Died c 453) Father of the Church, Bishop of Carthage,

“Neither the weeping mothers’ love,
nor the mourning of fathers weeping for their sons,
nor the screams and howling
of the children themselves,
holds you back.
You massacre these little ones in their bodies
because fear is killing you, in your heart.
And you think that, if you achieve your end,
you will live on for a long time,
whereas, it is Life itself,
you are trying to kill!
He Who is the source of grace,
Who is both small and great,
Who is lying in a manger,
causes your throne to topple.
He accomplishes His design through you,
without your knowing it.
He gathers together the children of your enemies
and makes of them, children of adoption.”

Saint Quodvultdeus (Died c 453)
Father of the Church
Bishop of Carthage

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior)

Thought for the Day – 17 February – The Will

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Thought for the Day – 17 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Will

“St Paul seems to contradict this idea when he writes: “There is question, not of him who wills, nor of him who runs but of God showing mercy” (Rom 9:16).

What he says is true.
Our will is inadequate to effect anything without the grace of God.
But, it is equally true, that the grace of God is not sufficient without an act of the will on our part.
God created us as intelligent beings with the marvellous gift of free will.
Because He respects the liberty which He gave us, He will not compel us by His grace to become holy.
He only assist us.
His assistance is absolutely necessary because of ourselves, we are incapable of forming a good intention, let alone performing a good action.
“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves,” St Paul says elsewhere, “to think anything, as from ourselves but our sufficiency is from God” (2 Cor 3:5).

We must pray fervently for divine grace but, it depends on our own will to ensure, that God’s grace produces results in us.
This is the only way in which we can become perfect.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/17/thought-for-the-day-17-february-the-will/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE, QUOTES on the FAMILY, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Thought for the Day – 16 February – The Duties of Our State

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Thought for the Day – 16 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Duties of Our State

“Some are called by God to the lofty state of the Ptiesthood, or of the Religious Life.
This is a very great grace.
We should co-operate generously and do our best to overcome any obstacles we meet.

Others are called to become good Catholic fathers and mothers and to rear a family.
This is a most important role because4, the proper education of children and the future of the Church and of society, depend on it.

Every position has its obligations, which each of us should work hard to fulfil in every detail.
The grace appropriate to our state will be available to us.
But, this grace has to be balanced by a sincere determination on our part, to carry out carefully, the duties of our state.

Let us examine ourselves in this regard.
If we discover that we have been neglectful, or deficient in any way, let us resolve to put things right – without delay!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/16/thought-for-the-day-16-february-the-duties-of-our-state/

Posted in "Follow Me", GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, MYSTICS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, SAINT of the DAY, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HEART, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 13 February – Three Points on the Spiritual Life By St Catherine de Ricci

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Quote/s of the Day – 13 February – Septuagesima Sunday and the Memorial of Saint Catherine de Ricci OP (1522-1590) Virgin, Mystic, Stigmatist.

Three Points on the Spiritual Life
By St Catherine de Ricci (1522-1590)
1) Detach 2) Direct 3) Accomplish

Letter to a Fellow Nun
by St Catherine de Ricci

Very dear daughter, I have already sent you a letter to exhort you to the service of our Lord and now, I send you this one, in which I am going to give—first for myself and then for you—an account of the true way of faithfullyserving our Divine Spouse and a resume of the spiritual life, so that, by following it, we shall carry out the Holy Will of God.

If, then, my daughter, you would be the true spouses of Jesus, you must do His Holy Will in all things and you will do this, if you entirely give up your own will on every occasion and if you love the divine Spouse with your whole heart, your whole soul and your whole strength. Then, you must carefully attend to the following points (but it is necessary to weigh all these words), as they contain the summary of Christian perfection:

  1. We must force ourselves to DETACH the heart and the will from all earthly love; to love no fleeting things, except for the love of God and, above all, not to love God for our own sakes, for self-interest but with a love as pure as His own goodness.
  2. We must DIRECT all our thoughts, words and actions to His honour and by prayer, counsel and good example, seek His glory solely, whether for ourselves or for others, so that through our means, all may love and honour God.
    This second point is more pleasing to Him than the first, as it better fulfils His will.
  3. We must aim more and more at the ACCOMPLISHMENT of the Divine Will – not only desiring nothing special to happen to us, bad or even good, in this wretched life and thus, keeping ourselves always at God’s disposal, with heart and soul at peace but also, believing, with a firm faith, that Almighty God loves us more than we love ourselves and takes more care of us, than we could take care of ourselves.

The more we conform to this way of acting, the more we shall find God present to help us and the more we shall experience, His most gentle love.
But no-one can reach such perfection except by constant and courageous sacrifice of self-will and, if we would learn to practice such abnegation, it is necessary to keep ourselves in a state of great and deep humility, so that, by perfect knowledge of our own misery and weakness, we may rise to learn the greatness and beauty of our God.

Consider how just and necessary it is, to serve Him unceasingly, with love and obedience.
I say just, because, God being Father and Master of all things, it is just that His Son and Servant, should obey and love Him.
I say necessary because,, by acting otherwise, we could not be saved.

Let us always remember, never doubting, that it is the Eternal, Sovereign, All-powerful God, Who does, orders, or allows, everything that happens and that nothing comes to pass, without His Divine Will.

Let us remember that He is Himself that Wisdom, which, in the government of the universe – of heaven, earth and every single creature – cannot be deceived. (He would be neither God nor most wise, if it were otherwise). Let us look upon Him as supremely good, loving and beneficent.

If, through His Mercy, this conviction becomes strongly impressed upon our wills, we shall easily take all things from His Sacred Hand, with well-contented hearts, always thanking Him for fulfilling His most holy will in us. By acting thus. (with the help of His holy grace) we shall unite ourselves to Him, by true love in this life and by glory in eternity.

May He grant it to us in His goodness! Of your charity pray for me, a wretched sinner, who commends herself to you all.”

Your sister in Christ,
Amen
Catherine

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 February – ‘… Let none murmur against the Master of the House…’

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One Minute Reflection – 13 February – Septuagesima Sunday – 1 Cor. 9:24-27; 10:1-5, Matthew 20:1-16

“Have I not a right to do what I choose? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ Even so the last shall be first and the first last; for many are called, but few are chosen.” – Matthew 20:15-16

REFLECTION – “One of the robbers crucified with Jesus cried out: “Lord, remember me; it is to you I now turn (…). Remember not my works, for of these I am afraid. Every man has a feeling for his fellow-traveller; I am travelling with you towards death; remember me, your fellow-wayfarer. I do not say, Remember me now, but, “when you come in your kingdom” (Lk 23:42).

What power, O robber, led you to the Light? Who taught you to worship that despised Man, your companion on the cross? O Light Eternal, which gives light to them that are in darkness! (Lk 1:79) “Take courage! Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” because “today you have heard my voice, and have not hardened your heart” (Ps 95[94]:8). Very speedily I passed sentence upon Adam … but you, who today have obeyed the faith, today is your salvation. By the tree Adam fell away; by the tree you are brought into paradise (…)

O mighty and ineffable grace! The faithful Abraham had not yet entered but the robber enters! Paul also wondered at this before you, saying, “Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more” (Rom 5:20). They who had borne the heat of the day had not yet entered and he of the eleventh hour entered. Let none murmur against the Master of the House, for He says, “My friend, I am not cheating you. Am I not free to do as I wish with what is my own?” The robber has a will to work righteousness … I accept his faith … I, the Shepherd, have “found the sheep that was lost”; I lay it on my shoulders (Lk 15:5); since he himself has said, “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Lord, remember me when You come in Your kingdom.” … St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387) Bishop of Jerusalem, Father, Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – O Lord, we beseech You, graciously hear the prayers of Your people, that we who are justly punished for our sins may be mercifully delivered for the glory of Your name. 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, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 February – ‘The souls’ husband is the Holy Spirit, by His grace. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 10 February – The Memorial of St Scholastica (c482-547) Virgin – 2 Cor 10:17-18; 11:1-2,
Matthew 25:1-13

“But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” – Matthew 25:6

REFLECTION – “The souls’ husband is the Holy Spirit, by His grace. When His interior inspiration calls the soul to repentance, then every enticement of vice is in vain. The pride that wants command, the greed and lust that consumes everything: this was the master that used to control and ravage the soul. Their very names have been removed from the repentant sinner’s mouth… When grace is poured into the soul and gives it light, God makes a covenant with sinners. He is reconciled with them… Then is celebrated the wedding of the Bridegroom with His bride, in the peace of a pure conscience.” – St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – O God, Who, to show us the way of innocence, caused the soul of Your Virgin, blessed Scholastica, to fly up to Heaven in the likeness of a dove, grant us, through her merits and prayers, to live innocently, so that we may be found worthy to reach everlasting joys. 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 CONTEMPLATIVE Prayer, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HERESY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR

Thought for the Day – 8 February – Doing Everything for the Love of God

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Thought for the Day – 8 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Doing Everything
for the Love of God

“In one of his letters, Luther wrote that he was so busy that he had no time to read his Breviary, nor to offer Holy Mass.
There is no doubt that it was this estrangement from prayer and from the love of God, which caused him to finish up as he did.
Our work must be based on charity and the interior life, so that we may be always united with God.
Otherwise, every action of ours, no matter how good it may appear, is sterile and valueless in the sight of God.

Today also, there are many people busily engaged in apostolic work but they have no interior life nourished by charity.
This is what is known as the heresy of action.

Everything we do is useless and even harmful, if our external activity is not accompanied by a flourishing interior life, enriched by divine grace.
St Gregory the Great paraphrases the words of the Gospel as follows: “Our Lord says: If anyone loves Me, let him keep my commandments. Love is proved by action. This is why St John (1 Jn 2:4) says, that the man who claims to love God and does not keep His commandments, is a liar. We love God sincerely if we keep His commandments and avoid the immoderate pleasures of our age.
Anyone who surrenders without reserve to the unlawful desires of this world, certainly does not love God because, he is acting contrary to His will.” (Homil 30 in Ev).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/08/thought-for-the-day-8-february-doing-everything-for-the-love-of-god/
PART TWO HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/05/thought-for-the-day-5-february-doing-everything-for-the-love-of-god/

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD the FATHER, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 8 February – I Am, the Door, the Way, the Truth, the Life, the Light, the Track, the Staircase, the Vehicle, the Treasure, the Reward!

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Quote/s of the Day – 8 February – The Memorial of St John of Matha (1160-1213) Confessor – Sirach 31:8-11, Matthew 12:35-40

“Open the door to him, at once,
when he comes and knocks.”

Luke 12:36

“I am the Light of the world;
he who follows me will not walk in darkness
but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

“I am the door.
Whoever enters through me
will be saved….”

John 10:9

“I am the way
and the truth
and the life.
No-one comes to the Father
except through me.
If you know me,
then you will also know my Father.
From now on,
you do know him
and have seen him.”

John 14:6-7

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice
and opens the door,
[then] I will enter his house
and dine with him and he with me.”

Apocalypse 3:20

“Let your door stand open
to receive Him,
unlock your soul to Him,
offer Him a welcome in your mind
and then you will see
the riches of simplicity,
the treasures of peace,
the joy of grace.
Throw wide the gate of your heart,
stand before the Sun
of the everlasting Light.”

St Ambrose (c 340-397)
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 (c 1080-1157)

“Christ is both the way and the door.
Christ is the staircase and the vehicle …”

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor

“ He who finds Jesus, finds a rare treasure,
indeed, a good above every good,
whereas he who loses Him,
loses more than the whole world.
The man who lives without Jesus,
is the poorest of the poor,
whereas no-one is so rich,
as the man who lives in His grace.
… Let all things be loved, for the sake of Jesus
but Jesus, for His own sake.”

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on WATCHING, QUOTES on WISDOM, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 February – ‘But, it depends on us, if He does not always enter or always remain.’ – St Ambrose

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One Minute Reflection – 8 February – The Memorial of St John of Matha (1160-1213) Confessor – Sirach 31:8-11, Matthew 12:35-40

“Let your loins be girt about and your lamps burning and you yourselves ,like men waiting for their master’s return from the wedding; so that when he comes and knocks, they may straightaway open to him. Blessed are those servants whom the master, on his return, shall find watching.” – Luke 12:35-37

REFLECTION – “God, the Word, stirs up the lazy and arouses the sleeper. For indeed, someone who comes knocking at the door is always wanting to come in. But, it depends on us, if He does not always enter or always remain. May your door be open to Him Who comes; open your soul, enlarge your spiritual capacities, that you may discover the riches of simplicity, the treasures of peace and sweetness of grace. Expand your heart, run to meet the Sun of that Eternal Light that “enlightens everyone” (Jn 1,9). It is certain, that this true Light shines for all but, if anyone shuts their windows, then they themselves shut themselves off from this Eternal Light.

So even Christ remains outside, if you shut the door of your soul. It is true that He could enter but He does not want to use force, He does not put those who refuse under pressure. Descended from the Virgin, born from her womb, He shines throughout the universe to give light to all. Those who long to receive the Light, that shines with an everlasting brightness, open up to Him. No night comes to intervene. Indeed, the sun we see each day gives way to night’s darkness but the Sun of justice (Mal 3,20) knows no setting, for Wisdom is not overcome by evil.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan and Father and Doctor of the Church – (12th Sermon on Psalm 118).

PRAYER – All-powerful, eternal God and Father, grant us the grace of Your Spirit and fill us with the light of understanding and love. May we learn to truly pray and by our prayers to entreat You to bless us in Your goodness and lead us to true faith in Your eternal light and Word sent to redeem us. May we always be waiting and prepared to open the door of our hearts to Jesus Christ our Lord, who comes in light, love and peace. Grant that by the prayers of blessed Saint John of Matha we may be strengthened. Holy Mother, be our protection and our guide. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, God now and forever, amen.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 6 February – ‘ … It depends on your own wills …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 6 February – The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany – Readings: Colossians 3:12-17, Matthew 13:24-30

“A sower went out to sow”

Matthew 13:30

“Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field?
How then has it weeds?”

Matthew 13:27

“It is better to be cured
within the Church’s community
than to be cut off from its Body
as incurable members.
As long as a member still forms
part of the Body,
there is no reason to despair of its cure;
once it has been cut off,
it can be neither cured nor healed.”

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

“Brethren, the just man shall scarcely be saved.
What, then, will become of the sinner?”

St Arsenius s the Great (c 354-c 449)

“… [The Kingdom of God] … is within you.
That is, it depends on your own wills
and is in your own power,
whether or not you receive it.
Everyone, that has attained
to justification, by means of faith in Christ
and decorated by every virtue,
is counted worthy,
of the Kingdom of Heaven.”

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

“And like the little grain of mustard seed …
we should set it in the garden of our soul,
all weeds being pulled out
for the better feeding of our faith.
Then shall it grow and …
through the true belief of God’s word …
we shall be well able to command
a great mountain of tribulation
to void from the place
where it stood in our hearts,
whereas with a very feeble faith
and faint, we shall scarcely
be able to remove a little hillock.”

St Thomas More (1478-1535)

“My child, it is indeed
the Voice of God you have heard.
He has given you a great grace
in thus calling you into His one true Church.
While you live,
never cease to thank Him
and bless Him for it.”

St John Francis Régis (1597-1640)