Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ORIGINAL SIN, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PRAYER

Thought for the Day – 21 July – Nature and Grace

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

Nature and Grace

nature and grace - bacci 21 july 2020

“Observe diligently, the motions of nature and grace,” says The Imitation of Christ, “for they move with great contrariety and subtlety and, can hardly be distinguished but by a spiritual man and, one that is inwardly enlightened” (Bk III c54).

The struggle between fallen nature and grace is due to original sin, which extinguished in us the supernatural life and gave rise to the disharmony which exists between our lower faculties and reason and between reason and God.
Even the Saints experienced this fearful internal battle between good and evil.
“I see another law in my members,” says St Paul, “warring against the law of my mind” (Rom 7:23).
Elsewhere he complains that “the flesh lusts against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh” (Gal 5:17) and that the temptations of the flesh assailed him so strongly, that he pleaded with God to save him.
But God’s reply to his entreaties was: “My grace is sufficient for thee, for strength is made perfect in weakness” (Cf 2 Cor 12:7-9).

This does not mean that human nature is substantially corrupt and incapable of doing good as a result of sin.
The inclination towards goodness and towards God, remains and is very strong in our better moments.
Nevertheless, we need the helping hand of God, so that this inclination may express itself in good actions worthy of an everlasting reward.
For this reason, we should pray humbly and constantly, for the precious gift of divine grace.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MYSTICS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on The SOUL, SPEAKING of ....., The LAST THINGS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 19 July – Hell

Quote/s of the Day – 19 July – “Month of the Most Precious Blood” – The Sixteenth Sunday of the Year in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19, Psalm 86:5-6,9-10, 15-16, Romans 8:26-27, Matthew 13:24-43

Hell

“Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire,
so will it be at the end of the age.
The Son of Man will send his angels
and they will gather out of his kingdom,
all causers of sin and all law-breakers
and throw them into the fiery furnace.
In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Jesus
Matthew 13:40-42

matthew 13 40-42 just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire - 19 july 2020

“Every man will receive the eternal punishment,
or reward which his actions deserve.
Indeed, if all men recognised this,
no-one would choose evil even for a short time,
knowing that he would incur the eternal sentence of fire.
On the contrary, he would take every means
to control himself and to adorn himself in virtue,
so that he might obtain the good gifts of God
and escape the punishments.”

St Justin Marytr (100-165)
Father of the Church and Martyr

everyma will receive the eternal - st justin martyr 19 july 2020

“Then shall those, already in the midst of the torments,
cry out with pleading voices
and there will be no-one to speak for them to the Lord
and they shall not be heard.”

St Ephrem (306-373)
Father and Doctor of the Church

the shall those already in the midst - st ephrem 19 july 2020

“I am filled with fear and trembling
and all my bones are shaken,
at the thought of that unhappy country
of the damned.”

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

i am filled with fear and trembling - st bernard 19 july 2020

“So then, I am speaking to you who live in the habit of mortal sin,
in hatred, in the mire of the vice of impurity
and who are getting closer to hell each day.
Stop! and turn around;
it is Jesus who calls you and who,
with His wounds, as with so many eloquent voices,
cries to you, “My son, if you are damned,
you have only yourself to blame:
‘Thy damnation comes from thee.’
Lift up your eyes and see all the graces
with which I have enriched you
to insure your eternal salvation.'”

St Leonard of Port Maurice (1676-1751)

so then i am speaking to you who live in the habit of mortal sin st leonard of port maurice 19 july 2020

“Poor Judas!
Above [2000] years have elapsed
since he has been in Hell
and his Hell is still only beginning.”

St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

poor judas - st alphonsus 19 july 2020

“Meditate on the horrors of Hell,
which will last for eternity
because of one easily-committed mortal sin.
Try hard to be among the few who are chosen.
Think of the eternal flames of Hell
and how few there are that are saved.”

meditate-on-the-horrors-of-hell-st-benedict-joseph-labre-16-april-2020 and 19 july 2020

“I was watching souls
going down into the abyss,
as thick and fast as snowflakes,
falling in the winter mist.”

St Benedict Joseph Labre (1748-1783)

i was watching souls going down - st benedict joseph labre 19 july 2020

“I tremble when I see so many souls lost these days.
See, they fall into Hell,
as leaves fall from the trees
at the approach of winter.”

St John Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859)

i tremble when i see so many souls lost - st john vianney 19 july 2020

“The natural fire that we see during this life
has great power to burn and torment.
Yet this is not even a shadow of the fire of Hell.”

St Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870)

the natural fire we see ....yet this is not even a shadow - st anthony mary claret 19 july 2020

Posted in CHRIST the KING, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN TITLES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 July – “In his name the Gentiles will hope” … Matthew 12:21

One Minute Reflection – 18 July – “Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings:  Micah 2:1-5Psalm 10:1-47-814Matthew 12:14-21and the Feast of Our Lady of Good Deliverance

“In his name the Gentiles will hope” … Matthew 12:21

REFLECTION – “Who among us can know all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden in Christ and buried within the poverty of His flesh?   For, “for your sake he became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty, you might become rich” (2 Cor 8:9).   Since He came in order to assume our mortal condition and lay low death itself, He appeared as one who was poor.   But He who has promised us distant riches has by no means lost those, from which He is kept away.   “How great is his abundant goodness which he keeps in store for those who fear him, he satisfies those who hope in him” (cf. Ps 31[30]:20). …

So that we might be able to lay hold of it, He who is equal to the Father, having the nature of God, became like us by taking the nature of a servant and recreates us in God’s likeness.   Having become son of man, the only Son of God transforms numberless men into sons of God. And after having sustained His servants by His own visible nature of a servant, He sets them free to contemplate the nature of God.   For “we are God’s children; what we shall be has not yet been revealed.   We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he really is” (1 Jn 3:2).   For in what do these treasures of wisdom and knowledge and these divine riches consist?   In what is this abundant goodness?   All we know is, that it is this, that satisfies us.” … St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace – Sermon 194 ; PL 38, 1016matthew 12 21 - in his name the gentiles will hope - so that we might be able to lay hold of it, He who is equal - st augustine - 18 july 2020

PRAYER – Lord God, in Your wisdom You created us, by Your Providence, You rule us.   Penetrate our inmost being with Your holy light so that our way of life may always be one of faithful service and childlike trust in You.   Grant that by the intercession of Our Lady of Good Deliverance, we may always follow behind Your Son and grasp His hand, to lead us to You, Through Jesus Christ our Lord with the Holy Spirit, one God, forever, amen.our lady of good deliverance pray for us 18 july 2020

Posted in GOD is LOVE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior)

Thought for the Day – 12 July – The Grace of God

Thought for the Day – 12 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Grace of God

the grace of god bacci 12 july 2020

“God has endowed us with wonderful corporal and spiritual gifts, creating us after His own image with powers of intellect and of will.
More than this, He has raised us to the supernatural order by communicating to us, His grace, which enables us to live His own life and to share in His divine nature, as His adopted sons.

Grace is the greatest gift which God has given us.
It enlightens our minds and moves our will to obey His commands and to perform actions which merit an everlasting reward.
It is an entirely supernatural and gratuitous gift.
For this reason, we cannot merit it but, we should continually pray for it because, it is absolutely necessary if we are to do good and to merit Heaven.
Our first ancestor, Adam, was endowed with this gift by our Creator.
Unfortunately, by original sin, he lost it for himself and for his descendants.

We cannot complain to God about this loss, since grace is an entirely supernatural gift which is in no way, due to our human nature.
For the same reason, we cannot merit it on our own.
But God, being infinitely good, as well as, infinitely just, sent His only-begotten Son to redeem us from sin and to grant us His friendship once more.

We should be very grateful to God for this extraordinary favour and should unite our efforts to the divine action of grace, in the performance of good works, which will enable us to merit everlasting life.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 10 July – “Sheep Amidst the Wolves”

Quote/s of the Day – 10 July – “Month of the Precious Blood” – Friday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Hosea 14:2-10, Psalm 51:3-4, 8-9, 12-14, 17, Matthew 10:16-23

“Sheep Amidst the Wolves”

“You shall not hate your brother in your heart
but you shall reason with your neighbour,
lest you bear sin because of him.
You shall not take vengeance
or bear any grudge against the sons of your own people
but, you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the Lord”

Leviticus 19:17-18

leviticus-19-17-18-you-shall-not-hate-your-brother-love-our-enemy-16-june-2020 and 10 july 2020

“But I say to you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you…”

Matthew 5:44

matthew-5-44-but-i-say-to-you-love-your-enemies-16-march-2019 and 16 june 2020

“We are treated as deceivers and yet, are truthful,
as unrecognised and yet, acknowledged,
as dying and behold we live,
as chastised and yet, not put to death,
as sorrowful yet, always rejoicing,
as poor yet, enriching many,
as having nothing and yet, possessing all things.”

2 Corinthians 8-10

2-corinthians-8-10-we-are-treated-as-deceivers-and-yet-are-truthful-17-june-2019-and-15-june-2020 and 10 july 2020

“What is the surest kind of witness?
“Anyone who acknowledges that Jesus Christ
came among us in the flesh” (cf. 1Jn 4,2)
and who keeps the commands of the Gospel…
How many there are each day
of these hidden martyrs of Christ
who confess the Lord Jesus!
… So be faithful and courageous
in interior persecutions
so that you may also win
the victory in exterior persecutions.”

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

what-is-the-surest-kind-of-witness-st-ambrose-13-july-2019 and 27 nov 2019

“You don’t love in your enemies
what they are
but what you would have them become,
by your prayers!”

St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor

you-dont-love-in-your-enemies-what-they-are-but-what-you-would-have-them-become-by-your-prayers-st-augustine-18-june-2018 and 10 july 2020

“When he has begun to follow me,
according to My teaching and precepts,
he will find many people contradicting him
and standing in his way,
many who not only deride but even persecute him.
Moreover, this is true,
not only of pagans who are outside the church
but also of those, who seem to be in it visibly
but are outside of it because of the perversity of their deeds.
Although these glory,
in merely the title of Christian,
they continually persecute faithful Christians.”

St Caesarius of Arles (470-543)

when-he-has-begun-to-follow-me-st-caesarius-of-arles-21-feb-2020 and 10 july 2020

“We must show love
for those who do evil to us
and pray for them.
Nothing is dearer
or more pleasing to God than this.”

St Bridget of Sweden (c 1303-1373)

we-must-show-love-for-those-who-do-evil-to-us-st-bridget-of-sweden-16-june-2020 and 10 july 2020

“… I declare to you,
that there is no other way of salvation
than the one followed by Christians.
Since this way teaches me to forgive my enemies
and all who have offended me,
I willingly forgive the king
and all those who have desired my death.
And I pray that they will obtain
the desire of Christian Baptism.”

St Paul Miki SJ (1564-1597) Martyr

i-declare-to-you-that-there-is-no-other-way-of-salvation-st-paul-miki-16-june-2020 and 10 july 2020

“Visit me not, O my loving Lord –
if it be not wrong so to pray –
visit me not those trying visitations
which saints alone can bear!
Still, I leave all in Thy hands, my dear Saviour –
I bargain for nothing.
Only, if Thou shall bring heavier trial on me,
give me more grace –
flood me with the fullness of Thy strength and consolation,
that they may work in me,
not death but life and salvation.”

St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

luke-21-9-but-not-a-hair-of-your-head-visit-me-not-loving-lord-st-john-henry-newman-27-nov-2019 and 10 july 2020

“Catholics are part of the Church Militant.
They struggle and they suffer for the triumph of Christ.
They must never lose sight of their Divine Model,
so that their trials will be turned into joy.”

St Pius X (1835-1914)

catholics are part of the church militant - st pius X 10 july 2020

“To live without faith,
without a heritage to defend,
without battling constantly for truth,
is not to live
but to ‘get along,’
we must never just ‘get along’.”

Bl Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925)
“Man of the Beatitudes”to-live-without-faith-bl-pier-giorgio-frassati-4-july-2020 and 10 july 2020

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

Bl Leonid Feodorov (1879-1935) Martyr

when-i-feel-overwhelmed-by-misfortune-bl-leonid-feodorov-7-march-2019-and-27-nov-2019 and 10 july 2020

“Let us love our enemies,
bless those who curse us,
pray for Those who persecute us.
For love will conquer
and will endure for all eternity.
And happy are they who live
and die in God’s love.”

let-us-love-our-enemies-bl-franz-jagerstatter-21-may-2020 and 10 july 2020

” …We need no rifles or pistols for our battle
but instead, spiritual weapons –
and the foremost among these is prayer….
Through prayer,
we continually implore new grace from God,
since without God’s help and grace,
it would be impossible for us to preserve the Faith
and be true to His commandments….”

we need no rifles or pistols for our battle- bl franz jagerstatter martyr 10 july 2020

“Since the death of Christ,
almost every century
has seen the persecution of Christians,
there have always been heroes
and martyrs who gave their lives –
often in horrible ways –
for Christ and their faith.
If we hope to reach our goal some day,
then we, too, must become heroes of the faith.”

Blessed Franz Jägerstätter (1907-1943)
Martyr of Conscientious Objection

we-need-no-rifles-or-pistols-for-our-battle-bl-franz-jagerstatter-21-may-2020 and 10 july 2020

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR

Thought for the Day – 8 July – Falling into Sin

Thought for the Day – 8 July – “Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Falling into Sin

falling into sin - bacci 9 july 2020

“The just man falls seven times,” says the Book of Proverbs (24:16).
Unfortunately, we have all experienced how true this is.
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves” (Cf 1 Jn 1:8).

We fall often, in many ways – in thought, in speech, in action and by omission.
Sometimes, we fall in a moment of weakness or of impatience, at other times, we sin by an act of premeditated malice.
“Watch and pray,” Our Lord warns us, “that you may not enter into temptation” (Mt 26:41).

Our Lord also said that we “must always pray not lose heart” (Lk 18:1).
In other words, we should have a spirit of prayer which is based on the love of God and keeps us close to Him.
It is only when we are united to God, that temptations cannot hurt us and we are protected by His grace, from falling into deliberate sin.

It is idle to protest that this would require the virtue of anchorite and that we are entangled in all kinds of other business.
Virtue is necessary for everybody, not only for anchorites.
“The kingdom of heaven has been enduring violent assulat and the violent have been seizing it by force” (Mt 11:12).
In order to attain to the kingdom of God, therefore, we have to do violence to our corrupted nature.
A life of solitude is not essential for prayer, however.
One can be busy from morning till night and pray continuously, so that his work is offered to God and done for the love of God.
In this way, work becomes prayer and will save us from falling into sin.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on SLOTH, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE WORLD, SPEAKING of ....., The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 6 July – ‘… The Measure of each One’s Faith…’

Quote/s of the Day – 6 July – Monday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Hosea 2:14-16, 19-20 (16-18, 21-22), Psalm 145:2-9, Matthew 9:18-26

‘… The measure of each one’s faith…’

“If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.”
Jesus turned, and seeing her he said,
“Take heart, daughter, your faith has made you well.”
And instantly the woman was made well.”

Matthew 9:21-22

matthew 9 21-22 if I only touch his garment i will be made well - 6 july 2020

“I live, no longer I
but Christ lives in me,”

Galasians 2:20

galasians-2-20-i-live-no-longer-i-but-christ-lives-in-me-25-jan-2020 - ST PAUL - and 6 july 2020

“Elizabeth says:
‘Blessed are you because you have believed.’
You also are blessed,
because you have heard and believed.
A soul that believes,
both conceives and brings forth
the Word of God
and acknowledges His works.”

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

A Commentary on Luke, Book 2

elizabeth says blessed are you because you have believed - you also are blessed - st ambrose 6 july 2020

“What determines that the gifts of God dwells in us,
is the measure of each one’s faith.
Because it is to the extent that we believe,
that the enthusiasm to act is given us.
And so those who act,
reveal the measure of their faith
proportionate to their action,
they receive their measure of grace
according to what they have believed. …”

St Maximus the Confessor (c 580-662)
Monk and Theologian

what determines that the gifts of god dwells in us - st maximus the confessor 6 july 2020

“Pray in the spirit and sentiment of love,
in which the royal prophet said to Him,
‘Thou, O Lord, are my portion.’
Let others choose to themselves,
portions among creatures,
for my part, You are my portion,
You alone I have chosen for my whole inheritance.”

St Augustine of Canterbury (Died c 605)

pray-in-the-spirit-and-sentiment-of-love-you-alone-i-have-chosen-st-augustine-of-canterbury-27-may-2020 and 6 july 2020 speaking of faith

“He is present to the eyes of the mind,
making Himself seen by those who have a pure heart
and conversing with them.
So pursue your path ….
Do not hinder the Lord’s narrow way
with your dragging feet.
Hitch up your garment and be ready for action,
look up and don’t burden yourself
with those oppressive loads
which are your evil desires.
For anyone who is accomplishing
the journey from earth to heaven,
it is enough to diligently pursue one’s path
without assuming extra weight. … ”

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)
Monk and Theologian at Constantinople

 

“Faith is like a bright ray of sunlight.
It enables us to see God in all things,
as well as, all things in God.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of Charity

faith is like a bright ray of sunlight - st francis de sales 6 july 2020

“By faith we adhere to Christ
and the edifice of our spiritual life
becomes thereby firm and stable.
Christ makes us share
in the stability of the divine rock
against which even hell’s fury
cannot prevail (Mt 16:18).”

Blessed Columba Marmion (1858-1923) Abbot

Our faith, the victory over the world

by faith we adhere to christ - bl columba marmion 6 july 2020

“Life has only one face – LOVE.”

Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro (1936-1964)

life-has-only-one-face-love-bl-benedetta-porro-23-jan-2020 and 6 july 2020

Posted in INCORRUPTIBLES, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on TRUTH, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 4 July – Blessed Petrus Kasui Kibe and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

Quote/s of the Day – 4 July – The Memorial of Blessed Petrus Kasui Kibe SJ (c 1587-1639) Priest and Martyr “A Christian Walking Through the World” and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati TOSF (1901-1925)Man of the Beatitudes”

“Let us hoist our sails
trusting in the wind
of God’s grace.”

Blessed Petrus Kasui Kibe (c 1587-1639)
Priest and Martyr
“A Christian Walking Through the World”

let us hoist our sails trusting in the wind of god's grace - bl petrus kasui kibe 4 july 2020

“All around the sick
and all around the poor,
I see a special light
which we do not have.”

all around the sick and all around the poor i see a special light which we do not have - bl pier giorgio frassati 4 july 2020

“In prayer,
the soul rises
above life’s sadnesses.”

in prayer the souls rises above lifes sadnesses - bl pier giorgio frassati - 4 july 2020

“The faith given to me in Baptism
suggests to me surely –
by yourself you will do nothing
but, if you have God as the centre of all your action,
then you will reach the goal.”

the faith given to me in baptism - bl pier giorgio frassati 4 july 2020

“The times we are going through are difficult
because cruel persecution of the Church is raging.
But you, bold and good young people,
should not be afraid of this small thing,
remember, that the Church is a divine institution
and cannot come to an end.
She will last till the end of the world.
Not even the gates of hell can prevail against her.”

the times we are going through are difficult - bl pier giorgio frassati 4 july 2020

“To live without faith,
without a heritage to defend,
without battling constantly for truth,
is not to live
but to ‘get along,’
we must never just ‘get along’.”

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925)
“Man of the Beatitudes”

More from Blessed Pier Giorgio here:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/04/quote-s-of-the-day-4-july-blessed-pier-giorgio-frassati/

to live without faith - bl pier giorgio frassati 4 july 2020

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on TIME, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 2 July – The Tabernacle Lamp

Thought for the Day – 2 July – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Tabernacle Lamp

jesus christ is present - the tabernacle lamp - bacci 2 july 2020

“We should find time, everyday, to pay a visit to the Blessed Sacrament.

Jesus Christ is present in all the Churches of the world as a voluntary prisoner of love.
He is waiting for us.

“I will not leave you orphans,” (Jn 14:18) He promised, for He loves us, with an infinite love which knows no limits of time or place.
He has been there, throughout the centuries in every corner of the globe, from the splendid Cathedrals in the noisy cities, to the humble little Chapels of the lonely Missions.
No matter where we go, we can find the King of Kings enthroned within the Tabernacle, waiting lovingly for us!

Since we need Him so much, why do we not go to Him?
We have many things to do but this is the first and most necessary.
It will often require some little sacrifice to spend a quarter of an hour before the Tabernacle but, nothing good can ever be achieved without sacrifice.

Moreover, Jesus deserves this sacrifice, for did He not give Himself entirely for us?
Does He not continue to sacrifice Himself in the Sacrament and in the Sacrifice of the Altar?
Let us go to Jesus everyday and we shall find comfort for our souls.

When we kneel in front of the Tabernacle and speak with Jesus, we shall feel confident that He is listening to us.
We shall be certain that He sympathises with our weaknesses, understands our needs and is anxious to enrich us with His graces.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD the FATHER, I BELIEVE!, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MEDITATION, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on SOLITUDE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CHURCH, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The HOLY GHOST

Quote/s of the Day – 28 June – Holy Solitude and Blessed Paolo Giustiniani

Quote/s of the Day – 28 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – The Memorial of Blessed Paolo Giustiniani ECMC (1476-1528) – Monk, Hermit and Founder of the Congregation of the Camaldolese Hermits of Monte Corona

“The supreme goal to which the monk tends,
the summit of the perfection of his heart,
is indeed the union of his heart with his Lord.”

St John Cassian (c 360-435)

Monk, Father of the Church
and Founder of Monasteries
Disciple of St John Chrysostom

te supreme goal to which the monk tends - st john cassian 28 june 2020

“O Hermitage, only those who know you,
who rest sweetly in your arms,
can tell of your grandeur
and chant your praises.
As for me, I only know this
and affirm it in all sincerity –
Whoever forces himself with perseverance
to enter more and more
into the desire to love You,
will finally enter Your mystery and,
at the same time,
the mystery of God.”

St Peter Damian (1007-1072)
Benedictine Monk
Doctor of the Church

o hermitage, only those who know you, who rest sweetly in your arms - st peter damian 28 june 2020

“Go to Church for the work of God,
not by habit or duty,
but rather driven,
by the interior desire
to praise our Creator.”

go to church for the work of god - bl paolo giustiniani 28 june 2020

“Celebrate holy Mass in the joy of the Spirit.”

celebrate holy mass in the joy of the spirit - bl paolo giustiniani 28 june 2020 (1)

“I desire to serve my Lord Jesus Christ.
However, I blindly entrust the manner of service
to His decision – in action or in contemplation,
in peace and quiet
or in suffering and tribulation,
in the quiet of the cell
or else in wearisome wanderings.
So long as I am serving Him,
I have no preference or taste of my own.”

i desire to serve my lord Jesus Christ - bl paolo giustiniani 28 june 2020

“To me it appears incontrovertible,
that, above the light and discourse of reason,
there is another light.
It is clearer and more evident,
given by God to those human minds
that do not refuse to receive it
and by means of it, God can be properly understood. ….
This is the light of faith.

this is the light of faith bl paolo giustiniani 28 june 2020

Prayer of Blessed Paolo Giustiniani
“Lord, I dare not say to You:
“Show me the light that I may believe in Your Light”
but it is enough for me,
that You make me see my darkness …
Bring me back to myself.
In my misery I have distanced myself
not only from You but from myself,
becoming a stranger to myself.
Make me know my darkness,
that then I may look at the light.
Yes, I tell You and repeat to You incessantly,
Show me to myself,
so that I may know my sins.”

prayer of bl paolo biustiniani lord i dare not say to you - 28 jue 2020

“Until I was alone I never really lived.
Until I was alone, I was not with myself.
Until I was alone, I never drew near to my creator.”

Blessed Paolo Giustiniani (1476-1528)

until i was alone i never really lived - bl paolo giustiniani 28 june 2020

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 26 June – The Four Ends of the Holy Mass

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

The Four Ends of the Holy Mass

THE FOUR ENDS OF THE HOLY MASS - BACCI 26 JUNE 2020

“Let us meditate on the fact, that the Sacrifice of the Eucharist, was instituted for four ends, namely:

1. TO HONOUR GOD
All the Angels and Saints of Heaven and all the human beings upon earth, could not possibly honour God, as He ought to be honoured because, they are creatures who derive everything which they possess from God.
Only Jesus the God-Man, could offer the Eternal Father, the infinite honour due to Him, by offering Himself.

2. TO MAKE ADEQUATE SATISFACTION FOR ALL OUR SINS
Insofar, as they are a revolt against God, our sins are, in a certain way, infinite.
This is because they offend an Infinite Being.
Only Jesus, being at the same time man and God, could offer for us, His brothers, an infinite satisfaction to the Eternal Father.
Only He, could redeem us from the debt of crime and punishment, which we had contracted, by offering Himself, without reserve, in the Eucharistic Sacrifice.
It must be explained, however, that although the Mass is of infinite value in itself, God applies this value to us in a finite way only, according to His good pleasure and according to our dispositions.
For this reason, we should do well to attend Mass, as often as possible and with the maximum fervour.

3. TO GIVE THANKSGIVING TO GOD for all the benefits which we have received from Him.

4. Finally, TO OBTAIN ALL THE GRACES AND FAVOURS of which we and other people stand in need.
The Mass is an extraordinary gift.
Let us attend at Mass with recollection and devotion.
It will be for us, the source of every grace and virtue!”
Amen

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY GHOST

Quote/s of the Day – 26 June – Blessed Jacques Ghazir Haddad

Quote/s of the Day – 26 June – Tthe Memorial of Blessed Jacques Ghazir Haddad OFM Cap (1875-1954) “The Apostle of Lebanon” “The Apostle of the Cross”

“… Just as a person,
who denies a single point of dogma,
has lost his faith,
so, to hate a single person,
means that you have lost charity.”

just as a person who denies a single point of dogma - bl jacques ghazir haddad 26 june 2020

“The Holy Spirit gives his grace to everyone,
as long as they do not refuse it.”

the holy spirit gives his grace to everyone as long as they - bl jacques ghazir haddad - 26 june 2020

“God gives us an example.
He makes His sun rise on good and evil alike.
His Son died for all men and women.
… Let us imitate the sun.”god gives us an example he makes his sun rise on good and evil alike ...let us imitate the sun - bl jacques chazir haddad 26 june 2020

“Let us imitate the fountain.
It does not say to a thirsty man:
Before I give you a drink,
tell me what country you come from!”

let us imitate the fountain it does not say to a thirsty man - bl jacque chazir haddad 26 june 2020

“May our heart be gentle, Christ‐like,
towards the wretched and those who suffer.
May they be to us, sons and daughters.
How sweet this service,
how precious this life,
when it is consecrated to the love of God
and of neighbour, His visible image on earth.”

MORE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/06/26/47855/

Blessed Jacques Ghazir Haddad (1875-1954)

may our heart be gentle, christ-like - bl jacques ghazir haddad 26 june 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 23 June – Remain in Him

Quote/s of the Day – 23 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – Tuesday of the Twelfth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36, Psalm 48:2-4, 10-11, Matthew 7:6, 12-14 and The Memorial of St Joseph Cafasso (1811-1860)

“Enter by the narrow gate.
For the gate is wide
and the way is easy
that leads to destruction
and those who enter by it are many.
How narrow the gate and constricted
the road that leads to life.
And those who find it are few.”

Matthew 7:13-14

matthew 7 13-14 enter by the narrow gate 23 june 2020

“I am the vine, you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me and I in him
will bear much fruit
because without me,
you can do nothing.”

John 15:5-6

john 15 5-6 i am the vine - 23 june 2020

“We give glory to You, Lord,
who raised up Your Cross to span the jaws of death
like a bridge by which souls might pass
from the region of the dead to the land of the living. ..
You are incontestably alive.
Your murderers sowed Your living body in the earth
as farmers sow grain but it sprang up
and yielded an abundant harvest of men
raised from the dead.”

St Ephrem (306-373)
Father and Doctor of the Church

we-give-glory-to-you-lord-st-ephrem-30-march-2018-good-friday and 9 june 2020

“God is not a deceiver,
that He should offer to support us
and then, when we lean upon Him,
should slip away from us.”

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

god is not a deceiver, that he should offer to support us - st augustine - 23 june 2020

“He is the one who teaches
the truth of prophecy
through His presence
and makes obedience
to the commandments possible,
through grace.”

St Pope Leo the Great (400-461)
Father and Doctor of the Church

he is the one who teaches the truth of prophecy - st pope leo the great 10 june 2020

“He who trusts in himself is lost.
He who trusts in God can do all things.”

St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

he who trust in himself is lost - st alphonsus liguori 23 june 2020

“Celebrate the feast of Christmas everyday,
even every moment in the interior temple of your spirit,
remaining like a baby in the bosom
of the heavenly Father,
where you will be reborn, each moment,
in the Divine Word, Jesus Christ.”

St Paul of the Cross (1694-1775)

celebrate the feast of christmas everyday - 23 june 2020 st paul of the cross

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, SAINT of the DAY

Thought for the Day – 13 June – St Anthony

Thought for the Day – 13 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

St Anthony

henceforward italy was st anthony second fatherland - bacci - gradual martyrdom 13 june 2020

“St Anthony of Padua was not born a saint but he became one as the result of prayer, self-denial and penance, which attracted to him, God’s many graces.

On a summer evening in the year 1219, five mendicant friars arrived at the gate of the ancient Abbey of Coimbra, asking for hospitality from the Canons Regular of St Augustine.
They received a whole-hearted welcome.
When they had refreshed themselves, they revealed that they belonged to the new Religious Family founded by St Francis of Assisi.
They said that they hoped to reach Morocco, in order to convert the Saracens and, if it was God’s pleasure, to receive the palm of Martyrdom.
Amongst the Canons Regular, who were listening to them, was the youthful Anthony, who had already consecrated his life to God.

Not long afterwards, this little band of Franciscan Missionaries, was cut down by the scimitars of the infidels and became a glorious band of Martyrs.
Their bodies were brought back in triumph to the Abbey which they had visited and there they were buried with great honour.
When they were going away, Anthony had listened enthusiastically to all that they had said and felt a noble envy.
Now that he was in the presence of their hallowed remains, he experienced an urge to follow in their footsteps.

St Anthony joined the Franciscan Order and joyfully set off for the coast of Morocco in search of Missionary labour and of Martyrdom.
But, when he landed on African soil, he was struck down by a serious attack of malaria, which compelled him to return to his native land.

There is no foreseeing the designs of Divine Providence.
The boat in which Anthony was travelling was battered by a tempest and had to go ashore in Italy.
Henceforward, Italy was Anthony’s second fatherland.
It was here, that he conducted his remarkable and fruitful apostolate and slowly accomplished his Martyrdom, by the daily struggle for perfection.

This, is a headline for us!
We may not have been called to go and spread the faith amongst the infidels, at the risk of Martyrdom.
But, we have all been called to a state of holiness.
Perfection, moreover, is a gradual Martyrdom.
The heroic daily effort which is required to abstain from sin and to overcome the wayward tendencies of our nature, can fairly be said, to be, no less difficult, than a bloody Martyrdom.
This is the kind of Martyrdom which we must all endure.
St Anthony of Padua, will obtain for us the grace, to undergo it with the same generosity and constancy, which he displayed.”

St Anthony of Padua, Pray for Us all! Amen.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

ST ANTHONY OF PADUA PRAY FOR US 3

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 June – ‘I am your Light, your Salvation and your King.’

One Minute Reflection – 10 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – Wednesday of the Tenth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings 18:20-39, Psalm 16:1-2, 4-5, 8, 11, Matthew 5:17-19

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

REFLECTION – “The sacrifice of the lamb, the Passover rite and the letter of the Law, have reached their term in Jesus Christ, in view of Whom, everything in the ancient Law took place – and, even more so, in the new dispensation.   For the Law became the Word;  from being old it became new …  the commandments have been transformed into Grace and the foreshadowing into truth;  the lamb has become the Son, the sheep has become man and man has become God. …matthew 5 17 i have come not toa bolish but to fulfil - the sacrifice of the lamb, the passover rit and the letter of the law - st melitos of sardis 10 june 2020

God though He was, the Lord put on our humanity;  He suffered for him who was suffering, was bound for him who was captive, was judged for the guilty, was buried for him who was buried.   He was raised from the dead and cried out in a loud voice:  “If anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together” (Is 50,8).   It is I who delivered the condemned man;  I who restored life to the dead;  I who raised up those in the grave.   “Who disputes my right?”   It is I, He says, I, who am the Christ, I, who destroyed death, who triumphed over the enemy, who bound the mighty enemy and carried off man to the heights of heaven;  it is I, He says, who am the Christ.

Come along then, every human family, full of sin as you are and receive the forgiveness of your sins.   For I Myself, am your forgiveness, I am the Passover of salvation, the Lamb slain for your sakes, your redemption, life and resurrection;  I am your Light, your Salvation and your King.   It is I, who lead you to the heights of heaven, I, who will raise you up;  it is I, who will bring you to see the Father who is from all eternity;  it is I, who will raise you up by My all-powerful Hand.” … St Melito of Sardis (Died c 180) Bishop, Apologist – Paschal Homilymatthew 5 17 i have come not to abolish but to fulfil - come along then every human family - st melitos of sardis 10 june 2020

PRAYER – Shed your clear light on our hearts, Lord, so that walking continually in the way of Your commandments, we may never be deceived or misled. May your Angels and Saints, pray for us. May the Mother of Our God and our Mother, be at our side and guide our way. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever, amen.blessed mother mary ora pro nobis pray for us 10 june 2020

Posted in GOD is LOVE, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on SIN, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

Thought for the Day – 9 June – The Crown of Thorns Which Surrounds the Sacred Heart

Thought for the Day – 9 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Crown of Thorns Which Surrounds the Sacred Heart

he showed his heart encircled by a crown of thorns - bacci 9 june 2020

“When Jesus appeared to St Margaret Mary, He showed her His Heart encircled by a crown of sharp thorns.
What is the significance of this?
In Heaven, Jesus is happy and cannot suffer anymore.
The Angels, Saints and the whole of creation, sing a hymn of unceasing praise in His honour.
Nevertheless, He sees the immense tide of sin, which surges forth from the human race which He redeemed by His Precious Blood, a redemption now made futile by many.
He is aware of the insane blasphemies hurled by so many against His lofty throne.
He sees how His gifts, His Sacraments and His graces are abused by many.
He sees, finally, the number of privileged souls, often consecrated to His service, who are indifferent and ungrateful, while, they should be trying to make reparation for the evils of mankind by their love, prayers and penances.
The explanation for this mystical crown of thorns, lies in His infinite love.
He does not suffer anymore because, He cannot suffer but He still has an immense love for all men, even for sinners and for those who are lukewarm and ungrateful.
He loves and wishes to save all men.
In spite of their sinfulness and ingratitude.
He still calls them appealingly to His Heart, which they, by their sins, have crowned with thorns and pierced with a lance.

This is a mystery of love which we cannot properly understand.
Only a man who loves Jesus fervently, can even have the slightest understanding of it.
If we sincerely love the divine Heart of Jesus, we shall realise, that these sharp thorns which once pierced His Heart in Gethsemane and on Calvary, were caused by our sins.
Then, we shall do our best to make a generous return for such love and to make reparation, even with grave sacrifice, for the offences which are still being committed by men against the loving Heart of the Redeemer.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, THE ASSUMPTION, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The SIGN of the CROSS

Quote/s of the Day – 9 June – St Ephrem

Quote/s of the Day – 9 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A and the Memorial of St Ephrem of Syria (306-373) Father & Doctor of the Church

“We give glory to You, Lord,
who raised up Your Cross to span the jaws of death
like a bridge by which souls might pass
from the region of the dead to the land of the living. ..
You are incontestably alive.
Your murderers sowed Your living body in the earth
as farmers sow grain but it sprang up
and yielded an abundant harvest of men
raised from the dead.”

we-give-glory-to-you-lord-st-ephrem-30-march-2018-good-friday and 9 june 2020

“Jesus, who feared nothing,
experienced fear
and asked to be freed from death –
although He knew it was impossible.
How much more,
must we persevere in prayer
before temptation assails us –
so that we may be freed
when the test has come!”jesus-who-feared-nothing-st-ephrem1 - 9 june 2017 and 9 june 2020

“She bore within herself, as a child,
Him by whom the world was filled.
He descended to become the model
that would renew Adam’s ancient image.”

she bore within herself, as a child, Him - st ephrem 9 june 2020 his memorial

“You gave us so many gifts on the day of Your birth,
a treasure chest of spiritual medicines for the sick.
spiritual light for the blind,
the cup of salvation for the thirsty,
the bread of life for the hungry.”

you gave us so many gifts on the day of your birth - st ephrem 9 june 2020

“We have had Your treasure
hidden within us,
ever since we received baptismal grace,
it grows ever richer
at Your sacramental table.”

john-17-22-and-i-have-given-them-the-glory-you-gave-me-we-have-had-our-treasure-st-ephrem-28-may-2020 and 9 june 2020

“Mary’s titles are numberless…
she is the palace in which the mighty King of kings abode,
yet He did not cast her out when He came,
because it was from her that He took flesh and was born.
She is the new heaven in which dwelt the King of kings,
in her, Christ arose and from her, rose up to enlighten creation,
formed and fashioned in His image.
She is the stock of the vine that bore the grape,
she yielded a fruit greater than nature
and He, although other than her in His nature,
ripened in colour on being born of her.
She is the spring from which living waters
sprang up for the thirsty
and all those who drank them,
yielded fruit a hundredfold.”

St Ephrem (306-373)
Father and Doctor of the Church

marys-titles-are-numberless-st-ephrem-annunciation-sermon-25-march-2019 and 9 june 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS

Thought for the Day – 8 June – Our Response to the Love of the Sacred Heart

Thought for the Day – 8 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Our Response to the Love

of the Sacred Heart

he has bound us to his heart by a loving chain of graces - bacci - 8 june 2020

“The Sacred Heart of Jesus is adorable in itself, not only as the living symbol of His human-divine love but, also, as part of His most holy humanity, insofar as it is hypostatically united to the divinity of the Word.

We should, therefore, pay very special homage to the Sacred Heart.
It is the Heart of the God-Man and, as such, is worthy of our highest adoration.
It’s sentiments harmonised mysteriously with the human will and, at the same time, with the divine Will of the Incarnate Word of God.
Every throb, was a token of an infinite love which we could never fully understand, for we cannot properly “know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge” (Eph 3:19).
But, we should adore this love as represented by the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The adoration is not an act of idolatory.
On the contrary, it is a fitting act of worship, because, it’s object is the Heart of the God-Man and, of the human-divine love of which it is the symbol.
Moreover, we owe the Sacred Heart of Jesus, all our gratitude and a return of love.

Let us reflect on how much Jesus has done for us and how much He has loved us.
Let us consider, not only the general work of Redemption and the supernatural gifts and graces connected with it but, also, the particular favours which we received from our childhood, up to the present moment.
He has bound us to His Heart by a loving chain of graces and of mercies!
How could we dare to break this chain, or to ignore such love?
Love demands love in return.
Favours demand gratitude.
It would be disastrous for us to display indifference and coldness, or, worse still, to respond to such great love, by committing new offences!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, GOD the FATHER, HYMNS, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, POETRY, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 June – Firmly I Believe and Truly

One Minute Reflection – 7 June – The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Readings: Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9, Psalm Daniel 3:52.53.54.55.56, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, John 3:16-18

“Whoever believes in him … might have eternal life” … John 3:16

REFLECTION – “Fools! … how is it that you can’t stop your prying investigations into the Trinity or be content to believe it exists, since you have for your guide the apostle who wrote:  “Anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Heb 11:6). (…) So let no-one put unnecessary questions to himself but, be content with learning what is contained in Scripture.

… Scripture tells us that the Father is both Source and Light:  “They have forsaken me, the source of living waters” (Jer 2:13);  “You have forsaken the fountain of wisdom” (Ba 3:12) and, according to John, “God is light” (1Jn 1:5).   Now the Son, is called a river, in relation to the source for, according to the psalm, “the river of God is full of water” (Ps 65[64]:10). And in relation to the Light, He is called splendour, when Paul says that he is “the refulgence of his glory and the very imprint of his being” (Heb 1:3).   Thus the Father is Light, the Son it’s refulgence… and, in the Son, it is by the Spirit that we are illuminated.   “May God give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation,” says Paul, “resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened” (Eph 1:17-18).   But, when we are enlightened, it is Christ who enlightens us in Him, for Scripture says: “He was the true light who enlightens everyone coming into the world” (Jn 1:9).   Moreover, since the Father is Source and the Son is called River, we are said to drink of the Spirit:  “We were all given to drink of one Spirit” (1Cor 12:13).   But, refreshed by the Spirit, we drink Christ since:  “They drank from a spiritual rock that followed them and the rock was the Christ” (1Cor 10:4). (…)

God alone is wise and the Son His wisdom, for “Christ is the power and the wisdom of God” (Rm 16:27; 1 Cor 1:24).   So, it is in receiving the Spirit of wisdom, that we possess the Son and gain wisdom in Him. … The Son is Life.   He said:  “I am the Life” (Jn 14:6).   But, it is said, that we are brought to life by the Spirit, as Paul wrote:  “The one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to our mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in us” (Rm 8:11).   But when we have been brought to life by the Spirit, then Christ will be our life … “I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20).

When such a correspondence and unity exists in the Holy Trinity, who can separate either the Son from the Father, or the Spirit from the Son or the Father? …  God’s mystery is not communicated to our minds by demonstrative arguments but, by faith and reverent prayer.” … St Athanasius (295-373) Bishop of Alexandria, Father and Doctor of the Church – Letters to Serapion, no.1, 19john 3 16 whoever believes in him - god alone is wise and the so His wisdom - st athanasius 7 june 2020 trinity sun

PRAYER – Firmly I Believe and TrulySt John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

Firmly I believe and truly
God is three and God is On
And I next acknowledge duly
Manhood taken by the Son.
And I trust and hope most fully
In that Manhood crucified
And each thought and deed unruly
Do to death, as He has died.
Simply to His grace and wholly
Light and life and strength belong
And I love, supremely, solely,
Him the holy, Him the strong.

And I hold in veneration,
For the love of Him alone,
Holy Church, as His creation,
And her teachings, as His own.
And I take with joy whatever
Now besets me, pain or fear
And with a strong will I sever
All the ties which bind me here.
Adoration aye be given,
With and through the angelic host,
To the God of earth and heaven,
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.firmly-i-believe-and-truly-st-john-henry-newman-29-oct-2019 and 7 June 2020

Posted in PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 30 May – St Joan of Arc (1412-1431)

Quote/s of the Day – 30 May – The Memorial of St Joan of Arc (1412-1431)

“Act and God will act.”

act and god will act - st joan of arc 30 may 2020

“Since God had commanded it,
it was necessary that I do it.
Since God commanded it,
even if I had a hundred fathers and mothers,
even if I had been a King’s daughter,
I would have gone nevertheless.”

since god has commanded it - st joan of arc 30 may 2020

“In God’s name let us go on bravely.”

St Joan of Arc (1412-1431)

MORE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/30/quote-s-of-the-day-30-may-the-memorial-of-st-joan-of-arc-1412-1431/

in god's name - st joan of arc 30 may 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Thought for the Day – 28 May – Living the Gospel

Thought for the Day – 28 May – “Mary’s Month” – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Living the Gospel

“The doctrine of the Gospel is so sublime that no generation has yet been able to practice it fully.
Only the Blessed Virgin and the Saints have approached the peak of perfection indicated by Christ.
“You are to be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48).
How far have we advanced?
We are not expected, obviously, to achieve the absolute perfection of our heavenly Father.
But, we are obliged to strive towards it with the help of the grace of God.
It maybe that our particular circumstances excuse us from fulfilling the evangelical counsels but, we have no option but to obey the precepts of the Gospel.
We are under no obligation to sell all our possessions and give the money to the poor but, it is too bad for us if our hearts are not detached from earthly things and in contact with God.
We must be prepared to face the consequences, if we do not observe the precepts of justice and charity towards God and our neighbour.
We are especially obliged to help those who are in need of any kind, with whatever we have to spare in the way of material assistance or advice.
It is our own misfortune, too, if we do not mortify ourselves, accept the will of God, even in suffering and, empty our hearts of worldly attachments, in order to fill them with spiritual preoccupations.
Let us remember, that we belong to God!
All our thoughts and desires should, therefore, be directed towards God alone!

Most Holy Mary, you sought always to reflect in your own soul, the beauty and sanctity of your divine Son, by obeying His teaching in a heroic manner.
Obtain for me, the grace, to be detached from worldly affairs, especially from sin.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

you are to be perfect - living the gospel bacci 28 may 2020

Posted in BAPTISM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HOLY COMMUNION, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 May – ‘… Your treasure hidden within us…’

One Minute Reflection – 28 May – “Mary’s Month” – Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter, Readings:  Acts 22:30; 23:6-11, Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11, John 17:20-26 and The Memorial of Blessed Lanfranc of Canterbury (c 1005-1089)

“And I have given them the glory you gave me …” … John 17:22

REFLECTION – “… Through our unremitting zeal for you, Lord, set upon us the sign of Your day that is not measured by the sun. … In Your sacrament we daily embrace You and receive You into our bodies;  make us worthy to experience the resurrection for which we hope.   We have had Your treasure hidden within us, ever since we received baptismal grace, it grows ever richer at Your sacramental table.   Teach us to find our joy in Your favour!   Lord, we have within us Your memorial, received at Your spiritual table; let us possess it in its full reality when all things shall be made new.

We glimpse the beauty that is laid up for us, when we gaze upon the spiritual beauty Your immortal will, now creates within our mortal selves.   Saviour, Your Crucifixion marked the end of Your mortal life;  teach us to crucify ourselves and make way for our life in the Spirit.   May Your Resurrection, Jesus, bring true greatness to our spiritual self and may Your sacraments be the mirror, wherein we may know that self.   Saviour, Your divine plan for the world is a mirror for the spiritual world – teach us to walk in that world as spiritual men.

Lord, do not deprive our souls, of the spiritual vision of You, nor our bodies of Your warmth and sweetness.   The mortality lurking in our bodies spreads corruption through us;  may the spiritual waters of Your love cleanse the effects of mortality from our hearts. Grant, Lord, that we may hasten to our true city and, like Moses on the mountaintop, possess it now in vision.” … St Ephrem (306-373) Father and Doctor of the Church – (Sermo 3, De fine et admonitione 2. 4-5)john 17 22 - and i have given them the glory you gave me - we have had our treasure - st ephrem 28 may 2020

PRAYER – God of mercy, You have filled us with the hope of resurrection by restoring man to his original dignity.   May we who relive this mystery each year come to share it in perpetual love.   May the Mother of Our Lord stand with us as we gaze upward to her Son and may the prayer of Bl Lanfranc, be a support in our troubles.   Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.blessed virgin queen and mother pray for us 5 may 2019

bl lanfranc of canterbury pray for us 28 may 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, franciscan OFM, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUTH, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 21 May – Blessed Franz Jägerstätter (1907-1943) Layman Martyr “A Saint for our Times!”

Quote/s of the Day – 21 May – Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter and the Memorial of Blessed Franz Jägerstätter OFS (1907-1943) Layman Martyr “The Man Who Would Not Bow His Head to Hitler.”

“If the Church stays silent
in the face of what is happening,
what difference would it make,
if no church were ever opened again?”

if the church stays silent - bl franz jagerstatter 21 may 2020

His sacrifice was uniformly regarded as foolish by his neighbours and his story almost forgotten but for a book written by an American, Gordon Zahn, who heard of Jagerstatter when researching the subject of German Catholics’ response to Hitler.
This book, In Solitary Witness, influenced Daniel Ellsberg’s decision to stand against the Vietnam War by bringing the Pentagon Papers to public attention.   The following quote, taken from one of Jagerstatter’s last letters while in prison.

“Just as the man who thinks only of this world, does everything possible to make life here easier and better, so must we, too, who believe in the eternal Kingdom, risk everything in order to receive a great reward there.
Just as those who believe in National Socialism tell themselves that their struggle is for survival, so must we, too, convince ourselves that our struggle is for the eternal Kingdom.
But with this difference – we need no rifles or pistols for our battle but instead, spiritual weapons – and the foremost among these is prayer…. Through prayer, we continually implore new grace from God, since without God’s help and grace it would be impossible for us to preserve the Faith and be true to His commandments….”

we need no rifles or pistols for our battle - bl franz jagerstatter 21 may 2020

“Let us love our enemies,
bless those who curse us,
pray for Those who persecute us.
For love will conquer
and will endure for all eternity.
And happy are they who live
and die in God’s love.”

let us love our enemies - bl franz jagerstatter 21 may 2020

“I can say from my own experience
how painful life often is,
when one lives as a halfway Christian-
it is more like vegetating than living.”

halfway christian more like vegetatin gthan living bl franz jagerstatter 21 may 2020

“We are not dealing with a small matter
but the great (apocalyptic)
life and death struggle has already begun.
Yet in the midst of it, there are many,
who still go on living their lives
as though nothing had changed … “

we are not dealing with a small matter - bl franz jagerstatter 21 may 2020

“I am convinced that it is still best
that I speak the truth,
even though it costs me my life.
For you will not find it written
in any of the commandments of God
or of the Church,
that a man is obliged under pain of sin,
to take an oath committing him to obey
whatever might be commanded him by his secular ruler. “

i am convinced that it is still best that I speak the truth - bl franz jagerstattr 21 may 2020

“Since the death of Christ,
almost every century has seen the persecution of Christians,
there have always been heroes
and martyrs who gave their lives –
often in horrible ways –
for Christ and their faith.
If we hope to reach our goal some day,
then we, too, must become heroes of the faith.”

if we hope to reach our goal some day then we too must become heroes of the faith - bl franz jagerstatter 21 may 2020

“I cannot believe that,
just because one has a wife and children,
a man is free to offend God.”

i cannot believe that juse because - bl franz jagerstatter 21 may 2020

“I believe it is better to sacrifice one’s life right away,
than to place oneself in the grave danger
of committing sin and then dying.”

Blessed Franz Jägerstätter (1907-1943)

“Called-up to a Higher Order”
Martyr of Conscientious Objection

i believe it is better to sacrifice one's life - rather than commit sin - bl franz jagerstatter 21 may 2020

Posted in ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on TRUTH, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 May – ‘In the midst of this life’s darkness…’

One Minute Reflection – 20 May – “Mary’s Month!” – Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 17: 15, 22 – 18: 1, Psalms 148: 1-2, 11-12, 13, 14, John 16: 12-15 and the Memorial of Blessed Maria Crescencia Perez FMH (1897-1932) “Sister Sweetness”

“The Spirit of truth will guide you to all truth” … John 16:13

REFLECTION “Who knows what pertains to a person except the spirit of the person that is within?   Similarly, no one knows what pertains to God except the Spirit of God” (1 Cor 2:11).   Run, then, to enter into communion with the Holy Spirit.   No sooner do we call on Him than He is there and if we call on Him, it is because He is already present to us. When called, He comes, He comes in the abundance of divine blessings.   He it is who is that rushing river giving joy to God’s city (Ps 46[45]:5).   If, when He has come, He finds you to be humble and without anxiety, fearing God’s word, then He will come to rest on you and reveal to you those things that God hides from the wise and learned of this world (Mt 11:25).   Then, all those truths will begin to shine out before you, that Wisdom spoke to the disciples while on earth but which they could not bear, before the coming of the Spirit of truth that was to teach them all truth…

Just as those who worship God must necessarily worship Him “in spirit and truth” (Jn 4:24), so those who would know Him, have only to seek an understanding of the faith in the Holy Spirit. …   In the midst of this life’s darkness and ignorance, He Himself is the light that shines out for the poor in spirit (Mt 5:3), the charity that attracts and sweetness that ravishes the soul, the love of those who love and the devotion of those who yield themselves without reserve.   He it is, who reveals God’s justice from conviction to conviction;  who gives grace in return for grace (Jn 1:16) and the faith of enlightenment, to the faith of those who listen to the Word.” … St William of Saint-Thierry (c 1085-1148) – The Mirror of Faith, 6john 16 13 the spirit of truth will guide you - run then to enter into communion-st william of thierry 20 may 2020

PRAYER – Send forth Your Spirit and we shall be created and Thou shall renew the face of the earth!   O God who did give life to the world by the resurrection of Thou Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant that through the same Spirit, we may be ever truly wise and rejoice in His consolation and truth.   Let the one holy Blessed Virgin, she who is full of the Spirit, pray for us and may the prayers of Blessed Maria Crescencia, she who was close to the Sacred Heart of Your Son, be a help in our need.   We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one with You forever and ever, amen.

virgin full of grace pray for us 20 may 2020

BL MARIA CRESCENCIA PEREZ PRAY FOR US 20 MAY 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD the FATHER, I BELIEVE!, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 9 May – ‘God does not leave us groping in the dark.’

Quote/s of the Day – 9 May – Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 13:44-52, Psalm 98:1-4, John 14:7-14

“If you know me, then you will also know my Father.
From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

John 14:7

if yu know me then you will also know my father - john 14 7 9 may 2020

” God does not leave us groping in the dark.
He has shown Himself to us as a man.
In His greatness, He has let Himself become small.”

john-14-9-he-who-seen-me-god-does-not-leave-us-groping-in-the-dark-pope-benedict-18-may-2019 and 9 may 2020

“What is Faith?

First, faith is simple.
We believe in God – in God,
who is the Beginning
and End of human life.
We believe in a God,
who enters into a relationship
with us human beings,
who is our origin and our future.
Consequently, faith is,
always and inseparably, hope –
the certainty that we have a future
and will not end up as nothing.
And faith is love,
since God’s love is “contagious”.
This is the first thing –
we simply believe in God
and this brings with it,
hope and love.”

Pope Benedict XVI

Regensburg Homily, Tuesday 12 September 2006

what is faith - pope benedict 18 may 2019

Posted in BAPTISM, CONFESSION, CONFESSION/PENANCE, CONFIRMATION, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, EXTREME UNCTION, HOLY COMMUNION, HOLY ORDERS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HUMAN DIGNITY, QUOTES on MARRIAGE, MARRIED LOVE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on VOCATIONS, QUOTES/PRAYERS on THE FAMILY, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The HOLY GHOST, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

Thought for the Day – 29 April – The Dignity and Responsibility of Being a Christian

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

The Dignity and Responsibility of Being a Christian

“It is a great dignity to be a Christian.
By Baptism, we become sons of God, heirs to Heaven, temples of the Holy Spirit and members of the Mystical Body of Jesus, which is the Church.
God’s grace raises us to the supernatural order and makes us, as St Paul expresses it, sharers in the divine nature.
By the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Holy Spirit fortifies our faith and gives us the strength to resist the temptations of the devil and to fight like loyal soldiers, for the triumph in ourselves and in others, of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
The Sacrament of Penance, is our plank of salvation in the shipwreck of sin.the sacrament of penance is our plank of salvation in the shipwreck of sin - bacci 29 april 2020
Although, we are all wretched sinners, by this give of the divine mercy, we can recover our lost innocence and return to the grace and friendship of God.
Moreover, in order to prevent us from falling back into sin, Jesus give us Himself in the Blessed Eucharist, which is called, by St Thomas Aquinas, the greatest miracle of His infinite love (Opusculum 56, Officium de festo Corporis Christi, lectures 1-4).the greatest miracle of his ifinite love - eucharist - bacci 29 april 2020
But this is not all.
If it is our vocation for form a family, God consecrates our union at the altar and gives us the graces necessary, to sanctify it, so that it may produce a good Christian family.
If God has called us, on the other hand, to become spiritual fathers of the souls redeemed by His Precious Blood, He raises us to this high dignity, by the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
Finally, when we shall have come to the end of our mortal lives, the Priest will be still by our side, to wash away, by the Sacrament of Extreme Unction, the last traces of sin and to comfort us in our passage to eternity.
The whole life of a Christian, is a chain of favours which accompany him, from the cradle to the grave.
We should be grateful to God for the goodness with which He has treated us and continues to treat us.
We should co-operate generously with His gifts by recognising the lofty honour it is, to be a Christian and by living in accordance with this dignity.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

it is a great dignity to be a christian - bacci 29 april 2020 CORRECT

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 April – St Catherine of Siena and Bl Maria Magdalene

Quote/s of the Day – 29 April – Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 8:1-8, Psalm 66:1-7, John 6:35-40 and the Memorial of St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) Doctor of the Church and Bl Mary Magdalene of the Incarnation FSPA (1770-1824)

“I am the bread of life; he who comes to me, shall not hunger
and he who believes in me, shall never thirst.”

John 6:35

i am the bread of life - john 6 35 - 5 aug 2018

“He will provide the way and the means,
such as you could never have imagined.
Leave it all to Him,
let go of yourself,
lose yourself on the Cross
and you will find yourself entirely.”

he will provide the way and the means - st catherine of siena - 7 nov 2019 all dom saints

“Speak the truth in a million voices.
It is silence that kills!”

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

speak the truth in a million voices - st catherine of siena - 29 april 2019

“May Jesus be known, loved and adored by all
and be, in every moment,
the receiver of thanksgiving,
in the most holy and most divine Sacrament.”

Bl Mary Magdalene of the Incarnation (1770-1824)

may jesus be known loved and adored by all - bl maria mad_gdalene of the incarn 29 april 2020

Posted in MARIAN QUOTES, ON the SAINTS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on VIRTUE, SAINT of the DAY, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, To JESUS through MARY

Quote/s of the Day – 28 May – God alone!

Quote/s of the Day – 28 May – Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter and the Memorial of St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716), St Peter Chanel (1803-1841) Priest and Martyr, St Gianna Beretta Molla (1922-1962), Blessed María Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament OCD (1925-1959)

“God alone!”

GOD ALONE - st louis de montfort 28 april 2020

“Chosen soul, how will you bring this about?
What steps will you take to reach the high level
to which God is calling you?
The means of holiness and salvation,
are known to everybody,
since they are found in the Gospel,
the masters of the spiritual life have explained them,
the Saints have practised them…
These means are –
sincere Humility,
unceasing Prayer,
complete Self-denial,
abandonment to Divine Providence
and obedience to the Will of God.”

chosen soul how will you bring this about - st louis de montfort 28 april 2020

“Since grace enhances our human nature
and glory adds a still greater perfection to grace,
it is certain, that our Lord remains in heaven,
just as much the Son of Mary as He was on earth.
Consequently, He has retained the submissiveness
and obedience of the most Perfect of all Children,
towards the Best of all Mothers.”

True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin, #27

since grace enhances our human nature and glory - st louis de montfort 28 april 2020

“The greatest saints,
those richest in grace and virtue,
will be the most assiduous in praying
to the most Blessed Virgin,
looking up to her,
as the perfect model to imitate
and as a powerful helper to assist them. “

St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)

the greatest saints - st louis de montfort 28 april 2020

“It does not matter, whether or not I am killed,
the religion has taken root on the island,
it will not be destroyed by my death,
since it comes not from men but from God.”

St Peter Chanel (1803-1841) Priest and Martyr

it does not matter whether or not i am killed - st peter chanel 28 april 2020

“The stillness of prayer
is the most essential condition
for fruitful action.
Before all else,
the disciple kneels down.”

the-stillness-of-prayer-st-gianna-molla-28-april-2018

“Our body is a cenacle,
a monstrance –
through its crystal,
the world should see God.”

St Gianna Beretta Molla (1922-1962)

our body is a cenacle - st gianna molla - 28 april 2018

“Father, for Your glory,
accept the total surrender of my being,
in union with the perfect sacrifice of Your divine Son.
In Him, through Him and with Him,
I live, love, believe, suffer and die….”

Blessed María Felicia of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament (1925-1959)

Father for your glory - bl maria of jesus in the bl sac - 28 april 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 27 April – ‘ …Discover a Presence …’

Quote/s of the Day – 27 April – Monday of the Third Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 6:8-15, Psalm 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30, John 6:22-29 and the Memorial of Bl Nicolas Roland (1642-1678)

“Do not labour for the food which perishes
but for the food which endures to eternal life,
which the Son of man will give to you…”

John 6:27

do not labour for the food which perishes - john 6 27 - 6 may 2019

“This very moment,
I may,
if I desire,
become the friend
of God.”

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

this very moment - st augustine - friend of god - 6 may 2019

“In this daily life which is doubtlessly your own,
Listen to your heart… ..
Discover a Presence which is more real than
this visible presence,
which dazzles you
and attracts your whole being…”

in this daily life - bl nicolas roland 27 april 2020

“Take a higher flight,
giving yourself completely
to the unique Goodness and Beauty.
Be content with God,
He will be your light,
your strength, your shelter at all times.”

take a higher flight - bl nicolas roland 27 april 2020

“Ask God to lead you by Faith,
Only God, seek only Him.”

Bl Nicolas Roland (1642-1678)

ask god to lead you by faith only god, seek only him - bl nicolas roland 27 april 2020

“Jesus Christ came to this earth to reign here
but not, says Saint Augustine, as other kings do,
to raise tribute, enrol armies and visibly do battle
against His enemies, for Jesus Christ assures us
that His kingdom is not of this world
but to establish His reign within our souls,
according to what He Himself says,
in the holy Gospel, that His kingdom is within us.”

St John Baptiste de La Salle (1651-1719)

jesus christ came to this earth to reign here - st john baptiste de la salle 27 april 2020 on the mem of bl nicolas roland

“You leave the land
just as it is when you depart,
you do not carry anything away.
Our first aim is to go to God,
we are not on earth for anything but this!”

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

you leave the land just as it is-stjohn vianney 6 may 2019

Posted in QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMAN DIGNITY, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, The INCARNATION

Quote/s of the Day – 25 April – St Pedro de San Jose de Betancur

Quote/s of the Day – 25 April – the Memorial St Pedro de San Jose de Betancur OFB (1626-1667) “St Francis of Assisi of the Americas” – “The Man Who was Made Charity”

Father Manuel Lobo, a Jesuit who was Brother Pedro de Betancur’s spiritual director for fifteen years, wrote:

“It was because of the great devotion he professed to the mystery of the birth of the Son of God, that, inspired from Heaven, he gave his establishment the name of Our Lady of Bethlehem.   Bethlehem means ‘house of bread’—here it was that the humble shepherds found the Son of God incarnate.
Likewise, in this new Bethlehem, the poor must find not only bread but the Lord God and, with bodily food, spiritual food for the nourishment of their souls.”

Father Manuel Lobo

fr manuel lobo - speaking of st pedro de betancur 25 april 2020

“Already in the land of his birth, as in every phase of his life, Brother Pedro was a deeply prayerful man, especially here where, at the hermitage of Calvary, he diligently sought God’s will at every moment.

Thus, he is an outstanding example for Christians today, whom he reminds, that training in holiness “calls for a Christian life distinguished above all in the art of prayer” (Novo millennio ineunte, 32).   I, therefore, renew my exhortation to all the Christian communities of Guatemala and other countries, to be authentic schools of prayer where all activity is centred on prayer.   An intensely devout life always bears abundant fruit.

the man who was made charity st pedro de betancur he is an outstanding - st john paul 25 april 2020

Brother Pedro modelled his spirituality in this way, particularly in contemplation of the mysteries of Bethlehem and of the Cross.   If, in the birth and childhood of Jesus, he immersed himself deeply in the fundamental event of the Incarnation of the Word — which led him to discover spontaneously, as it were, the face of God in man — then, in meditating on the Cross, he found the strength to practise mercy heroically with the lowliest and the most deprived.

he immersed himself - st john paul on st pedro de betancur 25 april 2020

… Pedro de Betancurt was distinguished precisely by the humble spirit and austere life with which he practised mercy.   The Apostle Paul’s recommendation went straight to his servant’s heart:  “Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men” (Col 3:23).   Thus he was truly a brother to all, who lived in misfortune and gave himself with tenderness and immense love, to their salvation.   In this way, throughout his life, his deeds showed his dedication to the sick at the little hospital of Our Lady of Bethlehem, the cradle of the Bethlehemite Order.

he was truly a brother to all - st john paul on st pedro de betancur 25 april 2020

Brother Pedro is a legacy that cannot be lost.   He must be the subject of continuous gratitude;  he must be imitated with renewed purpose.   This legacy must inspire among Christians and among all citizens, the desire to transform the human community into a large family, where social, political and economic relations are worthy of man and within which, the dignity of the person is promoted through effective recognition of his inalienable rights.

I would like to conclude by recalling that devotion to the Most Blessed Virgin was always present in Brother Pedro’s life of piety and mercy.   May she also guide us so that, illuminated by the examples of ‘the man who was made charity,’ as Pedro de Betancur is known, we might come to her Son Jesus!”

St John Paul II (1920-2005)

Canonisation Homily
Guatemala City, Tuesday 30 July 2002

brother pedro - st john paul 25 april 2020