Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, FRANCISCAN OFM, GOD is LOVE, GOD the FATHER, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on PEACE

Our Morning Offering – 23 April – Prayer in Praise of God By St Francis of Assisi

Our Morning Offering – 23 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament”

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

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

Posted in Our MORNING Offering, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on WATCHING, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The HEART

Our Morning Offering – 10 April – O Heart of Jesus!

Our Morning Offering – 10 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – Ferial Day – Wednesday in the Second Week of Easter

O Heart of Jesus!
By St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)

Sanctity of the Heart of Jesus,
consecrate my heart;
Providence of the Heart of Jesus,
watch over my heart;
Unchangeableness of the Heart of Jesus,
strengthen my heart;
Purity of the Heart of Jesus,
purify my heart;
Obedience of the Heart of Jesus,
subjugate my heart;
Amiability of the Heart of Jesus,
make Thyself known to my heart;
Divine attractions of the Heart of Jesus,
captivate my heart;
Riches of the Heart of Jesus,
do ye suffice for my heart;
Floods of grace and blessing
which flow from the Heart of Jesus,
inundate my heart.
O Heart of Jesus! be Thou my joy,
my peace, my repose in this world
and in the next.
O Heart of Jesus! adored in Heaven,
Invoked on earth, feared in hell,
Reign over all hearts,
Reign throughout all ages,
Reign forever in celestial glory.
Amen

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

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

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

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

1 Peter 2:9

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

John 14:27

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

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

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)

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

St Frances of Assisi (c1181-1226)

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

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

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

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

Posted in HOLY WEEK, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The LAMB of GOD, The PASSION, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 26 March – Jesus in Gethsemane

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

Jesus in Gethsemane

In His sadness and loneliness, Jesus is comforted by an Angel.
It is true that, being God, He was in no need of being consoled by Angels.
Moreover, He had willingly allowed Himself to be offered as a Victim of Expiation for our sins.

“He was offered because it was His own will” (Is 53:7).
But, He wished to be an example to us in this matter too.

If we trustingly abandon ourselves to God’s will in moments of temptation and of sorrow, we shall receive comfort from our Angel too.
How many times have we experienced this mysterious consolation in our souls?
When we have bowed our heads in suffering and have offered ourselves as pure victims to God, we have felt an inner light and peace which only Divine grace can give.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/10/thought-for-the-day-10-april-jesus-in-gethsemane/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/11/thought-for-the-day-11-april-jesus-in-gethsemane/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, HOLY WEEK, LENT 2024, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, ST FRANCIS de SALES, The PASSION, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 24 March – Palm Sunday –

Quote/s of the Day – 24 March – Palm Sunday – Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:36-75; 27:1-60 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Behold the hour is at hand
and the Son of man shall be betrayed
into the hands of sinners
.”

Matthew 26:45

Yesterday, Christ raised Lazarus from the dead;
today, He is going to His own death.
Yesterday, He tore off the strips of cloth which bound Lazarus;
today, He is stretching out His Hand,
to those who want to bind Him.
Yesterday, He tore that man away from darkness;
today, for humankind,
He is going down into darkness
and the shadow of death.
And the Church is celebrating.
She is beginning the feast of Feasts,
for she is receiving her King as a Spouse,
for her King is in her midst.

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

Oh! how blessed are they
whom our Divine Master chooses to carry Him,
who are covered with the Apostles’ cloaks,
that is, clothed with apostolic virtues,
which render them worthy of bearing our dear Saviour
and of being led by Him.
Blessed are they who conduct themselves
here in lowliness and humility.
They will be exalted in Heaven
[Matt. 18:4; 23:12; Lk. 14:11; 18:14].
Their patience will win for them perpetual peace and tranquility;
for their obedience they shall receive a crown of glory
[Tab. 3:21; James 1:12];
finally, they shall be covered with the hundredfold of blessings
in this life and shall bless the Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
eternally in the next.
May God give us this grace. Amen.

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

(Spiritual Conferences, XVII)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, I BELIEVE!, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, OUR Cross, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The DIVINE INFANT, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The SIGN of the CROSS

Quote/s of the Day – 23 March – ‘The Sign of the Cross of our Lord…’

Quote/s of the Day – 23 March – Saturday in Passion Week

The illusions of this world soon vanish,
especially if a man arms himself
with the Sign of the Cross.
The devils tremble
at the Sign of the Cross of our Lord,
by which He triumphed over and disarmed them.

St Anthony Abbot (251-356)

The day will come when this Child
will no longer be offered in the Temple,
nor in Simeon’s arms
but outside the City
in the arms of the Cross.
The day will come when He
will not be redeemed
by the blood of a sacrifice
but redeem others ,
with His own Blood. …”
That will be the evening sacrifice;
this is the morning sacrifice;
this one is the happiest
but that one is the most complete;
for this one was offered
at the time of birth
and that one will be offered
in the fullness of time,..

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

Look then on Jesus,
the Author and Preserver of faith —
in complete sinlessness, He suffered
and, at the hands of those who were His own
and was numbered among the wicked.
As you drink the cup of the Lord Jesus
(how glorious it is!), give thanks to the Lord,
the Giver of all blessings.
May the God of love and peace
set your hearts at rest
and speed you on your journey;
may He meanwhile, shelter you
from disturbance by others
in the hidden recesses of His Love,
until He brings you, at last,
into that place of complete plenitude,
where you will repose forever in the vision of peace,
in the security of trust
and in the restful enjoyment of His riches.

St Raymond of Peñafort (1175-1275)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on PEACE

Quote/s of the Day – 21 March – St Benedict

Quote/s of the Day – 21 March – St Benedict OSB (c480-547) Abbot

Listen and attend
with the ear of your heart.

Be careful to be gentle,
lest in removing the rust,
you break the whole instrument.

Idleness is an enemy of the soul.

O God, Be With Us
By St Benedict (c480-547)

O God,
from Whom to be turned,
is to fall,
to Whom to be turned,
is to rise,
and in Whom to stand,
is to abide forever.
Grant us in all our duties, Thy help,
in all our perplexities, Thy guidance,
in all our dangers, Thy protection,
and in all our sorrows, Thy peace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/21/quote-s-of-the-day-21-march-st-benedict-2/

St Benedict (c480-547)

Posted in GOD ALONE!, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 8 March – St John of God

Quote/s of the Day – 8 March – St John of God OH (1495-1550) Confessor, Founder of the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God

Lord be Blessed!
(A Prayer of Thanksgiving and Self-oblation)
By St John of God (1495-1550)

Lord be blessed!
for in Thy great kindness to me,
who art such a great sinner,
having performed so many wicked things,
yet Thou seest fit to set me free,
from such a tremendous temptation
and deception into which I fell,
through my own sinfulness.
Thou hast brought me into a safe harbour,
where I shall endeavour to serve Thee
with all my strength.
My Lord, I beg Thee, with all my might,
give me the strength of Thine grace
and always let me see Thine clemency.
I wish to be Thy slave,
so kindly show me what I should do.
Give peace and quiet to my soul
which greatly desires this.
O most worthy Lord,
may this creature of Thine,
serve and praise Thee.
May I give my whole heart
and mind, to Thee.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/08/quote-s-of-the-day-8-march-st-john-of-god-oh-1495-1550/

St John of God (1495-1550)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on PEACE, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 March – Forgive and be at peace

One Minute Reflection – 5 March – Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent – 4 Kings 4:1-7, Matthew 18:15-22 – “The Month of St Joseph”

Then Peter came up to him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times but seventy times seven.” – Matthew 18:21-22

REFLECTION – “He is our peace, for He has made both one. Since we think of Christ as our peace, we may call ourselves true Christians, only if our lives express Christ by our own peace. As the Apostle says: He has put enmity to death. We must never allow it to be rekindled in us in any way but, must declare, that it is absolutely dead. Gloriously has God slain enmity, in order to save us, may we never risk the life of our souls by being resentful or by bearing grudges. …

No, since we possess Christ Who is Peace, we must put an end to this enmity and live as we believe He lived. He broke down the separating wall, uniting what was divided, bringing about peace by reconciling in His single person, those who disagreed. In the same way, we must be reconciled not only with those who attack us from outside but also with those who stir up dissension within; flesh then will no longer be opposed to the spirit, nor the spirit to the flesh. Once we subject the wisdom of the flesh to God’s law, we shall be re-created as one single man, at peace. Then, having become one instead of two, we shall have peace within ourselves.

Now peace is defined as harmony among those who are divided. When, therefore, we end that civil war within our nature and cultivate peace within ourselves, we become peace. By this peace we demonstrate that the Name of Christ, which we bear, is authentic and appropriate.

When we consider that Christ is the True Light, having nothing in common with deceit, we learn that our own life also must shine with the rays of that True Light. Now these rays of the Sun of Justice are the virtues which pour out to enlighten us so that we may put away the works of darkness and walk honourably as in broad daylight. When we reject the deeds of darkness and do everything in the light of day, we become light and, as light should, we give light to others by our actions. If we truly think of Christ as our source of holiness, we shall refrain from anything wicked or impure in thought or act and thus, show ourselves to be worthy bearers of His Name. For the quality of holiness is shown, not by what we say but by what we do in life.” – St Gregory of Nyssa (c 335–C 395) – Bishop and Father of the Church (Excerpt from his treatise, On Christian Perfection).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who sees how we are deprived of all strength, guard us inwardly and outwardly that in body, we may be protected against all misfortunes and in mind, cleansed of evil thoughts and by the intercession of blessed and gloriosus ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, be assisted on this earthly pilgrimage. 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 7 GIFTS of the HOLY SPIRIT, CATECHESIS, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GOSSIP, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, ST FRANCIS de SALES, The HOLY SPIRIT, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 4 March – Wisdom for Lent and for Life

Quote/s of the Day – 4 March – Wisdom for Lent and for Life

Abide in Me and I in you.
As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,
unless it abide in the vine,
so neither can you,
unless you abide in Me.

John 15:4

Strive to preserve your heart in peace;
let no event of this world, disturb it.

St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Doctor of the Church

“If, when stung by slander
or ill-nature,
we wax proud
and swell with anger,
it is a proof that our gentleness
and humility
are unreal
and mere artificial show!

Do not look forward to the changes and chances
of this life in fear – rather look to them
with full hope that, as they arise,
God, Whose you are, will deliver you out of them.
He is your keeper. He has kept you hitherto.
Do you but hold fast to His dear Hand
and He will lead you safely through all things
and, when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms.
Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow.
Our Father will either shield you from suffering,
or He will give you strength to bear it.

The truly patient man
neither complains of his hard lot,
nor desires to be pitied by others.
He speaks of his sufferings
in a natural, true and sincere way,
without murmuring, complaining,
or exaggerating them.

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

If we live good lives, hoping for a Heavenly reward
and guided by the action of the Holy Spirit,
dwelling within us, we shall possess this spiritual joy.
Once we possess it, it will be erased,
neither by temptation, nor by suffering,
nor by persecution, as long, as our faith,
remains firm and steadfast.
The sincere Christian accepts pleasure and pain
with equal readiness because he places
everything in God’s hands.
… We must try, at least, to achieve
that spirit of complete resignation to God’s will
which is always rewarded by peace of soul!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on The HUMAN SOUL, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), QUOTES on Will (Sensual or Inferior), QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SELF-DISTRUST, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 1 March– The Soldier of Christ Must Avoid All which May Disturb His Peace of Mind (Part Three)

Thought for the Day – 1 March– The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

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

XXV: … The Soldier of Christ Must Avoid All
which May Disturb His Peace of Mind
(Part Three)

And, as anxiety at the approach of adverse events, springs up even more frequently in our hearts, you have two things to do in order to ward off this assault.

+++ The FIRST is, carefully to search out and discover to what these events are adverse, whether to the soul, or to self-love and self-will.
For, if they be adverse to your own will and to self-love, your chief and greatest enemy, they are not to be called adverse but, to be esteemed as special favours and aids from the Most High God, to be received with a joyful heart and with thanksgiving!
And, although they should be adverse to the soul, you ought not. on this account, to lose your peace of mind, as I will show you in the following chapter.

+++ The SECOND is, to lift up the heart to God, accepting all things blindly from the Hand of His Divine Providence, ever full of manifold blessings, beyond your power to comprehend and, seeking to know nothing further!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/28/thought-for-the-day-28-february-the-soldier-of-christ-must-avoid-all-which-may-disturb-his-peace-of-mind-part-one/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/29/thought-for-the-day-29-february-the-soldier-of-christ-must-avoid-all-which-may-disturb-his-peace-of-mind-part-two/

Posted in "Follow Me", OPEN HOUSE...Conversations with..., QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SELF-DISTRUST, The HEART

Thought for the Day – 29 February – The Soldier of Christ Must Avoid All which May Disturb His Peace of Mind (Part Two)

Thought for the Day – 29 February – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

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

XXV: … The Soldier of Christ Must Avoid All
which May Disturb His Peace of Mind
(Part Two)

“Besides, when the heart is unquiet, it is always exposed to manifold assaults of the enemy and, moreover, in such a state, we are incapable of understanding and discovering the correct path and the sure way of holiness.

Our enemy, who, above all things, hates this peace because, the Spirit of God, dwells therein and inspires marvellous works, the devil often seeks, in a friendly disguise, to rob us of such God-given peace, by instilling into our hearts, sundry desires which have a semblance of good.
But ,their deceitful nature maybe detected by this test, among others, that is – they rob us of our peace of mind!

Therefore, to avert so great an evil, when the sentinel gives notice of the approach of some new desire, on no account give it entrance into your heart, until, with a free and unbiased will, you have first presented it to God and, confessing your ignorance and blindness, have earnestly prayed to Him for light to discern whether it comes from Him or from the enemy.

Have recourse also, if possible, to the judgement of your spiritual father.
And, even if the desire should be from God, do not begin to carry it into execution until you have mortified your own eagerness; for a work preceded by such mortication, will be far more acceptable to Him, than if performed with all the impetuosity of nature.
Nay, sometimes it maybe that the mortication will please Him better than the work itself.

Thus, casting from you all evil desires,and not venturing to carry even good desires into effect, until you have first repressed your natural impulses, you shall keep the fortress of your heart in security and peace.

And, in order to preserve it in perfect peace, you must also guard and defend it from certain inward self-reproaches and remorseful feelings which are sometimes from the devil, although, as they accuse you of some failing, they seem to come from God.
By their fruits shall you know whence they proceed!
If they humble you, if they make you diligent in well-doing, if they do not take from you, your trust in God, then receive them with all thankfulness as coming from Him.

But, if they discourage you, if they make you fearful, distrustful, slack and feeble in good deeds, then, be assured, they come from the enemy!
Give no ear to them but continue your exercise.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/28/thought-for-the-day-28-february-the-soldier-of-christ-must-avoid-all-which-may-disturb-his-peace-of-mind-part-one/

Posted in QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 28 February – The Soldier of Christ Must Avoid All which May Disturb His Peace of Mind (Part One)

Thought for the Day – 28 February – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

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

XXV: … The Soldier of Christ Must Avoid All
which May Disturb His Peace of Mind
(Part One)

Antonio de Pereda y Salgado – The Liberation of St Peter by an Angel

When we have lost our peace of mind, we should do our utmost to recover it; neither, is there any accident of life which should reasonably have power to deprive us of that peace, or even to trouble it.
Over our own sins, we have indeed cause to mourn deeply but, our sorrow, as I have shown more than once, should be calm and in like manner, without any disquiet but with a holy feeling of charity, should we compassionate other sinners and weep, at least inwardly, over their offenses.

As to other sad and trying events, such as sickness, wounds, or loss of dearest friends, pestilence, fire, war, or suchlike evils – although these being painful to nature, are, for the most part, shunned by the men of this world, yet may we, by Divine grace, not only desire but, even love them, as just chastisements upon the wicked and occasions of virtue to the just.
For, therefore, does our Lord God take pleasure in sending them and thus borne forward by His will, we shall pass, with a calm and quiet spirit, through all the bitterness and contradictions of this life.
And be assured that all disquietude, on our part, is displeasing in His sight for, of whatever kind it be, it is never free from imperfection and always springs from some evil root of self-love.

Keep, therefore, a sentinel always on the watch, who, as soon as he shall discern the approach of anything likely to disquiet or disturb you, may give you a signal, to take up your weapons of defence!

And consider that, all these evils,and many others of a like kind, although outwardly they appear to be such, are not indeed real evils, nor can they rob us of any real good but are all ordered, or permitted by God, for the righteous ends of which we have spoken, or for others, most wise and holy, although beyond our power to discern and understand.

So, may the most untoward accident work for us much good, if we do but keep our souls in peace and tranquillity, otherwise, all our exercises will produce little, or no fruit!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in "Follow Me", CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, LENT 2024, LENTEN THOUGHTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The HEART, The HOLY NAME

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 22 February – ‘ … What then must we do, we who have been found worthy of the Name of Christ? … ‘

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 22 February – The Feast of the Chair of St Peter at Antioch –1 Peter 1:1-7; Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

St Gregory of Nyssa (c335–c395)
Bishop and Father of the Church

(Brother of St Basil the Great)

“The life of the Christian has three distinguishing aspects – deeds, words and thought. Thought comes first, then words, since our words express openly the interior conclusions of the mind. Finally, after thoughts and words, comes action, for our deeds carry out what the mind has conceived. So when one of these results in our acting or speaking or thinking, we must make sure that all our thoughts, words and deeds are controlled by the Divine Ideal, the Revelation of Christ. For then, our thoughts, words and deeds will not fall short of the nobility of their implications.

What then must we do, we who have been found worthy of the Name of Christ? Each of us must examine his thoughts, words and deeds, to see whether they are directed toward Christ or are turned away from Him. This examination is carried out in various ways. Our deeds or our thoughts or our words are not in harmony with Christ if they issue from passion. They then bear the mark of the enemy who smears the pearl of the heart with the slime of passion, dimming and even destroying the luster of the precious stone.

On the other hand, if they are free from and untainted by every passionate inclination, they are directed toward Christ, the Author and Source of peace. He is like a pure, untainted stream. If you draw the thoughts in your mind and the inclinations of your heart from Him, you will show a likeness to Christ, your Source and Origin, as the gleaming water in a jar resembles the flowing water from which it was obtained.

For the purity of Christ and the purity which is manifest in our hearts are identical. Christ’s purity, however, is the Fountainhead; ours has its Source in Him and flows out of Him. Our life is stamped with the beauty of His thought. The inner and the outer man, are harmonised in a kind of music. The mind of Christ is the controlling influence which inspires us to moderation and goodness in our behaviour. As I see it, Christian perfection consists in this – sharing the title which expresses the meaning of Christ’s Name, we bring out this meaning in our minds, our prayers and our way of life.” – (Extract from his Treatise On Christian Perfection).

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, GOD is LOVE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MERIT, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The HEART, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 23 January – St Raymond of Peñafort (1175-1275)

Quote/s of the Day – 23 January – St Raymond of Peñafort OP (1175-1275) Confessor, “Father of Canon Law”

May you never be numbered
among those whose house
is peaceful, quiet
and free from care,
those on whom
the Lord’s chastisement
does not descend,
those who live out their days
in prosperity and in the
twinkling of an eye,
will go down to hell!

Your purity of life, your devotion,
deserve and call for a reward
because you are acceptable
and pleasing to God.
Your purity of life must be made purer still,
by frequent buffetings,
until you attain perfect sincerity of heart.
If, from time to time, you feel the sword
falling upon you with double or treble force,
this also should be seen as sheer joy
and the mark of love!

Look then on Jesus,
the Author and Preserver of faith —
in complete sinlessness, He suffered
and, at the hands of those who were His own
and was numbered among the wicked.
As you drink the cup of the Lord Jesus
(how glorious it is!), give thanks to the Lord,
the Giver of all blessings.
May the God of love and peace
set your hearts at rest
and speed you on your journey;
may He meanwhile, shelter you
from disturbance by others
in the hidden recesses of His Love,
until He brings you, at last,
into that place of complete plenitude,
where you will repose forever in the vision of peace,
in the security of trust
and in the restful enjoyment of His riches. ”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/07/quote-s-of-the-day-7-january-st-raymond-of-penafort/

St Raymond of Peñafort (1175-1275)

Posted in BAPTISM, CARMELITES, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FRANCISCAN OFM, GOD ALONE!, HOLY WEEK, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The HOLY NAME, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The WILL of GOD, The WORD, THEOLOGICAL

Quote/s of the Day – 22 January – ‘… Always persevere …’

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

And you shall be hated by all men,
for My Name’s sake.

Luke 21:17

The fruits of the earth
are not brought to perfection immediately
but by time, rain and care.
Similarly, the fruits of men ripen
through ascetic practice,
study, time, perseverance,
self-control and patience.

St Anthony Abbot (251-356)

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

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

Love consists,
not in feeling great things
but, in having great detachment
and in suffering for the Beloved.

St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Doctor Mysticus

Now, you must always persevere
in firmly placing all your trust in our Lord,
in the troublesome business you have in hand.
It will give you a fine opportunity
of laying a good foundation of submission
to God’s will and peace of soul.

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Excerpt from the Prayer
to the Five Wounds of Jesus
By St Clare of Assisi (1194-1253)

I pray Thee, O most gentle Jesus,
that having redeemed me
by Baptism from original sin,
so now, by Thy Precious Blood,
which is offered and received,
throughout the world,
deliver me from all evils,
past, present and to come.
And by Thy most bitter Death,
give me a lively faith,
a firm hope
and perfect charity,
so that I may love Thee
with all my heart and all my soul
and all my strength.
Make me firm and steadfast in good works
and grant me perseverance in Thy service,
so that I may be able to please Thee always.
Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRAYER – Give heed to our humble prayers, O Lord, that we who know we are guilty of our own sin, may be saved by the intercession of Thy blessed Martyrs Vincent and Anastasius.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, ST FRANCIS de SALES, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The HEART, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 21 January – It is in the heart …

Quote/s of the Day – 21 January – St Agnes (c 291- c 304) Virgin and Martyr – Romans 12:16-21; Matthew 8:1-13 – – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

The centurion said in reply,
“Lord, I am not worthy
to have you enter under my roof;
only say the word
and my servant will be healed.

Matthew 8:8

By viewing himself as unworthy,
he showed himself worthy,
for Christ to come,
not merely into his house
but also into his heart.

For the Master of humility,
both by word and example,
sat down also, in the house
of a certain proud Pharisee, Simon
and although He sat down in his house,
there was no place in his heart.
For in his heart.
the Son of Man could not lay His head.

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

“The obedience of the Star
calls us to imitate its humble service:
to be servants, as best we can,
of the grace which invites all men
to find Christ.”

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

To receive the grace of God
into our hearts,
we ought to empty them
of our own glory.

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

Keep your heart in peace
and let nothing trouble you,
not even your faults.
You must humble yourself
and amend them peacefully,
without being discouraged or cast down,
for God’s dwelling, is in peace.”

St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, DOMINICAN OP, GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, ST FRANCIS de SALES, The HEART, The HOLY NAME, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 11 January – The source of Joy

Quote/s of the Day – 11 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12

And seeing the Star they rejoiced
with exceeding great joy.

Matthew 2:10

Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name
is the greatest spiritual force in the world today.
It is a source of joy and inspiration in our youth;
of strength in our manhood,
when only His Holy Name and His grace,
can enable us to overcome temptation;
of hope, consolation
and confidence at the hour of our death,
when more than ever before,
we realise, that the meaning of Jesus is
‘Lord, the Saviour.’
We should bow in reverence to His Name
and submission to His Holy Will.

Bl Henry Suso OP (1290-1365)

Should everything turn upside down,
I do not say around us but within us,
that is to say, should our soul be sad,
happy, in sweetness, in bitterness,
peaceful, troubled, in light, in darkness,
in temptation, in rest, in enjoyment,
in disgust, in dryness, in gentleness,
should the sun burn it or the dew refresh it,
ah! this point of our heart,
our spirit, our higher will, which is our compass,
should, nevertheless, always and at all times,
turn unceasingly, tend perpetually
towards the love of God!

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

(From the Letters)

Posted in CARMELITES, CHRIST the LIGHT, CONTEMPLATIVE Prayer, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for the NEW YEAR, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HEART, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 8 January – Advice for 2024 from St John of the Cross

Quote/s of the Day – 8 January – Advice for 2024 from St John of the Cross

What we need most,
in order to make progress,
is to be silent before this great God
with our appetite and with our tongue,
for the language He best hears
is silent love.

Contemplation is nothing else
but a secret, peaceful
and loving infusion of God
which, if admitted,
will set the soul on fire
with the Spirit of love.

Take God for your spouse and friend
and walk with Him continually
and you will not sin
and will learn to love
and, the things you must do,
will work out prosperously for you
.”

The endurance of darkness
is the preparation for great light!

Strive to preserve your heart in peace;
let no event of this world, disturb it.

Lord God, Lift Me Up
By St John of the Cross (1542-1591)

Lord God, my Beloved,
if Thou art still mindful of my sins
and wilt not grant my petitions,
let Thy will be done,
for this is my main desire.
Show Thy goodness and mercy
and Thou shalt be known for them.
If Thou art waiting for me
to do good works
and upon their performance,
Thou wilt grant my petitions,
cause them to be accomplished in me, O Lord!
Send also, the punishment for my sins,
which is acceptable to Thee.
For how will I raise myself up to Thee,
born and bred as I am, in misery,
unless Thou, O Lord,
wilt lift me up
with the Hand which made me?!
Amen

St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Mystical Doctor of the Church

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on TRUTH, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The HEART, The HOLY NAME, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 2 January –

Quote/s of the Day – 2 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” and the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus AND of the INFANT of PRAGUE – Acts 4:8-12; Luke 2:21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

His Name was called Jesus …

Luke 2:21

May We Confess Your Name to the End
By St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258)

Good God,
may we confess Your Name to the end.
May we emerge unmarked
and glorious from the traps
and darkness of this world.
As You have bound us together
by charity and peace
and as together
we have persevered under persecution,
so may we also rejoice together
in Your heavenly Kingdom.
Amen

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

Wake up then, believer
and note what is stated here:
“In My Name.”
That [Name] is Christ Jesus.
Christ signifies King, Jesus signifies Saviour.
Therefore, whatever we ask for
that would hinder our salvation,
we do not ask in our Saviour’s Name
and yet, He is our Saviour,
not only when He does what we ask
but also, when He does not.
When He sees us ask anything
to the disadvantage of our salvation,
He shows Himself our Saviour by not doing it.
The physician knows
whether what the sick person asks for,
is to the advantage or disadvantage of his health.
And [the physician] does not allow
what would be harmful to him,
although the sick person himself, desires it.
But the physician looks to his final cure.

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

[Jesus] is our only Master, Who must teach us;
our only Lord, on Whom we must depend;
our only Head, to Whom alone we should belong;
our only Model, Whom we should imitate;
our only Physician, Who must heal us;
our only Shepherd, Who must feed us;
our only Way, Who must lead us;
our only Truth, Whom we must believe;
our only Life, Who must be our life
and our sole sufficiency in all things
that, in Him, we may have all in All.
Except the Name of Jesus,
there is no other name given under Heaven,
whereby we must be saved
and apart from Jesus Christ,
God has given us no other foundation of our salvation,
our perfection and our glory!

St Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)

Oh Most Sacred Name,
Name of peace,
Balsam of life,
which is the centre of all the sighs,
of the most fervent lovers of Jesus.
The Sign of those, who truly love Jesus,
is to bear Jesus imprinted in the heart
and to name often and with devotion,
the Most Holy Name of Jesus.

St Leonard of Port Maurice (1676-1751)

Transport yourself “in spirit” to the Church in Prague
where the original Statue of the Infant still stands
and let Jesus help you with your intentions!

This wonderful prayer to the Infant Jesus of Prague
is known as the Prayer of Father Cyrillus, (c 1637)
truly one of the first champions of the loving little Infant!

Prayer of Fr Cyrillus,
to the Beloved and Miraculous
Infant Jesus of Prague

Jesus, unto Thee I flee,
Through Thy Mother praying Thee
In my need to succour me.
Truly, I believe of Thee
God Thou art with strength to shield me;
Full of trust, I hope of Thee
Thou, Thy grace wilt give to me.
All my heart I give to Thee,
Therefore, do my sins repent me;
From them breaking, I beseech Thee,
Jesus, from their bonds to free me.
Firm my purpose, is to mend me;
Never more will I offend Thee.
Wholly unto Thee I give me,
Patiently to suffer for Thee,
Thee to serve eternally.
And my neighbour like to me
I will love, for love of Thee.
Little Jesus, I beseech Thee,
In my need, to succour me,
That with Joseph and Mary
And the Angels, I may Thee
Once enjoy eternally.
Amen.

Oh by Thy Name
we shall live in peaceful
and fearless anticipation!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/02/quote-s-of-the-day-2-january-jesus-2/

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, JESUIT SJ, NOTES to Followers, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS on FAITH, QUOTES for the NEW YEAR, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TIME, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, St ALPHONSUS LIGUORI, The HOLY NAME, The WILL of GOD, THEOLOGICAL

The New Day and Year has Dawned! Its 2024!

The New Day and Year has Dawned!
Its 2024!

We know that there is only ONE thing necessary
and so, for this New Year, 2024,
I wish you only that ONE THING –
that HE may fill your heart,
your mind, your soul, your whole being,
everyday and every moment
and then, nothing will be wanting to you,
ALL will be yours and even sadness
and pain will serve only to unite you
more and more closely to our Divine Saviour.
And so, abiding in His Sacred Heart,
2024 will be PERFECT!

We must make our way towards eternity,
never regarding what men think of us,
or of our actions,
studying only to please God
.”

St Francis Borgia (1510-1572)

The One Thing Necessary
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

O my God,
help me to remember,
that time is short, eternity long.
What good is all the greatness of this world
at the hour of death?
To love Thee, my God
and save my soul is the one thing necessary.
Without Thee, there is no peace of mind or soul.
My God, I need fear only sin
and nothing else in this life,
for to lose Thee, my God, is to lose all.
O my God, help me to remember,
that I came into this world with nothing
and shall take nothing from it, when I die.
To gain Thee, I must leave all.
But in loving Thee,
I already have all good things –
the infinite riches of Christ and His Church in life,
Mary’s motherly protection and perpetual help
and the eternal dwelling place
Jesus has prepared for me.
Eternal Father, Jesus has promised
that whatever we ask
in His Name will be granted us.
In His Name, I pray,
give me a burning faith,
a joyful hope,
a holy love for Thee.
Grant me perseverance in doing Thine will
and never let me be separated from Thee.
My God and my All,
make me a Saint!
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, CHRISTMAS Quotes, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PEACE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The DIVINE INFANT, The HEART

Quote/s of the Day – 30 December – Our only Light – Deo Gratias!

Quote/s of the Day – 30 December – The Sixth Day Within the Octave of the Nativity of our Lord

With hearts truly grateful,
Come, all ye faithful,
To Jesus, to Jesus in Bethlehem;
See Christ your Saviour,
Heaven’s greatest favour.
Let us hasten to adore Him;
Our God and King.

DEO GRATIAS!

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
Who illuminates all men.

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

Listen! the reason He is called Saviour
is because, for all those
to whom He is united,
He gains salvation.
Now salvation means,
to be delivered from all ills and,
at the same time,
to find all blessings forever –
Life instead of death,
Light in place of darkness
and, instead of the slavery
of the passions and unworthy deeds,
the complete freedom granted
to all those, who are united to Christ,
Saviour of all beings.
Thus they will possess,
without being able to lose it,
all joy, all happiness, all blessedness …
that that none can ever know,
or conceive, or see,
if not sincerely and ardently
attached to Christ.”

St Symeon the New Theologian (c 949-1022)

Taking up the newborn Emmanuel,
Mary beheld a Light incomparably fairer
than the sun and saw a Fire
that water cannot quench.
She received, in the covering of flesh
Whom she had borne,
the Light Who enlightens all things
and she was worthy,
to carry in her arms,
the Word Who carries the universe!
” ”

St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159)
Bishop, Cistercian Monk

(Homilies in praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary IV SC 72)

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT QUOTES, ADVENT REFLECTIONS, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on WATCHING, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, The DIVINE INFANT, The HEART, The NATIVITY of JESUS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 18 December – Ready to welcome Him …

Quote/s of the Day – 18 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conceptio of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Monday of the Third Week of Advent – Ferial Day – Philippians 4:4-7; John 1:19-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

The Lord is near.
Have no anxiety
…”

Philippians 4:5-6

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 (340-397)
Father and Doctor of the Church

He became small because you were small –
understand how great He is
and you will become great along with Him.
This is how houses are built,
how the solid walls of a building are raised.
The stones brought to construct the building increase,
you, too, increase, understanding how great Christ is
and how He, Who appeared to be small, is great,
very great indeed…

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

In adoring our Saviour’s birth,
it is our origin that we celebrate.
Christ’s temporal generation
is the source of the Christian people,
the birth of His Mystical Body.
All of us encounter in this Mystery,
a new birth in Christ.

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

If we would please this Divine Infant,
we too must become children,
simple and humble.
We must carry to Him, flowers of virtue,
of meekness, of mortification, of charity.
We must clasp Him in the arms of our love.

St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

Posted in "Follow Me", CARMELITES, CHRIST the LIGHT, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, OUR Cross, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 December – Seeking St John of the Cross

Quote/s of the Day – 16 December – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; Matthew 16:24-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Seeking St John of the Cross

For he who will save his life, will lose it
and he who will lose his life
for My sake, will find it.

Matthew 16:25

The one who walks in the love of God
seeks neither gain nor reward
but seeks only, with the will,
to lose self and all things, for God
and this loss, the lover judges to be a gain!

O you souls who wish to go on
with so much safety and consolation,
if you knew how pleasing to God, is suffering
and how much it helps,
in acquiring other good things,
you would never seek consolation in anything;
but. you would rather look upon it,
as a great happiness, to bear the Cross of the Lord.

The endurance of darkness
is the preparation for great light!

Strive to preserve your heart in peace;
let no event of this world, disturb it.

Happiness is not a destination,
it is a method of travel.

St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT QUOTES, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, MARIAN QUOTES, OUR Cross, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PURITY, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SLOTH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on WATCHING, SAINT of the DAY, The HEART, The HOLY CROSS, The SECOND COMING

Quote/s of the Day – 7 December – St Ambrose

Quote/s of the Day – 7 December – St Ambrose (340-397) – Confessor, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church

O, that the soul of Mary were in us,
to glorify the Lord!
That the spirit of Mary were in us,
to rejoice in God.
May the life of Blessed Mary
be ever present to our awareness.
In her, as in a mirror,
the form of virtue
and beauty of chastity, shine forth.
She was Virgin, not only in body
but in mind and spirit.
She never sullied the pure affection of her heart
by unworthy feelings.
She was humble of heart.
She was serious in her conversations.
She was prudent in her counsels.
She preferred to pray rather than to speak.
She united in her heart the prayers of the poor,
and avoided the uncertainty of worldly riches.
She was ever faithful to her daily duties,
reserved in her conversations
and always accustomed to recognise God
as the witness of her thoughts.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus
!”

(On Virginity II 2.7)

Watch, therefore because you know not
the day, nor the hour.

Matthew 25:13

In the hours of the night, think always on Christ
and hope for His coming at every moment. …
Christ enters at the open door.
He will not fail to do so, for He has promised to enter.
Embrace Him, Whom you have sought.
Approach Him and be illumined.
Hold Him and ask Him not to go away quickly.
Beg Him not to depart.
For “His Word runs swiftly” (Ps 147:15)
and will not be held by the slothful
or negligent soul.
Let your soul run to His call and follow closely, t
he sound of His heavenly Voice,
for His passing is swift. …

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
Who illuminates all men.

No-one heals himself
by wounding another.

Our own evil inclinations
are far more dangerous,
than any external enemies.

Carry me, O Christ,
on Thy Cross
which is salvation to the wanderer,
rest for the wearied
and, in which alone,
is Life for those who die.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/07/quote-s-of-the-day-7-december-st-ambrose-3/

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

Posted in DEVOTIO, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on The HUMAN SOUL, QUOTES on VIRTUE, THOMAS a KEMPIS

Thought for the Day – 5 December – Peace of Soul

Thought for the Day – 5 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Peace of Soul

“After expounding this doctrine of interior peace, The Imitation of Christ goes onto saw:
But never to feel any grief at all, nor to suffer any trouble of heart or body, is not the state of this present life but, of everlasting rest.
Think nor, therefore, that thou hast found true peace, if thou feel no burden;
nor that then all is well, if thou have no adversary, nor that thou hast attained to perfection, if all things be done according to thy inclination.
Neither do thou conceive a great notion of thyself, or imagine thyself to be especially beloved, if thou experiences great devotion and sweetness; for it is not in such things as these, that a true lover of virtue is known; nor doth the progress and perfection of man consist in these things!
” (Bk III c25).

We can see from this that peace of soul in this life, is alway the product of strife and sacrifice.
We must pay the price, if we desire to acquire it.
Only when we have attained, at last, to everlasting happiness, shall we enjoy perfect peace, as the reward of our perseverance and fidelity on earth.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/12/thought-for-the-day-12-december-peace-of-soul/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/05/thought-for-the-day-5-december-peace-of-soul/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HEART

Thought for the Day – 2 December – Recollection

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

Recollection

“We may imagine that all this applies only to Monks but that is not so.
We all need interior recollection and we can find it even during our work and in the midst of turmoil and confusion.
If we fail to find it, moreover, it is too bad for us, as The Imitation of Christ warns us.
Peace is not in the heart of the carnal man, nor in the man who is devoted to outward things but, in the fervent and spiritual man” (Bk 1 Ch 6:2).

Let us make sure, therefore, that we shall not be distracted by worldly affairs.
In the midst of all our occupations, let us preserve a spirit of detachment and live in the presence of God.
May God be our first thought and our first desire and may He be the true goal of all our actions!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/03/thought-for-the-day-3-december-recollection/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/30/thought-for-the-day-30-november-recollection/

Posted in JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, The BEATITUDES, The HOLY NAME

Thought for the Day – 29 November – The Blessedness of Those Who Suffer Persecution

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

The Blessedness of Those
Who Suffer Persecution

“Let us implore the Holy Spirit to enlighten us and to grant us this serene joy which is a reflection of the happiness of Heaven.
Oh by Thy Name we shall live in peaceful and fearless anticipation!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/06/thought-for-the-day-6-december-the-blessedness-of-those-who-suffer-persecution/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/29/thought-for-the-day-29-november-the-blessedness-of-those-who-suffer-persecution/

Posted in GOD the FATHER, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PEACE

Thought for the Day – 28 November – The Blessedness of the Peacemakers

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

The Blessedness of the Peacemakers

Blessed are the peacemakers,” said Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, “for they shall be called children of God” (Mt 5:9).

True Christian peace which accompanies the perfect control of the passions and complete dedication to God’s cause, makes us like God and enables us, by His grace, to become His adopted children.
He is the God of peace, in Whom there is no conflict but only perfect order and harmony.
Since He is pure act, He understands Himself fully in all His beauty and perfection and, knowing Himself, He loves Himself.
He is peace, in an active and not in a passive sense.
For this reason, the peacemakers are singled out in a special way as the children of God.

In other words, they become like God, when they acquire that interior tranquility which is the fruit of virtue and of victory over the flesh.
With the help of Divine grace, we should do our utmost to gain this peace.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/05/thought-for-the-day-5-december-the-blessedness-of-the-peracemakers/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/28/thought-for-the-day-28-november-the-blessedness-of-the-peracemakers/