Category: QUOTES on PRIDE

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, QUOTES on VANITY, QUOTES on WISDOM, The HOLY FACE

Quote/s of the Day – 27 May – St Bede the Venerable

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 27 May – The Feast of St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church

“Christ is the Morning Star,
Who, when the night of this world is past,
gives to His saints, the promise of the Light of Life
and opens everlasting day.”

“We abide in God
insofar as we do not sin.”

“All the ways of this world
are as fickle and unstable
as a sudden storm at sea.”

“If one of us has a conscience
polluted by the stain of avarice,
conceit, vain-glory, indignation,
irascibility, or envy and the other vices,
he has “a daughter badly troubled by a demon”
like the Canaanite woman.”

“Those who refuse to be humble cannot be saved.
They cannot say with the prophet:
See, God comes to my aid;
the Lord is the helper of my soul.
But anyone who makes himself humble,
like a little child,
is greater in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

“And I pray Thee, loving Jesus
that as Thou hast graciously given me
to drink in with delight,
the words of Thy knowledge,
so Thou wouldst mercifully grant me
to attain one day to Thee,
the Fountain of all Wisdom
and to appear forever before Thy Face.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/27/quote-s-of-the-day-27-may-st-bede-the-venerable/

St Bede the Venerable (673-735)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Advertisement
Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on VANITY, QUOTES on WISDOM

Thought for the Day – 29 April – Knowledge and Learning

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Knowledge and Learning

“What is the purpose of our studies and our quest for knowledge?
It is interesting to read what St Bernard has to say on this subject.

“There are those who wish to learn for learning’s sake – these are simply curious and come to no serious conclusions.
There are those, moreover, who study in order to be better known – these are vain men.
Others acquire knowledge in order to sell it and to make money, or in order to gain honours – these are merchants of science and culture.
There are others, however, who cultivate science as an instrument to be used in the service of their neighbour – such men are motivated by charity.
There are also some, who study in order to sanctify themselves – and this is true WISDOM!” (Serm 35).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 April –’ …What sort of candlestick is this that bears such a light? …’ St Augustine

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 21 April – “The Month of the Resurrection” – – The Memorial of St Anselm (1033-1109) Bishop, Confessor, Magnificent and Marian Doctor of the Church – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel but upon a candlestick …” – Matthew 5:15

REFLECTION – “Brethren, the Apostles are lamps enabling us to wait for the coming of Christ’s Day. Our Lord tells them: “You are the light of the world.” And since they cannot believe themselves to be a light, like that of which it is said: “He was the true Light Who enlightens everyone” (Jn 1:9), He at once teaches them what that true light is. Having declared to them: “You are the light of the world,” He continues: “No-one lights a lamp to put it under a bushel basket.” I have called you lights, He says but I must clarify – you are only lamps. So do not give in, to the stirrings of pride, if you do not want to see this wick burning out. I am not putting you under the bushel basket but on the lampstand to cast light over everything with your rays.

What sort of candlestick is this that bears such a light? I will teach you. Be lamps yourselves and you will have a place on this lampstand. Christ’s Cross is one great lampstand. Whoever wants to shine out should not be ashamed of this wooden candlestick. Listen to me and you will get the point – the candlestick is the Cross of Christ…

“So will your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and glorify” Glorify whom? Not yourself, since to seek your own glory is to want to be extinguished! “Glorify your heavenly Father.” Yes, that they may glorify Him, your heavenly Father, when they see your good works… Listen to the Apostle Paul: “May I never glory except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world” (Gal 6:14).” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 289, 6 PL 38, 1311-1312).

PRAYER – O God, Who didst give blessed Anselm to be Thy people’s minister in eternal salvation, grant we pray, that we, who have him for teacher of life here on earth, may also deserve now that he is in Heaven, to have him for an advocate. 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 DOMINICAN OP, GOD ALONE!, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, ROSARY QUOTES, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The SECOND COMING

Quote/s of the Day – 5 April – St Vincent Ferrer

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 5 April – St Vincent Ferrer OP (1350-1419) Confessor, called “The Angel of the Apocalypse” and of “The Last Judgement” and the “Mouthpiece of God.”

“Whoever observes this practice,
[the Daily Rosary],
is beyond the reach of adversity!”

“Those with pride
are not Christ’s sheep
but the devil’s goats!”

Grant me, O my God
By St Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419)

Good Jesus,
let me be penetrated with love
to the very marrow of my bones,
with fear and respect toward You.
Let me burn with zeal for Your honour,
so that I may resent terribly,
all the outrages
committed against You,
especially those of which
I myself have been guilty.
Grant further, O my God,
that I may adore and acknowledge You humbly,
as my Creator and that,
penetrated with gratitude
for all Your benefits,
I may never cease to render You thanks.
Grant that I may bless You in all things,
praise and glorify You
with a heart full of joy and gladness
and that, obeying You with docility
in every respect, I may one day,
despite my ingratitude and unworthiness,
be seated at Your table
together with Your Holy Angels and Apostles,
to enjoy ineffable delights.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/05/quote-s-of-the-day-5-april-st-vincent-ferrer/

St Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 March – ‘… You heard the words of the Lord, saying, “Stretch forth your hand.” …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 27 March – Monday of Passion Week and the Feast of St John Damascene (675-749) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church, Confessor, Priest, Monk, Theologian, Writer, Defender of Iconography, Polymath. – Wisdom 10:10-17, Luke 6:6-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“On another sabbath, he went into the synagogue and taught and there was a man there whose right hand was withered.” … Luke 6:6

REFLECTION – “Are you angry at me because I have healed the whole man on the Sabbath day?”   In this place He revivified,, with the salutary strength of good works, the hand which Adam stretched out to pluck the fruit of the forbidden tree.   The hand which had withered through a crime, was healed by good deeds.   Christ thereby rebuked the Jews who violated the precepts of the law with evil interpretations.   They thought that they should rest even from good works on the Sabbath, since the law prefigured in the present, the form of the future, in which indeed, the days of rest from evils, not from blessings, would come.

Then you heard the words of the Lord, saying, “Stretch forth your hand.”   That is the common and universal remedy.   You, who think that you have a healthy hand, beware lest it is withered by greed or by sacrilege.   Hold it out often.   Hold it out to the poor person who begs you.   Hold it out to help your neighbour, to give protection to a widow, to snatch from harm one whom you see subjected to unjust insult.   Hold it out to God for your sins.   The hand is stretched forth, then it is healed.   Jeroboam’s hand withered when he sacrificed to idols, then it stretched out when he entreated God.” …  St Ambrose (340-397)-  One of the 4 original Doctors of the Latin Church – Exposition on the Gospel of Luke, 5

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Who to defend the honour paid to sacred images, filled blessed John with heavenly learning and wondrous strength of soul, grant that, by his intercession and example, we may imitate the virtues of those whose images we honour and may enjoy the help of their patronage. 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 CONFESSION/PENANCE, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, QUOTES on VANITY

Thought for the Day – 17 March – Privation

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Privation

“Suffering and want can raise us to great moral heights.
A man who knows how to do without worldly things, shows his superiority over them.
A man who knows how to deny himself for the love of God and offers his suffering to Him, is raised to a higher plane of unity and friendship with God.
A man who strips himself of vanity, becomes humble.
A man who denies himself sleep and food, becomes temperate.
A man who refuses to give leeway to pride and anger, becomes patient and gentle.
A man who restrains his bodily appetites when they threaten to dominate him, purifies his soul and grows nearer to God.

When we cheerfully accept the sufferings and privations of this life from supernatural motives, we are preparing ourselves for the everlasting happiness of Heaven.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/18/thought-for-the-day-18-march-privation/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/18/thought-for-the-day-18-march-privation-2/

Posted in "Follow Me", MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 6 March – CONSCIENCE

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 6 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

CONSCIENCE

“There are some people who have a right conscience, a conscient, in other words, which is based on the principles of the Gospel, on the precepts of the Church and on the sound advice of a good confessor.

Nevertheless, these must remember St Paul’s warning: “Let him who thinks he stands, take heed, lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12).
They must not grow proud, like the Pharisee who prayed in front of the altar but, must be humble, like the poor publican, who knew that without God’s direction and grace, he would fall into serious sin.

They should remember too that it is not enough to have a right conscience but, its dictates must be put into practice with the help of fervent prayer and frequent reception of the Sacraments.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/28/thought-for-the-day-28-march-conscience/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/06/thought-for-the-day-6-march-conscience/

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL

Thought for the Day – 5 March – Mortification and Penance

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Mortification and Penance

“In Christian teaching, death is the beginning of life.
“Unless the grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies,” Jesus said, “it remains alone. But if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. He who loves his life, loses it and he, who hates his life in this world, keeps it unto life everlasting” (Jn 12:24-25).
This paradox of dying to this life in order to live in Heaven, was enacted in a wonderful way in the lives of Jesus and of the Saints.
It must be put into effect in our lives also, if we are to be genuine Christians.
Jesus shed His precious blood for us and His death was the beginning of His triumph.
The Apostles, Martyrs and Saints, gave their lives for Christ and received, as their reward, the happy and eternal life of Heaven.
By dying to our own ego and to our passions, we shall find the true life of Christ.
We must die to ourselves, so that Christ may live in us, as He lived in St Paul.
We must die to pride, so that Christian humility may live in us;
we must die to anger, so that patience may live in us;
we must die to lust, so that purity and innocence may live in us
and, we must die to selfishness, so that charity may live in us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, St PAUL!, The HEART, The LORD'S PRAYER, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 26 February – Begone, Satan!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 26 February – The First Sunday of Lent – 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Matthew 4:1-11

“Begone, Satan!
for it is written:
The Lord thy God shalt thou adore
and Him only shalt thou serve.”

Matthew 4:10

“Do not, therefore, lose your confidence,
which has a great reward.
For you have need of patience that,
doing the will of God,
you may receive the promise.
For yet a very little while
and He Who is to come,
will come
and will not delay.”

Hebrews 10:35-37

“Expect temptation to your last breath.”

St Anthony Abbot (251-356)

“The demons that wage war on us,
through our shortcomings in virtue,
are those which teach —
impurity, drunkenness, avarice and envy.
Those that wage war on us,
through our excessive zeal for virtue,
teach — conceit, self-esteem and pride.
They [the demons] secretly pervert,
what is commendable,
into what is reprehensible!”

St Maximus the Confessor (c 580-662)
Father of the Church

“It might even be said that we are fortunate
to have temptations, for these are the times
of spiritual harvest when we gather up for Heaven. …
If we were thoroughly saturated
with God’s Holy Presence,
it would be easy for us to resist the enemy.
With the thought ‘God sees you!’ we would never sin!

There was a saint who complained to our Lord
after being tempted and said to Him:
“Where were Thou, my most loveable Jesus,
during that awful storm?”
Our Lord answered:
“I was in the centre of thou heart…”

St John-Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859)
The Curé of Ars

“When tempted,
turn immediately to your
Guardian Angel and ask him,
with all your heart,
“My Guardian Angel help me now.
Do not let me offend my God!”

St John Bosco (1815-1888)

“Why, we may ask,
does God permit us to be tempted?
He wishes us to realise, that only with His help,
can we aspire to the supernatural life
and triumph over our enemies.
Apart from Him, we shall be lost
but close to Him, we shall be invincible!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in "Follow Me", DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LENT, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 February – The temptation of the Lord

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 26 February – The First Sunday of Lent – 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Matthew 4:1-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the devil.” – Matthew 4:1

REFLECTION – “If we look at the progress of our Lord’s temptation, we see how great the struggle was that set us free. from temptation. Our ancient enemy rose up against the first human being, our ancestor, in three temptations. He tempted him by gluttony, by vainglory and by avarice… He tempted him by gluttony when he showed him the forbidden food of the tree and told him: “Taste it.” He tempted him by vainglory when he said, “You will be like gods” (Gn 3:5). He tempted him by adding avarice when he said: “knowing good and evil.” Avarice is concerned not only with money but also with high position…

But the means by which the devil overcame the first Adam (1 Cor 15:47) were the same ones which caused him to yield, when he tempted the Second. He tempted Him by gluttony when he said, “Tell these stones to become bread.” He tempted Him by vainglory when he said, “If Thou are the Son of God, cast Thyself down.” He tempted him by an avaricious desire for high position when he showed him all the kingdoms of the world, saying: “I will give Thee all these, if Thou will fall down and worship me”… As a captive, the devil would depart from our hearts by the same avenue which had given him entrance, when he possessed us.

But there is something else we have to consider too in this temptation of the Lord’s… He could have plunged His tempter into the depths. He did not reveal the power of His might but He only brought forth the precepts of Scripture. This was to give us an example of His patience, so that as often as we suffer something from vicious persons, we should be aroused to teach, rather than to exact revenge. Consider how great God’s patience is, how great our impatience! If we are provoked by injuries, or by some attack, we are influenced by rage… the Lord endured the devil’s opposition and He answered him with nothing except words of meekness!” – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on the Gospel no 14).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who purify Thy Church by the annual Lenten observance, grant to Thy household that what they strive to obtain from Thee by abstinence, they may achieve by good works. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, LENT 2023, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on VANITY

Our Lenten Journey with St Francis de Sales – 24 February – THE THIRD CONDITION NECESSARY for fasting well,

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Lenten Journey with St Francis de Sales – 24 February – Friday after Ash Wednesday, Feast of St Matthias, Apostle

“ Lord, Thou hast proved me
and known me:
Thou hast known my sitting down
and my rising up.”
Psalm 138:1-2

“Take My yoke upon you
and learn from Me,
for I Am meek and humble of heart
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For My yoke is easy and My burden light.”
Matthew 11:29-30

ON FASTING 3
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

“THE THIRD CONDITION NECESSARY for fasting well, is to look to God and to do everything to please Him, withdrawing within ourselves in imitation of a great Saint, St Gregory the Great, who, withdrew into a secret and out-of-the-way place, where he remained for some time without anyone knowing where he was, being content that the Lord and His Angels knew it.

This is what Cassian, that great Father of the spiritual life, teaches us so well in the book of his admirable Conferences. (Many Saints held it in such esteem that they never went to bed without reading a chapter from it to recollect their mind to God.)
He says: “What will it profit you to do what you are doing for the eyes of creatures? Nothing but vanity and complacency which are good for Hell alone. But if you keep your fast and do all your works to please God alone, you will labour for eternity, without delighting in yourself or caring whether you are seen by others or not, since what you do is not done for them, nor do you await your recompense from them. We must keep our fast with humility and truth and not with lying and hyocrisy – that is, we must fast for God and to please Him alone.” …

This is all I wish to tell you regarding fasting and what must be observed in order to fast well.
The first thing is that your fast should be entire and universal – that is that you should make all the members of your body and the powers of your soul fast – keeping your eyes lowered … mortifying the hearing and the tongue, so that you will no longer hear or speak of anything vain or useless; … the memory, in filling it with the remembrance of bitter and sorrowful things and avoiding joyous and gracious thoughts; keeping your will in check and your spirit at the foot of the Crucifix, with some holy and sorrowful thought.
If you do this, your fast will be universal, interior and exterior, for you will mortify both your body and your spirit.
The second condition is that you do not observe your fast or perform your works, for the eyes of others and the third, is that you do all your actions and consequently, your fasting, to please God alone, to Whom be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen.” – (Excerpt from the Sermon given for Ash Wednesday on 9 February 1622).

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE

Thought for the Day – 10 February – SELF-LOVE

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 10 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

SELF-LOVE

“There are three tiny blossoms which can scarcely be seen – those of the corn, the olive and the vine.
Nevertheless, from these we receive grain, oil and wine – three very precious commodities.
These three little blossoms are almost invisible in comparision with other larger flowers, such as that of the magnolia which do not yield any useful fruit.
They should present us with a starting-point for meditation.
Would we like our actions to be valuable in the sight of God and bring forth good fruit?

Let us be humble and suppress love of self.
Then God will look on us with favour.
He will give us His grace and make fertile the work which we do purely for Him.
“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Is 4:6).

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/12/thought-for-the-day-12-february-self-love/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/12/thought-for-the-day-12-february-self-love-2/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES

Thought for the Day – 31 January – Outward Appearances

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 31 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Outward Appearances

“Men of the world look at the outward appearance of things and are often satisfied with that.
Many of them desire and long for physical beauty, wealth, high social status and honours.
It does not matter to them if beneath this splendid facade, there are concealed, a mean and impoverish spirit, a corrupt and dishonest heart, an egotism indifferent to noble ideals and an astuteness intent on ousting potential rivals.
All this is unimportant, as long as they are successful and can keep up appearances,

We tend to live for what others think and say about us, in other words, for external appearances.
Is this you?”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FATHERS of the Church, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SLOTH, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY EUCHARIST, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 20 January – Blessed are you who are poor …

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the Kingdom of God.”

Luke 6:20

“If the poison of pride is swelling up in you,
turn to the Eucharist and that Bread,
Which is your God humbling and disguising Himself,
will teach you humility.

If the fever of selfish greed rages in you,
feed on this Bread and you will learn generosity.

If the cold wind of coveting withers you,
hasten to the Bread of Angels and charity
will come to blossom in your heart.

If you feel the itch of intemperance,
nourish yourself with the Flesh and Blood of Christ,
Who practiced heroic self-control during His earthly life
and you will become temperate.

If you are lazy and sluggish about spiritual things,
strengthen yourself with this heavenly Food
and you will grow fervent.

Lastly, if you feel scorched by the fever of impurity,
go to the banquet of the Angels
and the spotless Flesh of Christ,
will make you pure and chaste.”

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

“For everyone who exalts himself,
shall be humbled and he
who humbles himself, shall be exalted.”

Luke 14:11

“We must erect the mystical ladder of Jacob,
where Angels, ascending and descending,
appeared to him.
Ascent and descent means,
that we go downward when we exalt ourselves
and rise, when we are humbled.
The ladder represents our life in this world,
which our Lord erects to Heaven,
when our heart is humbled.
The sides of the ladder represent our soul and body,
sides between which,
God has placed several rungs of humility and, discipline,
whereby we are to ascend
if we would answer His call.”

(Rule of Benedict #7)

St Benedict (480-547)
Father of the Church

“If you seek an example of humility,
look upon Him Who is Crucified,
although He was God, He chose to be judged
by Pontius Pilate and put to death. …
If you seek an example of obedience,
imitate Him Who was obedient to the Father
“even to death” (Phil 2:8).
“For just as through the disobedience
of one person, Adam,
the many were made sinners,
so through the obedience of One,
the many will be made righteous” (Rom 5:19). .
If you seek an example of contempt
for earthly things,
imitate Him Who is “King of kings
and Lord of lords” (1 Tm 6:15),
“in whom are hidden
all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge” (Col 2:3).
On the Cross He was stripped naked,
ridiculed, spat upon, bruised,
crowned with thorns,
given to drink of vinegar and gall.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Angelic Doctor of the Church

“When he Canonised St Thomas,
John XXII declared that
“every article he wrote was a miracle!”
One might say that St Thomas Aquinas
was raised up by God, for he gathered together,
the whole of human knowledge up to his own time
and interpreted it in the new light of Christianity.
… In spite of his greatness, however,
Thomas of Aquin, was a very humble man.
There is a good deal of truth
in Pascal’s remark
that a little knowledge makes the mind proud
but real wisdom, makes it humble.
We cannot all imitate the knowledge
of St Thomas Aquinas but we should all
imitate his humility.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, The HOLY FAMILY, THE HOLY FAMILY - FAMILIAE SANCTAE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 January – “He was subject to them.” Luke 2:51

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 8 January – The Holy Family – Sunday within the Octave of Epiphany – Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:42-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them.” – Luke 2:51

REFLECTION – “He was subject to them.” With these words let all pride dissolve, all rigidness crumble, all disobedience submit. “He was subject to them.” Who? In brief, He Who created all things from nothing; He Who, as Isaiah says, “has cupped in His Hand the waters of the sea and marked off the heavens with a span; Who has held in a measure the dust of the earth, weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance” (40:12). He Who, as Job says, “shakes the earth and the pillars beneath it tremble. He commands the sun and seals up the stars. He alone stretches out the heavens and treads upon the crests of the sea; He Who made the constellations; He does marvellous things beyond reckoning” (9:6-10)… This is He who, great and powerful though He be, was subject. And subject to whom? To a workman and a poor young maid.

O “First and Last”! (Apoc 1:17). O Leader of Angels, subject to men! The Creator of Heaven, subject to a workman; God of eternal glory, subject to a poor young maid! Has anyone ever seen anything like this? Has anyone heard such a thing before?

So no longer hesitate to obey or be submissive… Come down, come to Nazareth, be subject, obey perfectly: all Wisdom lies in this… This is what it means to be soberly wise. Simplicity that is pure, is “like the waters of Shiloah that flow silently” (Is 8:6). There are people of wisdom within religious orders but it is by means of simple men that God brought them there. God chose the foolish and weak, the lowly and ignorant to bring together those who were wise, powerful and of noble birth through them, “so that no human being might boast in itself” (cf 1 Cor 1:26-29) but in Him Who came down, Who came to Nazareth,and Who was subject!” – St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Franciscan, Doctor of the Church (Sermons for Sundays and Feasts of the Saints).

PRAYER – O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Who while subject to Mary and Joseph, hallowed family life with virtues beyond description, grant us by their combined intercession, that, having been taught by the example of the Holy Family, we may attain unto their everlasting companionship. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FRIENDSHIP, QUOTES on JEALOUSY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 December – ‘ … Peter, therefore, was exposed to action, John was reserved for love … ‘

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 27 December – “The Month of the Divine Infant and the Immaculate Conception” – St John the Apostle and Evangelist, the Beloved – Ecclesiasticus 15:1-6, John 21:19-24 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Peter saw following them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, the one who, at the supper, had leaned back upon His breast … Peter, therefore, seeing him, said to Jesus, Lord and what of this man?” – John 21:20-21

REFLECTION – “There are some persons who think they are not loved because they cannot be promoted and who allege that they are despised, if they are not entrusted with responsibilities and offices. We know that as a result of this type of thinking, no small discord has sprung up, among those who were considered friends, so that estrangement followed upon indignation and railings upon estrangement …

Let no-one say that he is held in contempt, for the reason that he is not promoted, since the Lord Jesus pre­ferred Peter to John in this respect; nor did He, on that account, lessen His affection for John because He had given Peter the leadership. To Peter He commended his Church; to John, His most beloved Mother (Jn 19:27). To Peter He gave the keys of His Kingdom (Mt 16:19); to John He revealed the secrets of His Heart (Jn 13:25). Peter, therefore, was the more exalted; John, the more secure. Although Peter was established in power, nevertheless, when Jesus said, “One of you will betray me,” (Jn 13:21) he was afraid and trembled along with the rest but John, leaning on the bosom of his Master, was made the bolder and, at a nod from Peter, asked who the traitor was. Peter, therefore, was exposed to action, John was reserved for love, according to the words of Christ: “So will I have him remain until I come.” Thus Christ gave us the example that we might do in like manner.” – St Aelred of Rielvaux (1110-1167) Cistercian Monk (Spiritual Friendship, III, 115, 117).

PRAYER – O Lord, graciously shed light upon Thy Church, so that, enlightened by the teachings of blessed John, ThyApostle and Evangelist, she may gain YThy everlasting rewards.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 December – Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill, shall be made low … – Luke 3:5

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 22 December – “The Month of the Divine Infant and the Immaculate Conception” – Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent – 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Luke 3:1-6 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be brought low and the crooked ways shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth …” – Luke 3:5

REFLECTION – “Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill, shall be made low.” What is meant here by valleys, if not the humble, or by the mountains and hills, if not the proud? At the coming of the Redeemer …, according to His own words: “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled but the one who humbles himself, will be exalted,” (Lk 14:11) … By their faith in “the mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, Himself, human” (1 Tim 2:5), those who believe in Him, have received the fullness of grace, whereas those who refuse to believe, have been humbled in their pride. Every valley has been filled in, since humble hearts, by receiving the words of holy doctrine, will be filled by the grace of the virtues, as it is written: “He made springs gush forth in the watercourses that wind among the valleys,” (cf. Ps 104:10).” – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Gospel Homilies no 20).

PRAYER – O God, Who, by the message of an Angel, willed to take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we, Thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, maybe helped by her intercession with Thee.Through the same 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 MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 21 December – The Silence of the Divine Infant

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

A Christmas Novena VI
The Silence of the Divine Infant

“Evil always attracts a great deal of attention, whereas goodness operates in silence.
The reason why evil creates such a stir, is that it is the work of pride and of ambition.
It wants to be seen and to be applauded.
Goodness, good works, is done for God.
It does not seek the world’s applause but, only the approval of God.
When an enterprise sets out to look for publicity, there is reason to fear that it does not come from God but is prompted by human motives.
As a result, it will prove sterile!

If we sincerely desire to please God, we shall work in silence.

We shall not aim at our own worldly interests but, shall seek our own spiritual good and that of our fellowmen.
If it is God’s will. our good work may shine also before men but let us remember that this is for the glory of God and in order to give good example to our neighbour.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/21/thought-for-the-day-21-december-2/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Holy Name PRAYERS, I BELIEVE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUTH, St PAUL!, The HOLY NAME, The PASSION, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 November – Putting on our Lord Jesus Christ

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 29 November – Vigil of the Feast of St Andrew – Romans 13:11-14, Luke 21:25-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Let us walk becomingly, as in the day,
not in revelry and drunkenness,
not in debauchery and wantonness,
not in strife and jealousy.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Romans 13:13-14

“And Jesus, seeing their faith,
said to the paralytic,
Take courage, son,
your sins are forgiven you.”

Matthew 9:2

“Perhaps, your own faith is feeble.
Nevertheless, the Lord, who is love
will stoop down to you,
provided only that you are penitent
and can say sincerely,
from the depths of your soul:
“Lord, I believe.
Help thou mine unbelief,”
(Mark 9:23)……”

St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“He who is immortal, voluntarily shed His Blood.
He who created the Host of Angels,
was bound at the hands of soldiers
and He who is to judge the living and the dead,
was dragged to justice (cf. Acts 10:42; 2 Tm 4:1).
Truth was exposed to false witnesses,
was slandered, struck, covered with spittle,
hung on the Wood of the Cross –
the Lord of Glory (cf. 1 Cor 2:8)
endured every outrage and suffering
without Himself needing these trials. …

So there is nothing surprising about it,
if we submit to even one of these trials,
since such is our condition …
Therefore, we too have to be offended and tempted,
afflicted by the cutting off of our wills.”

St Theodore the Studite (759- 826)
Monk at Constantinople, Father

(Catecheses 1)

“Nothing so curbs the onset of anger,
so allays the upsurge of pride.
It cures the wound of envy,
controls unbridled extravagance
and quenches the flame of lust.
It cools the thirst of covetousness
and banishes the itch of unclean desire…
For when I Name Jesus,
I set before myself,
a Man Who is meek and humble of heart,
kind, prudent, chaste, merciful,
flawlessly upright and holy
in the eyes of all
and this same Man, is the all-powerful God
Whose way of life heals me,
Whose support is my strength.”

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

Lord Jesus, Bind Me to Yourself

Lord Jesus, Bind Me to Yourself
Lord Jesus, bind me to Yourself
and to my neighbour, with love.
May my heart not be turned away from You.
May my soul not be deceived,
nor my talent or mind,
enticed by allurements of error,
so that I may never
distance myself from Your love.
Thus may I love my neighbour as myself,
with strength, wisdom and gentleness,
with Your help,
You who are blessed
throughout all ages.
Amen.

St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)
Evangelical Doctor of the Church

“… How can anyone put on Jesus Christ
and imitate His example,
if he does not study this Jesus,
who must inspire and perfect our faith?
He must run the race to which he is challenged,
the glorious race in which,
he overcomes the enemy of the human family
and follows the Way of the Cross.
Under the lordly banner of that Cross,
he will attain eternal life.”

St Vincent Strambi CP (1745-1824)

(From his first Pastoral Letter as Bishop)

Hear Me, O Lord
By St Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562)

Hear me, O Lord,
my soul’s delight,
joy of my heart,
not because of my merits
but because of Thy boundless goodness.
Teach me, enlighten me, direct me,
help me in all things
that I may never say
or do anything
but that which I know
to be pleasing in Thou sight.
Guide me, O God,
my Love, my Light and my Life!
Amen.

St Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562)

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, The GOOD SHEPHERD

Our Morning Offering – 15 November – Guide Me Lord by St Albert the Great

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 15 November – St Albert the Great (1200-1280) Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church

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

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

Posted in "Follow Me", CONFESSION/PENANCE, JESUIT SJ, OUR Cross, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE, QUOTES on REPARATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST

Quote/s of the Day – 10 October – St Francis Borgia

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 10 October – St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572) Confessor

“He who desires to consecrate
himself to God must, in the first place,
trample under his feet,
all regard for what others will say of him.
O my God, why do we not ask
what Jesus Christ or His holy Mother,
will think of our conduct?”

“Wherever our brethren may be,
let their first care be,
for those already converted.
Their first aim must be,
to strengthen these in the faith
and to help them save their souls.
After this, they may convert others
not yet Baptised.”

(Excerpt from his correspondence,
as Master General of the Order,
to the Jesuit Missionaries he had sent
to the Spanish colonies in Florida,
Mexico and Peru.)

“This beast, (so he often called his body)
“must suffer ,to expiate
the delight it formerly took,
in immoderately flattering its palate
and can I forget,
that Christ drank gall
for me on His Cross!”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/10/quote4-s-of-the-day-10-october-st-francis-borgia/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Hail MARY!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PRIDE, Quotes on SALVATION, St JOSEPH, The HOLY NAME, The HOLY NAME of MARY

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 20 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and the Memorial of St Bernard (1090-1153) Abbot, Confessor, “Doctor Mellifluus” of the Church and the Last Father of the Church,“The Bard of Mary

“Nothing so curbs the onset of anger,
so allays the upsurge of pride.
It cures the wound of envy,
controls unbridled extravagance
and quenches the flame of lust.
It cools the thirst of covetousness
and banishes the itch of unclean desire…
For when I Name Jesus,
I set before myself,
a Man Who is meek and humble of heart,
kind, prudent, chaste, merciful,
flawlessly upright and holy
in the eyes of all
and this same Man is the all-powerful God
Whose way of life heals me,
Whose support is my strength.”

“The soul must grow and expand
so as to be capable of God.
And its largeness is its love,
as the Apostle says,
“widen yourselves in love”
(2 Cor 6:13).
It grows and extends spiritually,
not in substance but in virtue.
The greatness of each soul is judged
by the measure of love that it has-
he who has great love, is great-
he who has little love is little,
while he who has no love at all –
is nothing!”

“God established him to be His Mother’s support,
the foster father of His flesh
and the assistant for His plan of salvation.
We must recall, that he was of the House of David.
He was son of David, not only by bonds of the flesh
but even more, because of his faith, holiness and piety.
God found in him, a second David,
to whom He could confidently entrust His plans,
even the most hidden.
He revealed to him, as to another David,
the mysteries of His Wisdom
and disclosed to him, what no teacher
in the world, could know.”

“O great, O gentle, O most lovable Mary,
thy Holy Name cannot be spoken
without inflaming the heart.
To those who love thee,
it is unspeakable consolation
and joy even to think of thee;
thou art a sweet memory
to those who honour thee.”

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

“O Mary, I have not doubt
that whenever we run to you,
we shall obtain all that we desire.
Let those then who have no hope,
hope in you!”

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

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE

Thought for the Day – 18 August – Pride is Robbery!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Pride is Robbery!

“With the exception of our Blessed Lady and the Saints, all men are more or less proud.
Pride employs many subtle stratagems in order to insinuate itself into our hearts.
Very often it does not take the form of an open revolt against God, like tat of Lucifer but expresses itself in a sense of self-complacency which feeds on the praise and adulation of others.
We forget that it was God, Who gave us whatever talents we possess.
If we have achieved any kind of success or have accomplished anything good in the world, we forget that we have been dependent upon God for our very existence, as well as for our power to act.

We believe that we are important, whereas, we are as nothing before the infinite Majesty of God and before the immensity of His universe.

Let us be humble, therefore.
If we wish to be raised up by God, let us abase ourselves in the sight of Him, Who resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Only then shall we e able to perform actions worthy of everlasting life.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/25/thought-for-the-day-25-august-pride-is-robbery/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FRANCISCAN OFM, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SIN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 14 August – ‘ … He who humbles himself shall be exalted.’ Luke 18:14

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 14 August – The 10th Sunday after Pentecost – 1 Cor.inthians 12:2-11, Luke 18:9-14

“… For everyone who exalts himself
shall be humbled and he who
humbles himself shall be exalted.”

Luke 18:14

“Let him who is greatest among you,
become as the youngest
and he who is the leader,
as the servant.”

Luke 22:25

“As “pride, is the beginning
of all sin,” (Eccl. 10:15)
so humility, is the foundation of all virtue.
Learn to be really humble and not,
as the hypocrite, humble merely in appearance.”

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

“Once humility is acquired,
charity will come to life
like a burning flame devouring
the corruption of vice
and filling the heart so full,
that there is no place for vanity.”

St Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419)

“True humility
scarcely ever
utters words
of humility.”

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

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on PRIDE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 August – ‘ … Never place yourself above anyone, not even great sinners. …’ St Basil the Great

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The 10th Sunday after Pentecost – 1 Cor.inthians 12:2-11, Luke 18:9-14

“I tell you, this man went back to his home, justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled but he who humbles himself, will be exalted” – Luke 18:14

REFLECTION – “The stern Pharisee, who in his overweening pride, not only boasted of himself but also discredited the tax collector, in the Presence of God, made his justice void by being guilty of pride. Instead of the Pharisee, the tax collector went down justified because he had given glory to God, the Holy One. He did not dare lift his eyes but sought only to plead for mercy. He accused himself by his posture, by striking his breast and by entertaining no other motive, except propitiation.

Be on your guard, therefore and bear in min, this example of severe loss, sustained through arrogance. The one guilty of insolent behaviour suffered the loss of his justice and forfeited his reward, by his bold self-reliance. He was judged inferior to a humble man and a sinner because, in his self-exaltation, he did not await the judgement of God but pronounced it himself.

Never place yourself above anyone, not even great sinners. Humility often saves a sinner, who has committed many terrible transgressions!” – St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop of Caesarea, Father and Doctor of the Church (On Humility)

PRAYER – O God, Thou manifest Thy power, particularly in forbearance and pity, show us Thy mercy again and again, so that hastening toward Thy promises, we may become partakers of the blessings of Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, MARIAN TITLES, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GOSSIP, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SCANDAL, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on ZEAL

Quote/s of the Day – 13 August – St Maximus the Confessor and Our Lady, Refuge of Sinners

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 13 August – Feast of Our Lady, Refuge of Sinner and the Memorial of St Maximus the Confessor (c 580-662) Father of the Church

“To the extent that you pray
with all your soul
for the person who slanders you,
God will make the truth known, to those,
who have been scandalised
by the slander.”

“Theology without practice,
is the theology of demons!”

“The demons that wage war on us,
through our shortcomings in virtue,
are those which teach —
impurity, drunkenness, avarice and envy.
Those that wage war on us,
through our excessive zeal for virtue,
teach — conceit, self-esteem and pride.
They [the demons] secretly pervert,
what is commendable,
into what is reprehensible!”

St Maximus the Confessor (c 580-662)
Father of the Church

MORE ST MAXIMUS QUOTES:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/13/quote-s-of-the-day-13-august-st-maximus/

Shelter Me Under Your Mantle,
O Refuge of Sinners
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

Most holy Virgin Immaculate, my Mother Mary,
to you who are the Mother of my Lord,
the Queen of the Universe, the Advocate,
the hope, the refuge of sinners,
I, who am the most miserable of all sinners,
have recourse this day.
I venerate you, great Queen
and I thank you for the many graces
you have bestowed upon me even unto this day,
in particular for having delivered me from the hell
which I have so often served by my sins.
I love you, my dearest Lady
and because of that love,
I promise to serve you willingly forever
and to do what I can,
to make you loved by others also.
I place in you all my hopes for salvation,
accept me as your servant
and shelter me under your mantle,
you who are the Mother of Mercy.
And since you are so powerful with God,
deliver me from all temptations,
or at least obtain for me the strength
to overcome them until death.
From you I implore a true love for Jesus Christ.
Through you I hope to die a holy death.
My dear Mother, by your love for Almighty God,
I pray you to assist me always
but most of all, at the last moment of my life.
Forsake me not then,
until you shall see me safe in heaven,
there to bless you
and sing of your mercies through all eternity.
Such is my hope.
Amen

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL

Thought for the Day – 12 August – Renouncing All Things

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Renouncing All Things

“Another necessary condition for Christ’s reign in our souls, is that we should destroy our love of self.
Our Lord charges us: “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up is cross and follow me” (Mt16:24).
It is easier to renounce the goods of this world than it is to deny ourselves.
It is so difficult to renounce one’s own ego that, at first sight, it seems impossible.
Nevertheless, God demands this of us, if we intend to be perfect Christians and to be completely free to dedicate ourselves to Him.

God wishes to be absolute master of our souls because, this is His right as our Creator and Redeemer.
If we succeed in conquering our self-love and in desiring only whatever is pleasing to God, we shall find liberty and peace.
We shall be able to claim with St Paul: “It is now, no longer I that live but Christ lives in me” (Gl 2:20).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/16/thought-for-the-day-16-august-renouncing-all-things/

Posted in LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on JEALOUSY, QUOTES on JUDGING, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SCANDAL, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 7 August – Rash Judgement

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 7 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Rash Judgement

“Rash judgements are sometimes formed quite thoughtlessly.
At other times they are produce of malice, envy, pride or hatred.
Even when they are lightly arrived at, they are sinful because they are opposed to the law of charity.
When they are the result of one of the passions mentioned, they are far more gravely sinful because, they presuppose the intention of injuring our neighbour.
Rash judgements like this, rarely remain enclosed in the mind but are expressed openly, with consequent damage to the character of the victim!

It is easy to progress from lighter faults to grave sin in this matter.
A rash judgement soon becomes slander and, a sin against charity, soon becomes a sin against justice involving an obligation to make reparation.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/12/thought-for-the-day-12-august-rash-judgement/

Posted in ARMOUR of CHRIST, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL

Thought for the Day – 21 July – Our Dominant Passion

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Our Dominant Passion

“Holy and God-fearing people know their own particular weakness.
They accept it as a cross and will not rest until they have conquered it with God’s help,
The battle cannot be won in a day but, in most cases, takes a great many years.
Often the ultimate victory is not gained until the hour of death.

It has been said that self-love dies three days after ourselves!
We are enormously attached to our own ego and humility is a very difficult virtue to acquire.
Sometimes, we have struggled for years to gain it and quite suddenly, we meet with another disastrous fall.
It would be easy to be overcome by discouragement at this stage but, this should not be allowed to happen.
When we fall, we should say to God in our repentance: “It is good for me to be humbled.”
To ourselves, we should say immediately: “Let us begin all over again.”

St Francis de Sales was endowed by nature with a sharp and hasty temperament, against which he fought for many years with great determination and reliance on God’s help.
Finally, he conquered and came to regarded as an angel of peace.
Nevertheless, even in the late years of his life, he still experienced inward tendencies towards anger, so that his exterior gentleness, was really a supreme act of victory!

He as known as the “Gentle Christ of Geneva.””

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/20/thought-for-the-day-20-july-our-dominant-passion/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, NOTES to Followers, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL

Quote/s of the Day – 14 July – St Bonaventure

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 14 July – “The Month of the Precious Blood” – The Memorial of St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
(No images until later. We are being subjected to constant Power Cuts again – they can be up to 8 hours per day.)

“Since happiness is nothing else
than the enjoyment of the Supreme Good
and the Supreme Good is above us,
no-one can enjoy happiness,
unless he rises above himself.”

“As “pride, is the beginning
of all sin,” (Eccl. 10:15)
so humility, is the foundation of all virtue.
Learn to be really humble and not,
as the hypocrite, humble merely in appearance.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/15/quote-s-of-the-day-15-july-st-bonaventure-2/

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