Category: QUOTES on REPENTANCE

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, SAINT of the DAY, The BEATITUDES, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 September – “Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh.” … Luke 6:21

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One Minute Reflection – 9 September –Wednesday of the Twenty Third week in Ordinary Time, Readings: 1 Corinthians 7:25-31, Psalms 45:11-12, 14-15, 16-17, Luke 6:20-26 and the Memorial of St Peter Claver SJ (1581-1654) “Slave of the slaves” and Blessed Frédéric Ozanam (1813–1853) “Servant to the Poor” and Founder of the St Vincent de Paul Society

“Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh.” … Luke 6:21

REFLECTION – “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Mt 5:5). By this saying the Lord wants us to understand that the path of joy lies in tears. It is through desolation one goes to consolation; in losing one’s life that one finds it; in forsaking it that one possesses it; in hating it that one loves it; in despising it that one keeps it (cf. Mt 16:24 f.). If you would know and have the mastery over yourself, enter within yourself and do not seek yourself without (…) Return to yourself, you sinner, return to where you are, to your heart (…) Will not the one who returns to himself discover himself to be far away, like the prodigal son, in a region of unlikeness, in a foreign land, where he sits and weeps at the memory of his father and his native country? (Lk 15,17) (…)

“Adam, where are you? “(Genesis 3:9) Perhaps still in the shadows, so as not to see yourself, you are sewing leaves together in a vain desire to cover your shame, looking at what is around you and what belongs to you (…). Look inside, look at yourself (…) Return within yourself, you sinner, return to your soul. See and weep for this soul subject to vanity and restlessness who cannot set himself free from his captivity (…) It is clear, my brethren, that we live outside ourselves, we are forgetful of ourselves whenever we fritter our lives away in empty pursuits or distractions decked out with trifles. That is why Wisdom is more concerned to invite us to the house of repentance than the house of feasting, that is to say to call back into himself the man outside himself, saying: “Blessed are they that mourn” and in another passage: “Woe to you who laugh now.”

My brethren, let us groan in the presence of the Lord whose goodness moves Him to forgive; let us turn to Him “with fasting, weeping and mourning “ (Joel 2:12) so that one day His (…) consolation may delight our souls. Blessed indeed are those who weep now, not because they are weeping but because they shall be comforted. Weeping is the way, blessedness the consolation.” … Blessed Isaac of Stella O.Cist (c 1100 – c 1170) Sermon 2 for All Saints, 13-20

PRAYER – God of mercy and love, You offer all peoples the dignity of sharing in your life. Rule over our hearts and bodies this day. Sanctify us and guide our every thought, word and deed, may our hands be held out to our neighbour in imitation of Your love and mercy. By the example and prayers of St Peter Claver and Bl Frederic Ozanam, strengthen us to overcome all racial hatreds and to love each other as brothers and sisters. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever amen.

Posted in FRUITS of the SPIRIT, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 7 September – The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

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

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

“Today’s subject for meditation is the parable of the barren fig tree in the Gospel of St Luke.
“A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard and he came seeking fruit thereon and found none. And he said to the vine-dresser, ‘Behold, for tree years now, I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and I find none. Cut it down, therefore; why does it still encumber the ground?’ But he answered him and said, ‘Sir, let it alone this year too, till I dig around it and manure it. Perhaps it may bear fruit but, if not, then afterwards thous shalt cut it down'” (Lk 13:6-9).

Perhaps Jesus has come many times to us also, looking for the fruit of our good works and has found none.
Perhaps, He has continued to bestow favours and blessings upon us and, perhaps, He has waited many years for us to correspond with His grace by performing acts of penance and of expiation.

We may have made good resolutions many times but, what became of them?
Temptations of various kinds may have caused us to neglect these resolutions, which remained like branches without any fruit.
We must remember, that although God is infinitely good and merciful, He is also, infinitely just.
The day could come when He might say: “Cut it down. Why does it still encumber the ground?”
In that case, what would become of us?

An episode described in the Gospel of St Mark, should induce serious reflection.
Jesus was walking from Bethany to Jerusalem and grew hungry on the way.
He saw a fig tree beside the road but, on inspection, found that it was barren.
“And He said to it: ‘May no fruit ever come from thee henceforth forever!’
“And immediately, the fig tree withered up.”
His disciples, we are told, were amazed when they saw this happening (Cf Mt 21:18-20).

How terrible, if God should ever pronounce this severe condemnation upon us!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 September – “Stretch forth your hand.” – St Ambrose

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One Minute Reflection – 7 September – “Month of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Monday of the Twenty Third week in Ordinary Time, Readings: 1 Corinthians 5:1-8, Psalms 5:5-6, 7, 12, Luke 6:6-11

“On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching and there was a man 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 – God of mercy and love, You offer all peoples the dignity of sharing in your life. Rule over our hearts and bodies this day. Sanctify us and guide our every thought, word and deed, my our hands be held out to our neighbour in imitation of Your love and mercy. By the intercession of Mary the Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ and our Mother, strengthen us to love each other as brothers and sisters. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever amen.

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST

Thought for the Day – 6 September – “To be Silent, to Adore and to be Happy”

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

“To be Silent, to Adore
and to be Happy”

“When Rosmini was seriously ill and in danger of death, he was visited by his admirer and friend, Manzoni, who found him in so serious a condition, that he could only breathe with difficulty.
In his shaking hands he clutched a Crucifix.
“Are you suffering much?” Manzoni asked, as he bent over him.
The sick man gazed at his friend and a wan smile passed over his face.
Then the great writer asked him to give him some advice by which he would remember him.
Rosmini looked at his Crucifix and whispered: “Be silent, adore and be happy.”

To be silent:
It is very difficult for a man to remain silent when he is suffering great physical pain or when he is slandered, envied or misunderstood.
On such occasions, one’s blood begins to boil and bitter remarks come easily to the tongue.
But what good does it do?
It may be some relief to our feelings but, usually, it will only make matters worse by aggravating our trouble.
Let us be silent and offer our sufferings to Jesus, Who suffered for us, more than we could ever suffer.
Let us atone for our sins by silently offering our sorrows and disappointments to God.
Any other gift which we give to God is nothing more than restitution for all He has given us; but, when we offer our sufferings, we give Him something which is truly our own because, it is we ourselves, who suffer.
Suffering endured without complain is a most acceptable gift to God, Who grants us, in return, peace and resignation.”

To be continued …

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 September – ‘… The true Sabbath…’ Luke 6:5

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One Minute Reflection – 5 September – “Month of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Saturday of the Twenty Second week in Ordinary Time, Readings: 1 Corinthians 4:6-15, Psalms 145:17-18, 19-20, 21, Luke 6:1-5

And he said to them, “The Son of man is lord of the sabbath.” … Luke 6:5

REFLECTION – “In the Law given by Moses, which was a shadow of things to come (Col 2:17), God commanded everyone to rest and to do no work on the Sabbath. But this was a symbol and foreshadowing of the true Sabbath, which is bestowed on the soul by the Lord (…) For the Lord calls on us to rest, telling us: “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28) And He gives rest to all souls who trust Him and come to Him by delivering them from painful, oppressive and impure thoughts. Then they completely stop indulging in evil, celebrating a true, a delightful and holy Sabbath, a feast of the Spirit in inexpressible joy and rejoicing. They offer a pure and acceptable worship to God, coming from a pure heart. That is the true and holy Sabbath.

So let us, too, beseech God, to bring us into that rest, to give a vacation to our shameful, bad and useless thoughts, so that we might serve God with pure hearts and celebrate the feast of the Holy Spirit. Blessed are they who enter into this rest.” … St Macarius of Egypt (c 300- c 390)- Desert Father, Monk – Spiritual Homilies, no. 35

PRAYER – Holy God, Almighty Father, You taught us to honour Your holy day and the day of rest. In Your divine Son, Whom You gave to us as our brother and glorified by His Resurrection, You showed us the way to our eternal life. As His glorified body shines anew, we rejoice in our future life with Him and embrace His day as our own, each Sunday renewing His Resurrection. We run forward to sing Your glory together with our Holy Mother, the Blessed Virgin and most Sorrowful Mary, to eternity, through our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.

Posted in "Follow Me", CONFESSION/PENANCE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SIN, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 3 September – St Pope Gregory the Great!

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Quote/s of the Day – 3 September – The Memorial of St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) – Father & Doctor of the Church

“God is within all things
but not included;
outside all things
but not excluded.
God is above all things
but not beyond their reach.”

“Let no seductive good fortune lead us astray,
he is a foolish traveller
who sees pleasant meadows on his journey
and forgets where he is going.”

“If some rich and powerful friend were to enter your home,
you would quickly clean the entire house,
for fear something there,
might offend your friend’s eyes, when he entered.
Let anyone then who is preparing his inner house for God,
cleanse away the dirt of his evil deeds.
… The Lord comes into the heart
and makes His home in one,
who truly loves God
and observes His commandments…”

“The Sacred Scriptures grow
with the one who reads them.”

More here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/03/quote-s-of-the-day-3-september-the-memorial-of-st-pope-gregory-the-great-540-604-father-doctor-of-the-church-father-of-the-fathers/

St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604)
Father & Doctor “Father of the Fathers”

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 31 August – And they rose up and put him out of the city … Luke 4:29-30

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One Minute Reflection – 31 August – Monday of the Twenty Second week in Ordinary Time, Readings: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Psalms 119:97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, Luke 4:16-30 and the Memorial of St Raymond Nonnatus O.deM. (1204-1240)

And they rose up and put him out of the city and led him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw him down headlong. But passing through the midst of them he went away….Luke 4:29-30

REFLECTION – “A doctor came amongst us to restore us to health – our Lord Jesus Christ. He discovered blindness in our hearts and promised the light that “eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered the heart of man” (1Cor 2:9).
The humility of Jesus Christ is the cure for your pride. Do not scorn what will bring you healing, be humble, you for whom God humbled Himself. Indeed, He knew that the medicine of humility would cure you, He, who well understood your sickness and knew how to cure it. While you were unable to run to the doctor’s house, the doctor in person came to your house… He is coming, He wants to help you, He knows what you need.
God has come with humility precisely in order that man might imitate Him. If He had remained above you, how would you have been able to imitate Him? And, without imitating Him, how could you be healed? He came with humility because He knew the nature of the remedy He had to administer – a little bitter, it is true but healing. And do you continue to scorn Him? He who holds out the cup to you and you say: “But what sort of God is this God of mine? He was born, suffered, was covered with spittle, crowned with thorns, nailed on the cross!” O miserable soul! You see the doctor’s humility and not the cancer of your pride. That is why humility displeases you…
It often happens that mentally ill people end up by beating their doctor. When that happens, the unfortunate doctor is not only not distressed by the one who beat him but attempts to treat him… As for our doctor, He did not fear being killed by sick people afflicted with madness, He turned His own death into their remedy. Indeed, He died and rose again.”…St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – My Lord and my God, help me eternal Father, to overcome my weakness! Teach me to be constantly on guard against my pride, to constantly keep watch for temptation and to live constantly in prayer, that Your Son will lead me to safety. St Raymond Nonnatus, you suffered torture but always remain prayerful and awake, imitating the Lord, please pray for me, amen.

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on INDIFFERENCE, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior)

Thought for the Day – 27 August – Those Who Will to be Damned

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

Those Who Will to be Damned

“There are many who are so steeped in vice that they never think of eternity and seek their happiness in sinful and worldly pleasures.
They have grown deaf to God’s voice, although He instils in them remorse and restlessness and invites them by good inspirations, to return to His merciful embrace.
They are deaf, too, to the voice of conscience, which, in spite of their degradation, cannot fail to make them feel the attractiveness of virtue and their great need of their Creator.
They are fundamentally unhappy, doubly so because, in this life “there is no peace to the wicked” (Is 48:22) and, in the next life, they will be damned forever.
Only a miracle of divine grace can save them from the abyss into which they have voluntarily precipitated themselves.

There are others who want to have their heaven both in this world and in the next.
They oscillate uncertainly, between good and evil, today being full of good resolutions and tomorrow giving way to sin because virtue seems to demand too many sacrifices.
They would like to be good but they will not take the necessary trouble.

Indecisive and lukewarm, they think that they can serve God and the devil at the same time!
Naturally, this is impossible, as Christ has told us, “No man can serve two masters … You cannot serve God and mammon” (Mt 6:24).
If people of this kind will not make up their minds, they are running the risk of eternal damnation.

To what category do you belong?
Think about this and make a firm decision.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN TITLES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on HYPOCRISY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 August – “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” Matthew 23:27

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One Minute Reflection – 26 August – Wednesday of the Twenty First week in Ordinary Time, Readings: 2 Thessalonians 3: 6-10, 16-18, Psalms 128: 1-2, 4-5, Matthew 23: 27-32 and the Memorial of Our Lady of Czestochowa

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like whitewashed sepulchres, which outwardly appear beautiful but within they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” … Matthew 23:27

REFLECTION – “You are before God. Question your heart, see what you have done and what you have been yearning for there—your salvation or the windy praise of men. Look within, for a person cannot judge one whom he cannot see. If we are assuring our heart, let us assure it in His presence.
“Because if our heart thinks badly”—that is, if it accuses us within, because we aren’t acting with the spirit with which we should be acting —“God is greater than our heart, and he knows all things” (v.20).
You hide your heart from man – hide it from God if you can . How will you hide it from Him to whom it was said by a certain sinner in fear and confession: “Where shall 1 go from your spirit, and where shed! I flee from your face?”… For where does God not exist? “If,” he said, “I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to hell, you are present” (Ps 139[138]:7-8). Where will you go? Where will you flee? Do you want to hear some advice? If you want to flee from Him, flee to Him. Flee to Him by Confessing, not from Him by hiding, for you cannot hide but you can Confess. Tell Him. “You are my refuge” (Ps 32[31]:7) and let there be nursed in you the love that alone leads to life.”…St Augustine (354-430) – Doctor of Grace

PRAYER – Lord, be the beginning and the end of all that we do and say. Prompt our actions with Your grace and complete them with Your all-powerful help. Fill us with the grace of Your true love, that our hearts may be made of flesh and not of stone. May our hearts, minds and souls belong to You alone. May the guiding hand of the Mother of Your Son lead us, with unfailing tenderness, to You. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, in union with the Holy Spirit, ‘totus tuus’ Maria – please pray for us, amen.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, ORIGINAL SIN, QUEENSHIP of MARY, QUOTES for the NEW YEAR, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on VIRTUE

One Minute Reflection – 22 August – “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” … Matthew 23:12

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One Minute Reflection – 22 August – Saturday of the Twentieth week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Ezekiel 43: 1-7ab, Psalms 85: 9ab,10, 11-12, 13-14, Matthew 23:1-12 and The Memorial of the Queenship of Mary

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” … Matthew 23:12

REFLECTION – “Humility is a secret power the saints receive when they bring all their life’s ascetical practices to a successful conclusion. For indeed, this power is only bestowed on those who attain to the perfection of virtue through the strength of grace … It is the same power the blessed Apostles received in the form of fire. Our Saviour commanded them, in fact, not to leave Jerusalem until they had received the power from on high (Acts 2:3; 1:4). Here Jerusalem stands for virtue; the power is humility and the power from on high, is the Paraclete, in other words the Consoler Spirit.

Now this is exactly what Sacred Scripture had said – these mysteries are revealed to the humble (Lk 10:21). To the humble it is given to receive within themselves that Spirit of revelation that uncovers mysteries. That is why certain saints have said that humility is what brings the soul to fulfilment in divine contemplation. So let no-one start thinking they have attained complete humility because at some moment a thought of compunction came to them or because they shed a few tears …. But if someone has overcome every contrary spirit …, if he has overturned and subjected all the strongholds of the enemy and if he then feels that he has received that grace in which “the Spirit bears witness to our spirit” (Rom 8:16), in the apostle Paul’s words, then there is the perfection of humility. Blessed are they who possess it. For they continually embrace the breast of Jesus (cf. Jn 13,25).” … St Isaac the Syrian of Nineveh (c 613-c 700) Bishop of Nineveh, Monk at Mosul – Ascetical discourses, 1st series, no 20

PRAYER – Almighty God, our Father, You have given us Mary, the Mother of Your Son, to be our Mother and our Queen. Grant that, supported by her example and her prayers, we may learn true humility and come to the kingdom of heaven and to the glory destined for Your children. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.

Posted in CONFESSION, CONFESSION/PENANCE, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 August – ‘… The medicine of confession’

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One Minute Reflection – 12 August – Wednesday of the Nineteenth week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22, Psalms 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, Matthew 18:15-20 and the Memorial of St Jane Frances de Chantal VHM (1572-1641)

“Whatever you bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.” … Matthew 18:18

REFLECTION – “For our well-being and salvation, all the Holy Scriptures warn us constantly and humbly, to confess our sins, not only before God but also before a holy and godfearing man.   This is what the Holy Spirit advises us to do through the mouth of James the apostle: “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed” (5:16) … and the psalmist says: “I confess my faults to the Lord and you took away the guilt of my sin” (Ps 32[31]:5).

We are always wounded by our sins and, in the same way, we should always have recourse to the medicine of confession.   For indeed, if God wants us to confess our sins, it is not because He would be unable to know what they are but, because the devil wants to find something of which to accuse us before the judgement seat of the eternal Judge.  That is why he would rather we thought more about excusing them than accusing ourselves of them.   Our God, to the contrary, being good and merciful, wants us to confess them in this world, so that we may not be ashamed because of them in the next.   So if we confess them then He, on His part, shows Himself to be merciful;  if we acknowledge them then He forgives …   As for ourselves, my brethren, we are really your spiritual physicians, seeking with all concern to heal your souls.” … St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Bishop and Monk – Sermons to the laity, no. 59matthew 18 18 whatever you bind on earth - our god being good and merciful- 12 aug 2020 st caesarius of arles

PRAYER – Lord, You chose St Jane Frances to serve You, both in marriage and in religious life.   By her prayers help us to be faithful in our vocation and always to work against our perverse inclinations. Only in You and with You and through You may we attain perfection. Lead us Lord!   We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.   St Jane de Chantal, pray for us, amen.st jane fances de chantal pray for us 12 aug 2020

Posted in "Follow Me", MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, The LAST THINGS

Thought for the Day – 10 August – A Holy Death

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

A Holy Death

a holy death - bacci - 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

“Now and again, it is useful for Christians to dedicate a day to meditation on the subject of death.
It is useful, because, it is easy to regard our own death as something theoretical and remote, whereas in fact, we ought always to be prepared to die, since it is “at any hour that you do not expect, the Son of Man is coming” (Lk 12:40).
It may be at the hour when we are least expecting it, that God will come to take us and, it will be on our spiritual state at this hour, that our eternity will depend.

We know neither when nor where death will surprise us.
It may be today, it may be in a few years.
It may come suddenly, or maybe after a long illness.
We may be in bed or in the middle of a street, in hospital or at home.
Finally, we may be resigned, comforted by the presence of a Priest and by the reception of the last sacraments, or we may be alone and deprived of these consolations.

It is essential, therefore, to be always prepared, fortified by faith, charity and good works.
If we are really prepared, it will not matter when, where, or how death comes, for it will be to us, like the good Sister death of St Francis of Assisi.
It will release us from this corrupt mortal flesh and open to us the gates of everlasting happiness.
Then, we shall fly joyfully into the arms of our Creator and Redeemer, Whom we have tried hard to love and serve.

But, if we are not prepared, what then?
How bitter it will be to have to leave the world to which we have become so attached.
What remorse we shall feel at the remembrance of our innumerable sins, badly confessed and never atoned for and, at the realisation, that we have failed to do so much good we could have done, whereas now, we shall have to appear before the Eternal Judge, with nothing to offer!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci 

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 August – … “According to the measure of our faith”

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One Minute Reflection – 5 August – “Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Jeremiah 31:1-7, Responsorial psalm Jeremiah 31:10-13, Matthew 15:21-28  and the Memorial of the Dedication of Mary Major

And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. … Matthew 15:21

REFLECTION – “Jesus came out of Israel …: “Jesus went from that place and withdrew to the region of Tyre” (Mt 15:21), a name which means “gathering of the nations.”   This was so, that, from among the people of that territory, those who believed might be saved when they came out from it.

Now, pay attention to these words:  “And behold, a Canaanite woman, coming out of that district, called out saying:   ‘Have pity on me, Lord, son of David!   My daughter is tormented by a demon’” (v. 22).   Now in my opinion, if she had not withdrawn from that territory she would not have been able to call out to Jesus with cries that sprang from “great faith,” as the Lord Himself testified (v. 28).

It is “according to the measure of our faith” (Rm 12:6) that we come out from the territory of the pagan nations …   We must certainly believe that each one of us, so long as he is a sinner, finds himself in the region of Tyre or Sidon, of Pharaoh or Egypt, or of some other land alien to God’s inheritance.   But when sinners abandon their wrongdoing, turning back to the good, they withdraw from those regions where sin dwells and hasten to the regions that are the portion of God …

Notice, too, the sort of journey Jesus makes to meet the Canaanite woman, for he seems to be going towards the region of Tyre and Sidon …. The righteous are directed towards the kingdom of heaven and elevation into the Kingdom of God but sinners are directed towards the outcome of their evildoing …
The Canaanite woman, by leaving these territories, also left that tendency towards decadence, when she cried out and said: “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David” … All the miracles accomplished by Jesus, as the evangelists have told them, took place, then, so that those who saw them might have faith.   But those events are the symbol of what is always been brought about by Jesus’ power, for there is no age when what was written is not being realised in exactly the same way.” … Origen (c 185-253) Priest and Theologian, Church Father – Commentary on Saint Matthew’s gospel, Book XI, ch. 16matthew 15 22 and bhold a canaaninte woman -now in my opinion - origen 5 aug 2020

PRAYER – Forgive the sins of Your people Lord and since of ourselves, we are unable to do what pleases You, lead us on the way of salvation in Your divine Son who lives in us and gives us life.   May the prayers of Mary, His Mother help us to constantly meditate on His eternal sustenance.   He is our food, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever, amen.IMM MARY MOTHER OF GOD PRAY FOR US 7 MAY 2020

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The LAST THINGS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 July – ‘So from now on, run well …’

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One Minute Reflection – 28 July – “Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Tuesday of the Seventeenth week in Ordinary Time, year A, Readings: Jeremiah 14:17-22, Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13, Matthew 13:36-43

“The Son of Man will send his angels and they will gather out of his kingdom, all causers of sin and all law-breakers and throw them into the fiery furnace.   In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.   Then the righteous shall shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.   He who has ears, let him hear.” … Matthew 13:41-43matthew 13 40-43 the sone of man will send his angels 28 july 2020

REFLECTION – “In your imagination see our Lord Jesus Christ seated on a throne of glory;   beside Him stand the seraphim, cherubim and each angelic order, serving Him with fear and trembling.   Then those who will have finished the combat, without allowing themselves to be drawn by any worldly pleasures or seduced by the attractions of this vain world, will hear the blessed voice of the Master.   “Then, he says, the righteous will shine like the sun” (Mt 13:43) when they have come from east and west, north and south to take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (cf. Mt 8:11) in an indescribable joy (cf. 1 Pt 1:8), when our King and Lord, will distribute gifts according to their merits.   Ah! my brothers and children. ah! how great and beautiful is the glory which the thrice blessed will enjoy and the saints who practised asceticism!   Yes, most certainly, each will receive the blessings promised, according to the degree to which they have pleased God. …

So from now on, run well (cf. Gal 5:7) and may the devil not bewitch you (cf. Gal 3:1) nor hinder you! …   May mercy, peace, charity, freedom from envy, from jealousy and ostentation come upon you, docility, friendly speech, solidarity, compassion towards each other, humility.   Live like this, act like this, praying, too, with all your heart for my humble self that I may not be thrown into the eternal fire.   May we all escape it, having been judged worthy of the kingdom of heaven, in Christ Himself, our God, to whom belongs all glory, honour, adoration, magnificence, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and always, world without end.   Amen.” … St Theodore the Studite (759-826) Monk and Theologian – Catechesis 42

so from now on run well and may the devil - st theodore the studite 28 july 2020

PRAYER – All-powerful and ever-living God, splendour of true light and never-ending day, chase away the night of sin and fill our minds with the glory of Your coming.   Take away our heart of stone and give us a heart of flesh, help us in our battle with sin and the devil.   By our prayers, Your holy Sacraments and the strength of the Holy Spirit, may we be ever vigilant of the evil one.   By our Baptism in Your Son, we are Your children, grant us Your protection.   Kindly listen to the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints and angels, whose prayers we beg, through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God for all eternity, amen.

bl virgin mother pray for us 28 july 2020

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST

Thought for the Day – 25 July – Purification

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

Purification

purification - bacci -25 july 2020

“We must recognise that we are all poor sinners in the sight of God.

Sacred Scripture warns us that “the just mans falls seven times” (Prov 24:16).
“If we say that we have no sin,” says St John, “we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 Jn 1:8).
Sin is the greatest evil because it offends God, our highest good and happiness.
It only needs our own malice for us to commit sin but, in order to make reparation for it and to redeem us from slavery, it was necessary for God to become man and to offer Himself as a victim of expiation for our sins.
Only a God-Man could have fully satisfied our debt, by offering Himself as a victim of reparation for His adopted brothers.

Jesus desires us to be associated with Him in His Passion, however (Cf Col 1:24).
Our justification cannot be something extrinsic to ourselves but should transform us and make us holy.
Our co-operation with divine grace is necessary for this purpose (1 Cor 15:10).
If we are in sin, we should not only repent but should purify ourselves by acts of penance.
Jesus Himself commands this.
“Unless you repent, you will all perish,” (Lk 13:5) “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Mt 3:2, 4:17).

We must make satisfaction for our sins, therefore, by voluntary co-operation with the grace of God.
Although God is infinitely good and merciful, He will not purify us without this co-operation on our part.
We can be purified by accepting the unavoidable tribulations of life with perfect resignation and by offering to God, our own voluntary mortifications and sacrifices.

Are we prepared to follow the example of the Saints in this matter?”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, INCORRUPTIBLES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 July – The disposition of the ground …

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One Minute Reflection – 24 July – Friday of the Sixteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Jeremiah 3:14-17, Responsorial psalm Jeremiah 31:10-13, Matthew 13:18-23 and the Memorial of St Charbel Makhluf (1828-1898)

“As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it;  he indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty and in another thirty.”...Matthew 13:23

REFLECTION – “And yet, if both the land be good and the Sower one and the seed the same, wherefore did one bear a hundred, one sixty, one thirty?
Here again the difference is from the nature of the ground, for even where the ground is good, great even therein, is the difference.
Understand that not the Sower is to be blamed, nor the seed but the land that receives it? not for its nature but, for its disposition.
And herein too, great is His mercy to man, that He does not require one measure of virtue.
… And these things He says, lest they that followed Him should suppose that hearing is sufficient for salvation.
… Yes, both vainglory and all the rest belong to this world and to the deceitfulness of riches, such as pleasure and gluttony and envy and vainglory and all the like.

But He added also the “way” and the “rock,” signifying that it is not enough to be freed from riches only, but we must cultivate also the other parts of virtue.
But what if you are free indeed from riches, yet are soft and unmanly? and what if you are not indeed unmanly but are remiss and careless about the hearing of the word?
No one part is sufficient for our salvation but there is required first, a careful hearing and a continual recollection, then fortitude, then contempt of riches and deliverance from all worldly things.” … St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctormatthew 13 23 - parable of the seed - but what if you are free indeed from riches - st john chrysostom 24 july 2020

PRAYER – A pure heart create for me O God, put a steadfast spirit within me! (Ps 50[51]) Lord God, bestow a full measure of Your grace to us.   Keep us within in the path of Your commandments, help us to work on the earth of our souls, rooting out the weeds and casting forth the stones of malice.   Grant that by the prayers of St Charbel Makhluf, who by Your grace triumphed in all virtues, we may succeed in attaining sanctity.   Through Christ, our Lord, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God, forever, amen.st-charbel-pray-for-us-24-july-2017-2018-and-2019 and 2020

Posted in CONFESSION, CONFESSION/PENANCE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SCANDAL, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Thought for the Day – 20 July – Our Dominant Passion

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Thought for the Day – 20 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Our Dominant Passion

our dominant passion bacci 20 july 2020

“Among the passions which disturb us, there is one predominant tendency, which is our particular weakness.
Perhaps we are not aware what it is but, those who have to live with us, know it well!
It is essential for us to know it also, in order to make it a special objective in our spiritual combat.

This information may be obtained by praying earnestly to the Holy Spirit to enlighten us to know ourselves, by making a daily examination of conscience and, by seeking the advice of our confessor, of our spiritual director and of any sincere friend.

It is our predominant passion which most often leads us into sin.
It recurs in all our confessions and we have great difficulty in overcoming it.
The predominant passion of Cain was envy, which he failed to combat in time, so that eventually, it caused him to commit fratricide.
Lust was the predominant passion of Mary of Magdala and of St Augustine and until they managed to control it, it led them into many grave errors.
It was because the Apostle Judas, neglected to struggle against his own avarice, that he became a traitor.
There are others who are inordinately proud and ambitious and, still others, who are governed by a craving for pleasure.

What is your predominant passion?
You must know what it is, in order to combat it determinedly, for otherwise, it will lead you into one sin after another, until you are eternally ruined!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

Quote/s of the Day – 19 July – Hell

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

Hell

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

Jesus
Matthew 13:40-42

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

St Leonard of Port Maurice (1676-1751)

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

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

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

poor judas - st alphonsus 19 july 2020

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

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

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

St Benedict Joseph Labre (1748-1783)

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

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

St John Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859)

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

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

St Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870)

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

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, FATHERS of the Church, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 July – ‘… The Grace of Repentance …’

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One Minute Reflection – 14 July – “Month of the Most Precious Blood” = Tuesday of the Fifteenth week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Isaiah 7:1-9, Psalm 48:2-8, Matthew 11:20-24 and the Memorial of St Francisco Solanus y Jiménez OFM (1549 – 1610) Priest – “The Wonder Worker of the New World” and St Camillus de Lellis MI (1550-1614) “The Giant of Charity”

“But I tell you that it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgement for the land of Sodom than for you.”… Matthew 11:24

REFLECTION – “Let us fix our thoughts on the blood of Christ and reflect how precious that blood is in God’s eyes, inasmuch as its outpouring for our salvation, has opened the grace of repentance to all mankind.
For we have only to survey the generations of the past, to see, that in everyone of them, the Lord has offered the chance of repentance to any, who were willing to turn to Him.   When Noah preached repentance, those who gave heed to him were saved.   When, after Jonah had proclaimed destruction to the people of Niniveh, they repented of their sins and made atonement to God with prayers and supplications, they obtained their salvation, notwithstanding, that they were strangers and aliens to Him.

All those, who were ministers of the grace of God, have spoken, through the Holy Spirit, of repentance.
The very Lord of all, Himself has spoken of it and even with an oath – By my life, the Lord declares, it is not the sinner’s death that I desire, so much as his repentance and, he adds, this gracious pronouncement, Repent, O house of Israel and turn from your wickedness. Say to the children of my people, though your sins may stretch from earth to heaven and though they may be redder than scarlet and blacker than sackcloth, yet if you turn wholeheartedly to me and say ‘Father’, I will listen to you as I would to a people that was holy.

Thus, by His own almighty will, He has confirmed his desire that repentance should be open to everyone of His beloved.

Let us bow, then, to that sovereign and glorious will.   Let us entreat His mercy and goodness, casting ourselves upon His compassion and wasting no more energy in quarrels and a rivalry which only ends in death.” … St Pope Clement I (c 35-99) – From his Letter to the Corinthians (Chs 7, 4-8, 3; 8, 5-9, 1; 13, 1-4; 19, 2)matthew 11 24 but i tell you that it shall be more tolerable - let us bow then to that sovereign - st pope clement I 14 july 2020

PRAYER – God our Father, we are Your children and You have set us aside to come home to You by the light of the way of Your divine Son. Fill us with knowledge of our need to turn to You in sorrow and repentance, that we may one day attain our final home with You. Grant we pray, that by the intercession of Saints Francisco Solanus and Camillus de Lellis, we may too become lights announcing Your love to all around us. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.ST FRANCISCO SOLANO PRAY FOR US 14 JULY 2020

st camillus de lellis pray for us

 

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 July – ‘… The Seed of the Divine Word’

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One Minute Reflection – 12 July – “Month of the Most Precious Blood” – The Fifteenth Sunday of the Year in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Isaiah 55:10-11, Psalm 65:10-14, Romans 8:18-23, Matthew 13:1-23

“As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it;  he indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”…Matthew 13:23

REFLECTION – “Indeed, you all know how land is cultivated.   First of all you pull out the weeds and throw away the stones, then you work the ground itself.   You do it again a second time, a third time and finally… you sow.   Oh, let it be like this in our souls!   First of all let us uproot the weeds, that is to say our evil thoughts; then take out the stones, in other words all our malice and obstinacy.   Finally, let us work our hearts with the plough of the Gospel and the ploughshare of the cross.   Let us break it by repentance, turn over the soil with almsgiving and with charity, prepare it for the seed of Our Lord… that it may joyfully receive the seed of the divine word and bring forth fruit, not just thirty but sixty and a hundredfold.”… St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Monk & Bishop (Sermons to the people, no.6 passim ; SC 175)matthew13 23 - as for what was sown on the good soil-let us work our hearts with the plough of the gospel and the ploughshare of the cross - st caesarius 12 july 2020

PRAYER – A pure heart create for me O God, put a steadfast spirit within me! (Ps 50[51]) Lord God, bestow a full measure of Your grace to us.   Keep us within in the path of Your commandments, help us to work on the earth of our souls, rooting out the weeds and casting forth the stones of malice.   Grant that by the intercession of the Mother of Your Son and our Mother too, we may succeed in attaining sanctity. Through Christ, our Lord, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God, forever, amen.holy mother mary pray for us 16 jan 2019

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD the FATHER, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 11 July – St Benedict

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Quote/s of the Day – 11 July – The Memorial of St Benedict of Nursia OSB (c 480-547)

“It is time now for us to rise from sleep!”

it is time now for us to rise from sleep! st benedict 11 july 2020

“Listen and attend
with the ear of your heart.”

listen and attend with the ear of your heart st benedict 11 july 2020

“He should know,
that whoever undertakes,
the government of souls,
must prepare himself
to account for them.”

he should know that whoever undertakes the government - st benedict 11 july 2020

“For at all times
we must so serve Him
with the good things He has given us,
that He may not, as an angry Father,
disinherit His children,
nor as a dread Lord, provoked by our evil deeds,
deliver us to everlasting punishment
as wicked servants who refuse
to follow Him to glory.”

for at all times we must so serve Him - st benedict 11 july 2020

“He, who labours as he prays,
lifts his heart to God,
with his hands.”

he who labours as he prays lifts his heart to god with his hands - st benedict 11 july 2020

“Run, while you have the light of life!”

More here:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/11/quote-s-of-the-day-11-july-st-benedict/

St Benedict (c 480-547)

run while you have the light of life! 11 july 2020 st benedict

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

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

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

‘… The measure of each one’s faith…’

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

Matthew 9:21-22

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

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

Galasians 2:20

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

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

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

A Commentary on Luke, Book 2

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

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

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

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

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

St Augustine of Canterbury (Died c 605)

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Blessed Columba Marmion (1858-1923) Abbot

Our faith, the victory over the world

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

“Life has only one face – LOVE.”

Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro (1936-1964)

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

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, The GOOD SHEPHERD

Thought for the Day – 3 July – The Good Shepherd

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Thought for the Day – 3 July – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Good Shepherd

the good shepherd - we may often have been - bacci 3 july 2020

“The Good Shepherd is the theme of two of the most moving passages in the Gospel.
“I am the good shepherd,” Jesus says. “The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. But, the hireling, who is not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees. and the wolf snatches and scatters the sheep … I am the good shepherd and I know mine and mine know me, even as the father knows me and I know the Father and I lay down my life for my sheep” (Jn 10:11-15).

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep,” He says elsewhere “and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after that which is lost, until he finds it?   And when he has found it, he lays it upon his shoulders rejoicing.   And on coming home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me because, I have found my sheep that was lost.”
“I say to you that, even so, there will be joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, more than over ninety nine just, who have no need of repentance” (Cf Lk 15:4-7).

These texts vividly describe God’s mercy towards poor sinners.

We may often have been amongst the lost sheep which are separated from the flock of Jesus Christ.
We found, perhaps, the poisoned pastures of error and vice and strayed from the path of truth and goodness.
But what happened?
We experienced disillusionment and remorse and knew that we had lost our only real good, which is God.
How sad our fate would have been, if the Good Shepherd, Jesus, had not come to look for us and to enlighten us with His grace.
We should have been lost forever, in the desert of sin!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SILENCE

Thought for the Day – 1 July – Moments of Silence

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Thought for the Day – 1 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Moments of Silence

“Such is the speed of modern life that many people forget God and do not even pause to think about themselves.
Action is everything.
There is no time for reflection, no time for prayer.
Life has become mechanical and superficial, for nobody has the time, nor the inclination, to think about spiritual matters.

What is the result?
Since men are not machines but living beings, composed of soul and body and are capable of feeling and passion, their lower inclinations break loose and insist on being satisfied.
In the absence of prayer and of all effort to lead a good life, grace is lacking to inspire the mind, to strengthen the will and to keep the heart pure.
Rapid materialistic progress has accustomed men to accept, as inevitable, the most shameful falls.
The absence of any kind of contact with God, makes the soul the slave of sin.

Examine yourself.
Perhaps, you have not yet sunk to this low level of spirituality and are still capable of feeling remorse and the urge to do good.
But, you must listen for God’s voice and a certain amount of silence, is necessary, if His voice is not to be drowned in the tumult of the world.
We are in real need of solitude, recollection and prayer!“

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

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

The Four Ends of the Holy Mass

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

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

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

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

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, SAINT of the DAY, The PASSION, Uncategorized

Quote/s of the Day – 22 June – St John Fisher

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Quote/s of the Day – 22 June – The Memorial of St John Fisher (1469-1535) Bishop, Martyr

“I reckon in this realm, no one man,
in wisdom, learning
and long approved virtue together,
meet to be matched and compared with him.”

St Thomas More speaking of St John Fisher

 

“A good man is not a perfect man;
a good man is an honest man,
faithful and unhesitatingly responsive
to the voice of God in his life.”

_a good man is not a perfect man - 22 june 2020

“Contrition is to have sorrow at heart
and great repentance of all his sins
and to have steadfast purpose to keep
and abstain him from all deadly sins.
For who has intention to return him to deadly sin,
his confession avails him nothing!”

“Penance is a needful thing to the sinner,
who desires to recover health of his soul.
And, in doing penance, there be three things
to be considered:
serious compunction of heart,
confession of mouth
and satisfaction by deed.”

penance is a needful thing to the sinner - st john fisher 22 june 2020

“As St Paul has said,
for our justification,
He [Christ], gave to man
all that was necessary –
His Blood to wash us,
His Body to redeem us.
In His Passion,
Justice and peace
have met each other.”

as st paul has said, for our justification - st john fisher 22 june 2020

“Beware of those prophets who speak unto you
and deceive you!
They prophecy nothing
but the imaginations and forgings
of their own minds
and not the truth of Holy Scripture!”

St John Fisher (1469-1535) Bishop, Martyr

beware of those prophets - st john fisher 22 june 2020

 

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on HYPOCRISY, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 June – ‘Remove the wooden beam from your eye first’

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One Minute Reflection – 22 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – Monday of the Twelfth week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18, Psalm 60:3-5, 12-13, Matthew 7:1-5 and the Memorial of St John Fisher (1469-1535) Bishop, Martyr

“You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.” … Matthew 7:5

REFLECTION – “The word hypocrite is aptly employed here, since the denouncing of evils is best viewed as a matter only for upright persons of goodwill.   When the wicked engage in it, they are like impersonators, masqueraders, hiding their real selves behind a mask, while they portray another’s character through the mask.   The word hypocrites, in fact, signifies pretenders.
Hence we ought especially to avoid that meddlesome class of pretenders who, under the pretence of seeking advice, undertake the censure of all kinds of vices.   They are often moved by hatred and malice.

Rather, whenever necessity compels one to reprove or rebuke another, we ought to proceed with godly discernment and caution.
First of all, let us consider whether the other fault is such, as we ourselves have never had, or whether it is one that we have overcome.
Then, if we have never had such a fault, let us remember that we are human and could have had it.   But if we have had it and are rid of it now, let us remember our common frailty, in order that mercy, not hatred, may lead us to the giving of correction and admonition.
In this way, whether the admonition occasions the amendment, or the worsening of the one for whose sake we are offering it, (for the result cannot be foreseen), we ourselves shall be made safe through singleness of eye.   But if on reflection we find that we ourselves have the same fault as the one we are about to reprove, let us neither correct nor rebuke that one.   Rather, let us bemoan the fault ourselves and induce that person to a similar concern, without asking him to submit to our correction.”… St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace – Sermon on the Mount, 2matthew 7 5 - you hyprocrites remove the wooden beam from your own eye - rather, whenvever necessity compels us - st augustine 22 june 2020

PRAYER – As we pray before You Lord, we ask You, in Your loving kindness, for the grace always to ponder in our hearts what we proclaim with our lips.   Keep us in Your commandments and strengthen us by the prayers of St John Fisher, Your Martyr, that we may live by a holy conscience and never flinch from the protection of truth.   Grant this we pray through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, in the love and unity of the Holy Spirit, God for always and forever, amen.st john fisher pray for us 22 june 2020

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DOCTORS of the Church, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FRIENDSHIP, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The LORD'S PRAYER, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 June – Delighting the Heart of God

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One Minute Reflection – 18 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – Thursday of the Eleventh week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Sirach 48:1-14 (1-15), Psalm 97:1-7, Matthew 6:7-15

“Do not be like them.   Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  Pray then like this: Our Father … “ … Matthew 6:8-9

REFLECTION – “Engrave, pious soul, engrave this teaching deeply into your soul common to all masters of the spiritual life – after your infidelities you must turn back to God at once, even if you should fall a hundred times a day and, when you have done this, immediately set yourself at peace again. …   Between friends who love each other deeply, it is not uncommon, that a ruffled relationship is healed by humble apologies, which seals their friendship once more.   Act in such a way, that it is the same between yourself and God – use your faults to make your bond of love with Him even tighter.

It may happen to you, to be at a loss before a decision to be made, or advice to be given.   Here, too, don’t be afraid and do not neglect to act together with God as the faithful do amongst themselves.   In every event they consult among themselves – you, consult God, pray to Him to suggest the solution to you that will be most pleasing to Him, “Lord, set on my lips the word I am to speak and in my heart, the resolution to take!” (Jdt 9:18 Vg.)   Suggest to me what I have to do or answer and I shall do it.   “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Sam 3:10).

Again, give God the testimony of friendly trust by discussing with Him, not just about your personal affairs but also about those of your neighbour.   What pleasure you give to His heart if, sometimes even going so far as to forget your own worries, you call to His mind the interests of His glory and the misfortunes of others! …   “O God, so worthy of all love, make yourself known and loved.   May your kingdom be adored and blessed by all, may your love reign in every heart!”

Let us conclude.   If you wish to charm the loving Heart of your God, set yourself to talk to Him as often as you can and, after a fashion, continually, together with the fullest and most confident liberty.   He will not hold aloof from answering you and participating in the conversation on His part.” … St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor – What should one converse about with God?matthew 6 8-9 pray then like this - our father - if you wish to charm the loving heart of your god - st alphonsus liguori 18 june 2020

PRAYER – Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
Amenthe-our-father-matthew-6-7-15-lenten-reflection-20-feb-2018 and 18 june 2020

Posted in CONFESSION, CONFESSION/PENANCE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on COWARDICE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on VIRTUE, SPEAKING of ....., The LAST THINGS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 12 June – Speaking of: Sin

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – Friday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings 19:9, 11-16, Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14, Matthew 5:27-32

Speaking of:  Sin

” It is better for you to lose one of your members,
than to have your whole body go into Gehenna.”

Matthew 5:29

matthew 5 29 it is better for you to lose on oe your members... 12 june 2020

“The dragon sits by the side of the road,
watching those who pass.
Beware lest he devour you.
We go to the Father of Souls
but it is necessary to pass by the dragon.”

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

the-dragon-sits-by-the-side-of-the-road-st-cyril-of-jerusalem-16-march-2019

“Virtue is nothing without the trial of temptation,
for there is no conflict without an enemy,
no victory without strife.”

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

virtue is nothing - st pope leo the great - 1 feb 2018

“When God forgives a sinner who humbly confesses his sin,
the devil loses his dominion over the heart he had taken.”

St Bernard (1090-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor

when god forgives a sinner who mumbly confesses - st bernard 12 june 2020

“Let the enemy rage at the gate;
let him knock, pound, scream, howl;
let him do his worst.
We know for certain,
that he cannot enter our soul,
except by the door of our consent.”

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

let the enemy rage at the gate, let him knock - st francis de sales 12 june 2020

“We are generally, 
the carpenters
of our own crosses.”

St Philip Neri (1515-1595)

we are generally the carpenters of our own crosses - st philip neri 12 june 2020

“The power of evil men
lives on the cowardice of the good.”

the-power-of-evil-st-john-bosco-31-jan-2018 and 12 june 2020

“Do not try to excuse your faults,
try to correct them.”

“Fly from bad companions
as from the bite
of a poisonous snake.”

“Act today in such a way,
that you need not blush
tomorrow.”

St John Bosco (1815-1888)

do-not-try-to-excuse-fly-from-bad-act-in-such-a-way-st-john-bosco-31-jan-2019 and 12 june 2020

“That conversation… was as dirty as a sewer!
It is not enough for you to take no part in it.
You must show your repugnance for it strongly!”

St Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975)

that conversation was as dirty as a sewer - st josemaria escriva 12 june 2020

“For the sinner, hell begins on this earth!”

for-the-sinner-hell-begins-on-this-earth-bacci-4-jan-2020 and 12 june 2020

“The Sacrament of Penance,
is our plank of salvation
in the shipwreck of sin.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

the sacrament of penance is our plank of salvation in the shipwreck of sin - bacci 29 april 2020

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SIN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 June – ‘… The impulse of the heart…’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 12 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – Friday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: 1 Kings 19:9, 11-16, Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14, Matthew 5:27-32

“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away.   It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna.” … Matthew 5:29

REFLECTION – “As the degree of innocence increases, faith becomes more advanced.   For we are advised to be free, not only from our own particular faults but also from those things, which affect us outwardly. For is it not because of sin, that the bodily members were condemned in the first place?   The right eye is no less sinister than the left.   It is pointless to chastise a foot that is unaware of lust and thus involves no grounds for punishment.   But our members indeed do differ from each other while we are all one body.   We are here being advised to pluck out inordinate loves or friendships, if they are the occasion that leads us further into wrongdoing.   We would do well, to not even have the benefit of a member, like an eye or a foot, if it furnishes the avenue, by which one is drawn by excessive affections into a partnership with hell.   Even the cutting away of a member might be beneficial, if the heart (figuratively speaking), were also able to be cut away.   But, if the impulse of the heart is left unchanged, the cutting away of a member would be pointless.” … St Hilary of Poitiers (315-368) Father and Doctor of the Divinity of Christ – On Matthew, Ch 4matthew 5 29 if your right eye - we are here being advised to pluck out - st hilary 12 june 2020

PRAYER – Yours is the day and Yours, the night, Lord God and we are Your children.   Grant we pray, that the weakness of our humanity, the drive of our emotions and flesh may not overpower us.   Lead us Lord, through the dangers of our day, give us strength and true love, wishing only, our final home, for those who share our lives, especially our spouse.   Mary, pray for us, that we may imitate your faithfulness in all things.   We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.blessed-virgin-mother-mary-pray-for-us-25-june-2018