Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the KING, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on the POOR, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD

Thought for the Day – 6 January – The Epiphany

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

The Epiphany

The Magi gave Jesus material gifts too, as symbols of their complete dedication to Him.
They gave Him gold because He was a King, incense because He was God and myrrh because, He was Man.
We often say that we love God and wish to serve and obey Him in all things.
But when we see that this entails sacrifice, we forget our promises
.

We must ask ourselves if we are prepared to offer Jesus, gold, that is, to offer Him everything we possess, for the promotion of His glory, for the spread of His Kingdom and for the relief of His poor, to whom we ought always to see and love in them, Christ Himself.
We must examine ourselves thoroughly on this.
It is easy to find excuses for not giving to God and to His poor, in accordance with our means.

We should offer too, the incense of our adoration and unceasing prayer.
There can be no sanctity without prayer.
There can be no real Christians, without sanctity.

Finally, we must offer the myrrh of our mortification.
Mortification, as St Vincent de Paul has said, is the ABC of Christian perfection.
St Paul exhorts us to carry always, in ourselves, the mortification of Jesus.
If we are not mortified, we can never be holy and can never share the joy which the Magi experieced as they lay prostrate before the cradle of our Divine Redeemer.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/06/thought-for-the-day-6-january-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/06/thought-for-the-day-6-january-the-epiphany/

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The HEART

Our Morning Offering – 5 January – Oh Jesus, My Love

Our Morning Offering – 5 January – The Vigil of the Epiphany of Our Lord

Oh Jesus, My Love
By St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775)

Oh Jesus, my Love,
may my heart be consumed
in loving Thee.
Make me humble and holy,
giving me childlike simplicity,
transform me into Thy holy Love.
O Jesus, Life of my life,
Joy of my soul,
God of my heart,
accept my heart as an altar,
on which I will sacrifice to Thee,
the gold of ardent charity,
the incense of continual,
humble and fervent prayer
and the myrrh
of constant sacrifices!
Amen

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 4 January– SIN

Thought for the Day – 4 January– Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

SIN

Now, let us turn the spotlight on ourselves and think of our past lives.
So many sins and abuses of God’s grace!
Such coldness and ingratitude!

Where has all this brought us?
Spiritually, sin has deprived us of God and of the supernatural life which His grace gives us.
Intellectually, it is an absurdity, a dishonour and a degradation.
Physically, it is an inversion of the right order and often means total ruin.

Let us humbly repent, therefore and make resolutions so firm that we shall be ready to face any sacrifice, even death, in order to put them into practice.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/13/thought-for-the-day-13-september-sin/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/04/thought-for-the-day-4-january-sin/

Posted in LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The BEATITUDES

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

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

The Blessedness of the Peacemakers

We should not imagine, however, that the peace which Jesus brought to us, is a lifeless peace, like that of a cemetery.
On the contrary, it is the peace of conquest, a living peace.

It cannot be attained by the sluggard, who is aiming at an easy and comfortable existence but, by the generous warrior who is always prepared to throw himself into the fight for virtue, for the glory of God and for the salvation of souls.

The peace of Jesus Christ is a victory over the evil which is rampant within us and around us.
It demands vigilance, strifc and perseverance in fidelity to Our Lord.
It requires the spirit of sacrifice, the love of God and dedication to the welfare of our fellowmen.
It is the fruit of internal and external combat.

It excludes all rancour, envy, detraction and malice, which is why it costs so much hardship and conflict.
When a man has gained the victory, however, he experiences that wonderful spiritual tranquility which God alone can give.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 21 November – The Glory of God

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

The Glory of God

Let us study the behaviour of the Saints, who forgot themselves and thought only of God.
In order to please Him, to win His approval and to co-operate in the manifestation of His glory, they deprived themselves of food and rest and sacrificed themselves entirely for His sake.

Now, consider yourself.
Perhaps you are still excessively self-centred.
Perhaps you love yourself too much and love God too little.
Perhaps you try too hard to achieve worldly success and forget that at the end of life, your insignificant personal conquests and laurels, will seem to you, to be so many useless toys on which you have wasted the precious time which God gave you.
Consider this carefully and form suitable resolutions for the future.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/26/thought-for-the-day-26-november-the-glory-of-god/

Posted in "Follow Me", CONFESSION/PENANCE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SANCTITY

Thought for the Day – 12 November – Daily Progress

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

Daily Progress

“There are two ways in which we should make constant daily progress.
The first is in the removal of our defects and imperfections.
As The Imitation of Christ insists, we should soon become holy, if we were to conquer, at least, one sin every year.

It is opportune, at this stage, to ask ourselves, how many years we have already spent on earth?
During these years, how many personal defects can we claim to have remedied?
Perhaps there was a time when we were better than we are now?
If we have wasted time and have abused our Creator’s gifts and favours, we should humble ourselves and do penance before God.

Finally, we should resolve and do our best, to remedy at least one defect everyday.
We should select, first of all, whatever imperfection we know to be the most dangerous.
This will be difficult and even heroic work but, it is very necessary.
We must work on our own character as a sculptor works on a block of marble, hammering, cutting and chiselling patiently and perseveringly.

With the help of God, we shall be successful.
Even as the Saints succeeded, so we shall succeed, if we depend on God’s grace and make the necessary sacrifices.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/12/thought-for-the-day-12-november-daily-progress/\z

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SIN, THE ASSUMPTION

Thought for the Day – 17 October – The Fourth Glorious Mystery – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven

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

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
The Fourth Glorious Mystery
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven

As a result of this meditation, let us make the following resolutions in the presence of Mary Assumed into Heaven.

(1) To offer to God, everyday, in expiation of our sins, whatever kind of death He will please to give us.

(2) To build up for ourselves, henceforth, a substantial credit account of good actions and generous sacrifices.

(3) To pray fervently to our Mother Mary, to obtain for us from her Divine Son, a death which will be peaceful like hers, with all our sins forgiven and our hearts filled with a loving desire to be with God.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/16/thought-for-the-day-16-october-the-fourth-glorious-mystery-the-assumption-of-the-blessed-virgin-into-heaven/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/17/thought-for-the-day-17-october-the-fourth-glorious-mystery-the-assumption-of-the-blessed-virgin-into-heaven/

Posted in "Follow Me", APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The RESURRECTION

Thought for the Day – 14 October – The First Glorious Mystery, The Resurrection of Our Lord

Thought for the Day – 14 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
The First Glorious Mystery
The Resurrection of Our Lord

The Resurrection of Christ demands a resurrection on our part too.
If, we are in sin, we must rise again.
Or, it maybe, that we must rise from a state of torpor to one of fervour, or from a life of worldly pleasure to an interior life nourished by grace, or from a life of selfishness, to one of sacrifice.

In which state do we find ourselves?
In the presence of the risen Christ and of His Blessed Mother, happy in the contemplation of His glory, let us resolve to rise from sin and from spiritual tepidity, in order to set out on the way of Christ and of perfect sanctity.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/13/thought-for-the-day-13-october-the-first-glorious-mystery-the-resurrection-of-our-lord/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/14/thought-for-the-day-14-october-the-first-glorious-mystery-the-resurrection-of-our-lord/

Posted in "Follow Me", MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on STRENGTH, ROSARY QUOTES, ROSARY QUOTES, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 8 October – The First Sorrowful Mystery, The Agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

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

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
The First Sorrowful Mystery
The Agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

To which group do you belong, you who claim to be a Catholic?
Are you among the traitors who, by their sins, Crucify Jesus anew?

Weep for your faults and ask your merciful Redeemer for forgiveness and for the strength never to fall again.

Perhaps you are ungrateful and asleep?
Awake from your torpor!

Pray to the Sorrowful Virgin to obtain for you the love of her Divine Son and the ardent desire of following Him in the path of sacrifice and of virtue.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/08/thought-for-the-day-8-october-the-first-sorrowful-mystery-the-agony-of-jesus-in-the-garden-of-gethsemane/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/08/thought-for-the-day-8-october-the-first-sorrowful-mystery-the-agony-of-jesus-in-the-garden-of-gethsemane-2/

Posted in "Follow Me", GOD ALONE!, OUR Cross, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 September – “Whoever finds his life, will lose it and whoever loses his life for My sake ,will find it” – Matthew 10:39,

One Minute Reflection – 28 September – St Wenceslaus (907-935) Duke of Bohemia, Martyr. – Wisdom 10:10-14, Matthew 10:34-42

Whoever finds his life, will lose it and whoever loses his life for My sake ,will find it” – Matthew 10:39

REFLECTION – “Let us consider these words of our Lord – that He wants “to draw all things to himself” (Jn 12:32). Someone who wants to draw all things, first of all, gathers them together and afterwards, draws them. This is what our Lord does – first of all He calls us back from straying and wandering outside, making us collect our senses, faculties, words, deeds and, within, our thoughts, intention, imagination, desires, inclinations, mind, will and love. Then, when everything is rightfully returned to good order, God draws us to Himself.

For we must first of all, be separated from every exterior or interior possession to which we are attached, putting all our satisfaction in them. This kind of detachment is a painful cross and all the more painful as the attachment is more firm and strong…

Why does God rarely allow one day and night to resemble the previous day and night? Why is it that what helped your devotion today, is of no help at all tomorrow? Why do you have a host of images and thoughts that come to nothing? My dear child, accept this cross from God and bear it: it will turn into a truly lovable cross if you would hand these trials over to God, accept them from Him with true abandonment and thank God for them: “My soul magnifies the Lord” in everything (Cf Lk 1:46). Whether God takes or gives, the Son of Man must be raised up on the Cross…

Dear child, leave all that behind; rather, give your attention to true abandonment…and think about accepting to bear the cross of temptation, rather than going in search of spiritual sweetness… Our Lord has said: “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him take up his cross and follow me” (Lk 9:23).” – Father Johannes Tauler OP (c 1300-1361) Dominican Priest and renowned Preacher, Theologian, Mystic (Sermon 59, 4th for the Exaltation of the Cross)

PRAYER – O God, Who through the Palm of Martyrdom transported blessed Wenceslaus from an earthly dominion unto heavenly glory, keep us, by his prayers, from all harm and grant us to rejoice in his fellowship. 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, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SANCTITY

Thought for the Day – 27 September – The Sacrifices of Life

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

The Sacrifices of Life

“The Saints looked for mortifications, humiliations, sacreifices; they desired to suffer to show their love for Jesus and to conquer the disordered inclinations of their bodies.

By setting out on the way of penance of the Cross, they purified themselves and reached the summit of sanctity, step-by-step.

What sacrifices and mortifications are we prepared to undertake?
Remember that there are two things which we are obliged to do:
(1) We must accept patiently, from the hands of God, all the sorrows, troubles and crosses which He sends us.
(2) We must be prepared to take up our cross voluntarily and generously, at least ,when we realise, that it is necessary or profitable for our salvation and sanctification.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/03/thought-for-the-day-3-september-the-sacrifices-of-life/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/25/thought-for-the-day-25-september-the-sacrifices-of-life/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE

Thought for the Day – 25 September – The Sacrifices of Life

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

The Sacrifices of Life

“When we say that we must be prepared to make any sacrifice, even to die, rather than offend God and risk eternal damnation, we mean exactly what we say.
If thy right eye is an occasion of sin to thee,” Jesus says in the Gospel, “pluck it out and cast it from thee; for it is better for thee that one of thy members should perish than that thy whole body should be thrown into hell. And if thy right hand is an occasion of sin to thee, cut it off and cast it from thee; for it is better for thee that one of thy members should be lost, than thy whole body should go into hell” (Mt 5:29-30).

We are prepared to do all this when there is a question of preserving mortal life; we are prepared to undergo an amputation in order to avoid death.
Are we prepared to do as much for eternal salvation?

Sometimes, when we wish to set ourselves free from the danger of sin, we must deprive ourselves of things that are dear to us; we must suppress our natural instincts and affections and we must impose on ourselves severe penances and bodily mortifications.
All this is demanded from us by Jesus in these words which seem hard and almost cruel but are none other than a just and necessary commandment.
In certain grave cases, heroism is necessary for all – now is the time of heroes!
Are we courageous for Christ and for eternal life with Him?

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/03/thought-for-the-day-3-september-the-sacrifices-of-life/

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING

Thought for the Day – 19 August – Two Paths to Heaven

Thought for the Day – 19 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Two Paths to Heaven

The second path to Heaven, however, demands sacrifice on our part.
Our repentance must be practical and supernatural
.
It should lead us to confess our sins in the Sacrament of Penance and to regain God’s friendship in Holy Communion.
After that, our way must be one of self-mortification: “Unless you repent,” Jesus warns us, “you will all perish
(Lk 13:51).

The first penance which we must perform, is to offer to God, all the physical and moral sufferings which are in store for us during life and at the hour of death.
Then, we must add our own voluntary acts of self-denial.
The generosity of the Saints, in this regard, was rewarded by the lasting friendship of God.
As for ourselves, we should remember that Jesus, Himself, has warned us that we shall be lost if we neglect to do penance (Ibid).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/26/thought-for-the-day-26-august-two-paths-to-heaven-part-one/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/17/thought-

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MEDIOCRITY, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SACRIFICE

Thought for the Day – 20 July – Our Passions

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

Our Passions

It is a difficult thing to control and to direct our natural inclinations.
It requires perseverance, sacrifice and the grace of God, for which we should always pray.

Often, this struggle will last a lifetime and we can still fall, even after many years of combat.
It is important, however, never to give up.
If we accept defeat and quietly submit to the tyranny of sinful passions, we are lost forever.
It is a poor outlook too, for a Catholic who ends up by being satisfied with a life of worthless mediocrity.
We must fight hard, pray fervently and value nothing higher than the love of Christ.
When we are finally victorious, our joy will be greater than any happiness which the world can give.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/18/thought-for-the-day-18-july-our-passions/

Posted in LAPSED Catholics, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, Quotes on SALVATION

Thought for the Day – 7 July – THE SALVATION OF SOULS

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

THE SALVATION OF SOULS

“If you still belong to the category of those who desire to be good and virtuous, remember that your obligations do not stop at this.
You are obliged to work as hard as possible, for the return of sinners to the fold and for the reawakening of the faith of the indifferent.

A man who really loves God, cannot remain inactive when he witnesses the desertion of so many of his fellow-men, the corruption of public and private morals and the continuous insults offered to the Creator of the human race.
ANYONE WHO REMAINS INACTIVE BECOMES AN ACCOMPLISH!

Everyone is obliged to do his best to prevent the spread of such errors and evils.
Do NOT make the excuse that there is very little which you can do.
Although the resources of those who are still faithful, may be individually insignificant, they become, when combined, an irresistible force.

Remember that you have three invincible weapons – prayer, mortification and sacrifice.
These are the weapons which can and should be employed in order to convert the world and to establish the Kingdom of God.

Remember the countless conversions effected by the Saints as a result of their prayer, mortications and heroic sacrifices.
No-one can call himself a Catholic, who does not love, in a practical manner, his fellowmen, especially unfortunate sinners.
Make up your mind to offer up your prayers and sacrifices for their conversion.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/07/thought-for-the-day-7-july-the-salvation-of-souls/

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOOD FRIDAY, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY MASS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The REDEMPTION

Thought for the Day – 18 June – The Holy Mass

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

The Holy Mass

The Sacrifice of the Mass is the noblest act of our religion.
In it is renewed, in a real but unbloody manner, the Sacrifice of Calvary.

Jesus desired to remain with us throughout the centuries in the Blessed Eucharist as our friend, comforter and spiritual food.
Similarly, not being satisfied with having shed His Precious Blood on the Cross for our Redemption, it was His wish that this sacrificial action should be renewed daily in every corner of the world, in such a way, that everyone could participate in it and benefit from it.
When we are present at Holy Mass, therefore, we should imagine that we are on Calvary at the foot of the Cross on which our Divine Redeemer is voluntarily giving His Life, as an innocent Victim, for our sins.
Let us see Him hanging between earth and sky, a holocaust of propitiation between God and men.

Let us see Him imploring with His dying glance, forgiveness for His executioners and for us sinners.

Let us imagine, moreover, His most Holy Mother as she gazes sorrowfully upon her suffering Son.
With love far greater than that of any other human creature, she offers herself in union with Jesus, for our salvation.

We should make a similar offering when we assist at the Sacrifice of the Altar.
We should sacrifice ourselves along with Jesus.
If we are tormented by sufferings, let us offer them up along with those of Jesus.
If we are troubled by passionate inclinations to sin, let us sacrifice these bravely, along with Jesus and for love of Him.
If we are full of hatred and coldness towards others, let us sacrifice these feelings for love of Jesus, Who forgave everyone who asked and repented and prayed even for His executioners.

Let us remember, that the Sacrifice of the Mass should be our sacrifice too,
It is not only the Priest who offers it but we offer it along with the Priest and with Jesus.

Receive, O Holy Trinity, this oblation which we make to Thee.
Let us unite the offering of our entire selves to the Sacrifice of Jesus and we sgall obtain great spiritual benefits.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS

Thought for the Day – 7 June – Our Response to the Love of the Sacred Heart

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

Our Response to the Love of the Sacred Heart

What are we doing?
If we really love the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we should offer penance and sacrifices in order to make reparation for our sins and the sins of others and, to propitiate this adorable Heart, Which ardently desires to bestow new favours upon us.

Aspiration: All for You, O Sacred Heart of Jesus!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/08/thought-for-the-day-8-june-our-response-to-the-love-of-the-sacred-heart/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/08/thought-for-the-day-8-june-our-response-to-the-love-of-the-sacred-heart-2/

Posted in LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, THEOLOGICAL

Thought for the Day – 8 May – The Theological Virtues of Our Lady

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

The Theological Virtues of Our Lady

“O Mary, my most holy Mother, grant that my life may be like yours, a continual act of faith, hope and charity towards God and my neighbour.
Grant that my faith may be active, that I may hope only for the Heavenly reward which awaits me and that my charity may never shrink, from whatever sacrifices the love of God and of my neighbours may demand.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/08/thought-for-the-day-8-may-the-theological-virtues-of-our-lady/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/08/thought-for-the-day-8-may-the-theological-virtues-of-our-lady-2/

Posted in ACT of CONTRITION, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, FRANCISCAN OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, Quotes on SALVATION

Our Morning Offering – 31 March – Forgive Me, Good Jesus

Our Morning Offering – 31 March – Thursday of the Fourth week in Lent

Forgive Me, Good Jesus
By St Leonard of Port Maurice (1676-1751)

Lord,
I confess that up until now
I have not lived as a Christian.
I am not worthy
to be numbered among Your elect.
I recognise that I deserve to be damned
but Your mercy is great
and, full of confidence in Your grace,
I say to You that I wish to save my soul,
even if I have to sacrifice my fortune,
my honour, my very life,
as long as I am saved.
If I have been unfaithful up to now,
I repent, I deplore,
I detest my infidelity,
I ask You humbly to forgive me.
Forgive me, good Jesus
and strengthen me,
that I may be saved.
I ask You not for wealth,
honour or prosperity,
I ask You for one thing only,
to save my soul.
Amen

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The PASSION, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 18 March – Privation

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

Privation

“Not only did the Saints accept necessary privation with loving submission to God’s will but they imposed voluntary mortifications on themselves.
Some of them were rich and gave everything they had to the poor.
Some were in positions of esteem and honour and went away to look for humiliation and obscurity.
Many scourged themselves, slept on hard boards or upon the bare ground, wore chains or hairshirts upon their bodies and did without food, in order to give it to the poor.

They imitated Jesus in these things.
He also chose to be poor and fasted for forty days in the desert.
He was mocked, scourged, crowned with thorns and burdened with a heavy cross.
When He was dying for us upon that cross, He asked for a drop of water to slake His thirst and was given vinegar and gall instead.
We have great lessons to learn from the privations and sufferings of Jesus and of the Saints.

If,we are not heroic enough to go in search of voluntary want and suffering, we should at least accept fully, the necessary privations and sorrows of this life.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

Posted in "Follow Me", DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JEALOUSY, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent – 16 March – Our Lenten Journey with the Great Fathers – ‘Now is not the time for rewards …’

Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent – 16 March – Our Lenten Journey with the Great Fathers – Esther 13:8-11; 15-17, Matthew 20:17-28

“Forsake me not, O Lord, my God, be not far from me! Hasten to help me, O Lord, my salvation!” – Psalm 37:22-23

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee
came to Him with her sons
…”

Matthew 20:29

THE SONS OF ZEBEDEE press Christ: ‘Promise that one may sit at Your right side and the other at Your left.’ What does He do? He wants to show them that it is not a spiritual gift for which they are asking and that, if they knew what their request involved, they would never dare make it. So He says: ‘You do not know what you are asking,’ that is, what a great and splendid thing it is and how much beyond the reach even of the heavenly powers. Then He continues: ‘Can you drink the cup which I must drink and be baptised with the baptism which I must undergo?’ He is saying: “You talk of sharing honours and rewards with me but I must talk of struggle and toil. Now is not the time for rewards or the time for my glory to be revealed. Earthly life is the time for bloodshed, war and danger.”

CONSIDER HOW by His manner of questioning He exhorts and draws them. He does not say: “Can you face being slaughtered? Can you shed your blood?” How does He put His question? Can you drink the cup? Then He makes it attractive by adding: which I must drink, so that the prospect of sharing it with Him may make them more eager. He also calls His suffering, a baptism, to show that it will effect a great cleansing of the entire world. The disciples answer him: We can! Fervour makes them answer promptly, though they really do not know what they are saying but still think they will receive what they ask for.

HOW DOES CHRIST REPLY? You will indeed drink My cup and be baptised with My baptism. He is really prophesying a great blessing for them, since He is telling them: You will be found worthy of Martyrdom; you will suffer what I suffer and end your life with a violent death, thus sharing all with Me. But seats at My right and left are not Mine to give; they belong to those for whom the Father has prepared them. Thus, after lifting their minds to higher goals and preparing them to meet and overcome all that will make them desolate, He sets them straight on their request.

THEN THE OTHER TEN became angry at the two brothers. See how imperfect they all are: the two who tried to get ahead of the other ten and the ten, who were jealous of the two! But, as I said before, show them to me at a later date in their lives and you will see,that all these impulses and feelings have disappeared. Read how John, the very man who here asks for the first place, will always yield to Peter when it comes to preaching and performing miracles in the Acts of the Apostles. James, for his part, was not to live very much longer; for from the beginning, he was inspired by great fervour and, setting aside all purely human goals, rose to such splendid heights that he straightway suffered Martyrdom.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Archbishop of Constantinople, Great Father and Doctor of the Church – An excerpt from Sermon 65 (On Matthew)

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 March – The Proof of our Love

Quote/s of the Day – 16 March – Wednesday of the Second week of Lent – Esther 13:8-11; 15-17, Matthew 20:17-28

“Are you able to drink the cup
that I am to drink?

Matthew 20:22

… Now is the time in this life of suffering,
when we journey apart from Him.
… So let us fast and pray now
because, we are in the days of childbirth!”

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

Only let it be in the name of Jesus Christ,
that I may suffer together with Him!
I endure everything
because He Himself,
Who is perfect man, empowers me.”

St Ignatius of Antioch (c 35–107) Martyr

Embrace, then, Jesus Crucified,
raising to Him the eyes of your desire!
Consider His burning love for you,
which made Jesus pour out His Blood
from every part of His body!
Embrace Jesus crucified,
loving and beloved and in Him,
you will find true life because He is God made Man.
Let your heart and your soul burn
with the fire of love drawn from Jesus on the Cross!
… You will have no other desire than to follow Jesus!
Run, … do not stay asleep
because time flies and does not wait one moment!
Dwell in God’s sweet love!”

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

“To labour and to suffer
for the One we love,
is the greatest proof of our love
.”

St Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the JUDGE, FATHERS of the Church, LENT 2022, LENTEN THOUGHTS, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUTH, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 March – . Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?”

One Minute Reflection – 16 March – Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent – Esther 13:8-11; 15-17, Matthew 20:17-28

“You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” … the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” … Matthew 20:22,28

REFLECTION – “It is our task and, in our case, an obligation, to make of you the object of all our care, our zeal, our ministrations, by word and deed, by warnings, encouragement, admonitions and incitement, (…) so that, in this way, we might insert you into the rhythm of the divine will and face you towards the goal set before us – to give pleasure to God. …

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. How could this have happened to Him Who, even as Man, was without sin and Who, to the contrary, snatched us away from the tyranny of the sin through which death came into the world and falsely took possession of our first father?

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. According to the interpretation of our Fathers, there is in this, a shedding of blood for this is what it means to be a monk. And we must gain the Kingdom of Heaven in that way, by spending our lives in imitation of the Lord. … Apply yourselves zealously to your duties, in the thought that by means of them, far from being slaves of men, you are serving God.” … St Theodore the Studite (759- 826) Monk at Constantinople (Catecheses 1).

PRAYER – Look mercifully upon Your people, we beseech You, O Lord and grant that they whom You command to abstain from food, may also refrain from harmful vices. 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, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Thought for the Day – 5 March – Mortification and Penance

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

Mortification and Penance

There are many simple acts of mortification which we can all do for our spiritual welfare.
For example, we can remain silent when there is no need to speak; we can deprive ourselves of dainties at table and we can act humbly, when oyer pride is hurt or patiently when we think we have been offended.
These are easy ways in which men of goodwill can practise mortification.

But, there are times when we must be ready, like the Martyrs and the Saints, to make heroic sacrifices, rather than offend God.
When we are tempted, for example, we must be determined, even to die, rather than fall into sin.
Let us think about this, strengthen our resolutions and praying for the grace of total commitment to our Crucified Saviour.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/25/thought-for-the-day-25-march-mortification-and-penance/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/13/thought-for-the-day-13-march-mortification-and-penanc/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MARRIAGE, MARRIED LOVE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Thought for the Day – 27 January – Blessed are the Clean of Heart

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

Blessed are the Clean of Heart

“There is a purity of heart and chastity, which is an obligation for everybody, even for those who are married or preparing for marriage.

Everybody is obliged to avoid any act of impurity, insofar as it is opposed to his own particular state, to the natural law and to the Divine law.
Do not think that this degree of chastity is any easier than the first.
Sometimes, the obligations it imposes, are even more difficult than those of absolute virginity.

There is only one remedy for impurity.
It is the practice of virtue, to the point of sacrifice.
Only a man who is ready, with the help of God, to make any sacrifice can preserve purity of heart.
It is a difficult struggle but only those who win, can see God.
Our Lord has said: “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God” (Mt 5:8).

Only the clean of heart will be able to see and enjoy Him forever in Heaven and, by means of His grace, will be able to see Him, in a less perfect manner, on earth.
St Thomas Aquinas says, that mental blindness is the main effect of impurity (Summa Theologiae II-II q 55, a 6).
This is because, anyone who gives himself up to impurity, loses all spiritual enlightenment and easily loses his faith, as well!
He no longer sees God and he does not believe anymore because his heart is steeped in the mire of impurity.
The sensual man does not perceive the things that are of the Spirit of God, for it is foolishness to him and he cannot understand …” (1 Cor 2:14).
He is like the blind mole which creates its own dark little underground world and cannot see the sky anymore.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/29/thought-for-the-day-29-january-blessed-are-the-clean-of-heart/

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, JESUIT SJ, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The HEART, The HOLY CROSS, The KINGDOM of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 20 January – Poor

Quote/s of the Day – 20 January – Hebrews 11:33-39; Luke 6:17-23

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

Luke 6:20

“… Anyone of you
who does not renounce
all his possessions,
cannot be my disciple.”

Luke 14:33

“The Kingdom of Heaven, says the gospel,
is like a mustard seed …
Christ is the Kingdom of Heaven!
Sown like a mustard seed
in the garden of the Virgin’s womb,
He grew up into the Tree of the Cross,
whose branches,
stretch across the world …
Christ is the Kingdom
because all the glory of His Kingdom,
is within Him.
Christ is a Man
because all humanity is restored in Him.
Christ is a Mustard Seed
because the infinitude of divine greatness,
is accommodated to
the littleness of flesh and blood!

St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450)
“Golden Words”
Father & Doctor of the Church

“Keep a clear eye toward life’s end.
Do not forget your purpose
and destiny as God’s creature.
What you are in His sight,
is what you are and nothing more.
Remember that when you leave this earth,
you can take nothing that you have received…
but only what you have given – a full heart
enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage
.”

St Francis of Assisi (c 1181-1226)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3

“This death … has already levelled
his bow to strike me.
Is it not prudent to prevent its stroke,
by dying now to the world,
that at my death,
I may live to God?

St Francis Borgia (1510-1572)

“Do not live any longer in yourself
but let Jesus Christ live in you in such a way
that the virtue of this Divine Saviour may be resplendent
in all your actions, in order that all may see in you
a true portrait of the Crucified and sense,
the sweetest fragrance of the holy virtues of the Lord,
in interior and exterior modesty,
in patience,
in gentleness,
suffering,
charity,
humility
and in all others that follow.

St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775)

“It was God Who created the fruits of the earth
and gave them to men.
… Evil consists in the abuse of these goods,
which, in themselves, are intended
to be aids to perfection.
It is necessary, therefore, to preserve
the proper hierarchical order of all that is good.
We must guard against riveting
our ambitions on earthly objects,
as if tbey were capable of constituting
the goal of our lives.
God has given us these things as possessions,
not as ends in themselves.
He has ordered us to be masters of the world,
not it’s slaves.
Detachment is essential but not a complete surrender of our possessions.
The latter was never commanded but simply indicated, as an evangelical counsel of perfection.
The observance of this counsel, however,
is valueless, if it is not accompanied by detachment.
Worldly possessions, such as money,
are good servants but bad masters!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in INGRATITUDE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The REDEMPTION

Thought for the Day – 4 January – Sin

Thought for the Day – 4 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Sin

“In order to understand more clearly, the gravity of sin, it is helpful at this stage, to consider three things:

(a) The world with all its evils – sorrows, diseases, wars, plagues and death.
All these things do not come directly from the Will of God, Who is the highest good but happen, with His permission.”
They are the effect of original sin and of the continuing transgressions of men.

(b) Hell, which is the handiwork of sin, God, infinitely good but also infintely just, has ordained this terrible and everlasting punishment for the rebellious sinner.

(c) The Crucifix.
To save us from sin, the God-Man has suffered the cruellest of torments and death but, men go on offending Him with unbelievable ingratitude!

Now, let us turn the spotlight on ourselves and think of our past lives.
So many sins and abuses of God’s grace!
Such coldness and ingratitude!
Where has all this brough us?
Spiritually, sin has deprived us of God and of the supernatural life, which His grace gives us.
Intellectually, it is an absurdity, a dishonour and a degradation.
Physically, it is an inversion of the right order and often means total ruin.

Let us humbly repent, therefore and make resolutions so firm, that we shall be ready to face any sacrifice, even death, in order to put them into practice.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/13/thought-for-the-day-13-september-sin/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES for the NEW YEAR, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on MEDIOCRITY, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 31 December – The Last Day of the Year

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

The Last Day of the Year

“Now that the year is almost over, cast your mind back to the good resolutions which you made at the beginning of it.
Have you put these resolutions into effect?
Has there been any improvement in your spiritual life during these twelve months, or must you confess, that it has deteriorated?
How often have you committed sin, perhaps even grave sin, during the year?
When God appealed to you to perform some good action, how often did you refuse Him?

Your future outlook is very dark if your life has developed into a gradual descent towards evil.
Anyday, God could grow tired of your ingratitude and obstinacy and send death to end your infidelity.
Then you would almost certainly, be damned forever.
If you have surrendered to spiritual languor and mediocrity, therefore, it is time for you to stir yourself.
It is time to become more generous with God, to display a greater spirit of self-sacrifice in responding to His appeals and to form further resolutions.

Virtue cannot co-exist with spiritual tepidity, which leads inevitably, towards sin.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/31/thought-for-the-day-31-december-the-last-day-of-the-year/

Posted in "Follow Me", CONFESSION/PENANCE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The DIVINE INFANT, The NATIVITY of JESUS

Thought for the Day – 20 December – The Swaddling Clothes of the Divine Infant

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

A Christmas Novena V
The Swaddling Clothes of the Divine Infant

“Mary, like other mothers in those days, wrapped the Infant Jesus in swaddling clothes.
The Divine Child quietly offered this new humiliation to His heavenly Father.
He saw prefigured in these bands, the ropes with which He would be bound in the garden of Gethsemane, even after He had given sinful humanity, His celestial teaching, example and miracles and finally, His own Body inthe Sacrament of the Eucharist.
He saw in them too, the chains with which He would be secured to the pillar, in order to be scourged in the Praetorium of Pilate among the jeers and insults of the onlookers.
He saw in them, finally, the cords with which, after having been condemned to the ignominious death of the Cross, He would be tied, while being led to the place of execution on Mount Calvary.
Filled with infinite love for stricken humanity, the Heart of the Divine Infant offered all this, in advance, to His Father in heaven.

Are we making any effort to return such great love?
Like Jesus, we are often obliged to endure, both physical and moral anguish.
Have we the resignation to offer it all to Jesus, or do we squander our opportunities in useless complaining or in acts of impatience and rebellion?
We shall have to go on suffering anyway but, in the latter case, we may have to suffer even more and shall lose all merit in the sight of God.

Let us kneel down before the Holy Infant wrapped in His swaddling clothes and, let us promise to endure everything for His sake and in reparation for our sins.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MARTYRS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 23 November – Heart Of Jesus

Our Morning Offering – 23 November – The Memorial of Blessed Miguel Pro – Martyr (1891-1927)

Heart Of Jesus
By Blessed Miguel Pro – Martyr (1891-1927)

I believe, O Lord
but strengthen my faith,
Heart of Jesus, I love Thee
but increase my love.
Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee
but give greater vigour to my confidence.
Heart of Jesus,
I give my heart to Thee
but so enclose it in Thee
that it may never be separated from Thee.
Heart of Jesus, I am all Thine
but take care of my promise
so that I may be able to put it into practice
even unto the complete sacrifice of my life.
Amen.