Category: QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MEEKNESS, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the FAMILY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, The DIVINE INFANT, The HOLY FAMILY, THE HOLY FAMILY - FAMILIAE SANCTAE

Thought for the Day – 29 December – The Holy Family – Jesus

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

As Fr Clarke has left us in the lurch for the last 3 days of December, I am revisiting dear Cardinal Bacci to come to our aid. I pray you, like myself, never tire of his wisdom.

The Holy Family – Jesus

“We have in the Holy Family, the highest possible models of perfection – Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
As God, Jesus is essentially holy.
By means of the Hypostatic Union, this sanctity is transmitted also to His human nature.
The holiness of Jesus was only gradually revealed as He grew older because He wished to be like us in everything, save in sin.
As the Gospel says, He “advanced in wisdom and age and grace before God and men” (Lk 2:52).
Jesus gave us an example of holiness which we should find easier to imitate because it was eternally increasing all the time.
He offered us, as an example, the kind of sanctity which has its beginning and foundation in utter humility and detachment from worldly goods.
“Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29).

Socrates advised his followers to have few desires and to desire these as little as possible, in order to remain content, for the man who is full of desires is always uneasy and restless.
This human counsel is very true but, it is incomplete.
It recommends detachment from earthly things but fails to teach the ardent and practical desire for supernatural things.
Jesus Christ teaches us both.
After He has urged us to become gentle and humble like Himself, after He has told us not to worry about the future and not to fret about what to wear and what to eat, He points out the way in which Providence clothes the lilies of the filed and feeds the birds of the air.
Then He adds: “Seek the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be given you besides” (Cf Lk.12:22-31).

We must limit and moderate our desire for earthly goods, therefore but, should ardently yearn to love God, to serve and obey Him in this life and to enjoy Him forever in Heaven.
This is what the Infant Jesus wishes to teach us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, GOOD RESOLUTIONS, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The DIVINE INFANT, The NATIVITY of JESUS

Quote of the Day – 23 December – Preparation for the Nativity

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Quote of the Day – 23 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

Preparation for the Nativity

“Our preparation, finally, should also embrace the will.
In other words, we should make good resolutions
during our Christmas Novena.
We should resolve to be more fervent in prayer,
to be more mortified and, to make greater efforts
to practise virtue.

Everyday and, if possible, every hour,
let us think of and invoke the Divine Child.
Let us ask Him to help us to model our lives on His,
so that they may be full of humility,
of love for God and for our fellowmen,
of perfect resignation to suffering
and of voluntary mortification and penance,
designed to prove our love for Jesus
and to expiate our sins.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT REFLECTIONS, Meditations for ADVENT, OUR Cross, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on Will (Sensual or Inferior), The SECOND COMING

Thought for the Day – 20 December – The Dangers of the Careless Soul

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Thought for the Day – 20 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Advent
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Dangers of the Careless Soul

+I. There is in human nature a fatal tendency to procrastinate, especially when that which we know we ought to do, is something to which we are naturally disinclined.
All men are naturally disinclined to do violence to themselves and force their pride and self-will, to yield before the sway of Christ, to put on His yoke and carry His cross.
Hence, men put off and make excuses to themselves and fancy that what is difficult to them to-day, will be easy to morrow .
O fatal mistake!
Each day that we postpone the task of submission, it becomes
more difficult, more distasteful.
Why then do I not hasten to submit myself entirely to Christ?

+2. From day-to-day, the careless soul thus goes on putting off, crying: “Tomorrow I will amend my ways” and when tomorrow comes, it still cries: “Tomorrow.” How fatal is this folly!
Tomorrow may never come, or, if it comes, you may have forfeited the grace!
“Today, if ye will hear His Voice, harden not your hearts.‘

+3. This postponement is always accompanied by some deliberate disobedience to the commands or to the holy inspirations of the Spirit of God.
Thus the careless soul becomes more engrossed in earthly things and more and more disinclined to make the necessary effort. Therefore, it is that, so many will be surprised by the Coming of their Judge at the moment when they least expect Him and are quite unprepared to meet Him.
O Jesus, save me at any cost from the deadly state of the careless soul!

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, OUR Cross, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, St Francis de Sales, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 December – ‘ … Give your attention to true abandonment … ‘

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

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

Matthew 16:25

“He who findeth his life, shall lose it
and he, who shall lose his life for Me,
shall find it. ”
Matthew 10:39

“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).”

Fr JohannesTauler OP (c1300-1361)
Dominican Priest and Friar,
renowned Preacher and Theologian

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

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

“My soul, live henceforward
amid the scourges and the thorns
of thy Saviour and there,
as a nightingale in its bush, sing sweetly:
Live Jesus, Who didst die
that my soul might live!
Ah, Eternal Father!
What can the world return Thee
for the gift Thou hast made it of Thy only Son?
Alas! to redeem a thing so vile as I,
the Saviour delivered Himself to death
and, unhappy me!
I hesitate to surrender my nothingness to Him,
Who has given me everything!”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, OUR Cross, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on WISDOM, St PAUL!, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 December – Christ is our Glory, Property and Kingdom!

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One Minute Reflection – 16 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Eusebius of Vercelli (c283-371) Bishop, Confessor – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; Matthew 16:24-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.” – Matthew 16:24

REFLECTION – “In achieving the mystery of His Love, the Lord “took the form of a servant” and, for us, “deigned to humble Himself even to the death of the Cross” (Phil 2:8). He did this so that, through the lowliness which all could see, He might secretly achieve, for us, that hidden eminence amongst the dwellers of Heaven. Only realise, from what we first fell and you will become aware, that by the design of God’s Wisdom and Love, we are being refashioned for Life. In Adam, we fell through pride and, in Christ, we are humbled, that we may dissolve the sin of that ancient crime, by obedience to the opposite virtue. So, we who by proud conduct, have sinned, win approval by humble service.

Therefore, let us rejoice and glory in Him, Who made us both His battle and His victory, when He said: “Have confidence, for I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33) … He, Who is unconquered, will fight for us and conquer in us. Then the prince of this darkness shall be cast out (cf Jn 12:31). He is not, to be sure, expelled from the world but from the individual, for when faith enters us, we shut him out and provide a place for Christ…

Let orators keep their eloquence, philosophers their wisdom, rich men their wealth and kings their kingdoms. Christ is our Glory, Property and Kingdom! Our wisdom lies in the “foolishness of our preaching,” our strength, in the weakness of the flesh, our glory, in the stumbling block of the Cross (cf 1 Cor 1:21).” – St Paulinus of Nola (355-431) Bishop, Father of the Church (Letter 38:3-4.6).

PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us with the annual festival of blessed Eusebius, Thy Martyr and Bishop, mercifully grant that, as we venerate the anniversary of his Martyrdom, we may also rejoice in his protection.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 ADVENT REFLECTIONS, Meditations for ADVENT, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 15 December – Rejoice Always!

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Thought for the Day – 15 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Advent
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Rejoice Always!

+1. St Paul goes beyond the mere command to rejoice and to rejoice in the Lord; he bids us to rejoice always! Is this possible? Yes, it is quite possible. If it were not, the Apostle would not have imposed it upon us.
It is not easy because, our self-love and our selfishness destroy
joy. But the Saints, who had driven self-love out of their hearts, found it a pleasant and an easy task, to be always joyful. If we desire the same, we must do our best to rid ourselves of this hindrance to our joy.

+2. How are we to accomplish this task?
It must be a gradual one. It is to be arrived at by many acts of submission to the Will of God and to the will of others, when opposed to our own and the submission, must have for its motive, not the intellectual conviction that what we ourselves desire is in itself inferior but, the determination to submit, for the sake of submission and, as an act of reverence to God. We must be willing to submit, both will and intellect, to those set over us, without complaining or questioning their command. Do I do so?

+3. When this painful process is over and when, at length we begin to learn the happiness of giving up our own will to the will of others we soon begin to receive the reward of our self-conquest.
We acquire, by degrees, an undisturbed calm of soul and an increasing strength of will, as the fruits of our victory over self and, above all, a happy consciousness that we have been learning the lesson of conforming our will to the Will of God, in which the happiness of Heaven consists.

Posted in ADVENT, ADVENT REFLECTIONS, Meditations for ADVENT, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 14 December – Rejoice!

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Thought for the Day – 14 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Advent
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Rejoice!

+1. The time of preparation is a mingled period of penance and of joy. Of penance, by reason of our sins which have removed us so far away from God; of joy, at the prospect of being brought near to Him once more through Jesus Christ.
On mid-Advent, as on mid-Lent Sunday, it is the joyful side of the matter which comes before us. More than this, joy is insisted upon as a duty. It seems strange that the command to rejoice should be necessary. Do not all men love joy and seek after it unbidden?
One thing it shows, God desires that we should be full of joy. Thank Him for this merciful intention and try to carry it out.

+2. Yet it is not all kinds of joy which are recommended to us. There are many kinds of joy which the Apostle would be far from recommending. To rejoice in the world is but a sorry kind of joy, on account of its transitory character.
Gaudete in Domino, says the Apostle – “Rejoice in the Lord.” This is the only lasting joy and the only joy which is really worth the possession.

+3. What does St Paul mean by rejoicing in the Lord?
He means the joy which is the result of such a love of God as makes us simply wish that His Will should be done in all things and, which feels positive joy, in seeing the accomplishment of the Divine Will, quite apart from any personal advantage or disadvantage which may accrue to ourselves. This is the secret of true joy, for then, that which befalls ourselves, is a matter of indifference to us. Be it wealth or woe, success or failure, we rejoice in it simply because it is what God has ordained for us . This is the meaning of Our Lord’s words – “ Your joy, no man taketh from you.”

Posted in ADVENT QUOTES, ADVENT REFLECTIONS, CONFESSION, CONFESSION/PENANCE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HOLY COMMUNION, QUOTES on SACRILEGE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SIN, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, VENIAL SIN

Quote/s of the Day – 11 December – ‘Make ready then the vessel of your soul …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 11 December – Advent Preparation and Penance

“Make ready then the vessel of your soul
that you may become a son of God
and an heir of God
and joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17);
if, indeed, you are preparing yourself
that you may receive;
if you are drawing near in faith
that you may be made faithful;
if of set purpose,
you are putting off the old man!”

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

“If they, must regard themselves
as useless servants, who have done all their duty,
what must I do, who have done
so small a part of what I ought to have done?”

St Andrew Avellino CR (1521–1608)

“What better penance
can a heart do
which commits faults,
than to submit
to a continual abnegation
of self-will?”

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

“What hope would you entertain
of the recovery of the man, who,
instead of taking the medicine prescribed by his physician, drank a cup of poison instead?
God! What can the Sacrament of Penance be
to those who conceal their sins but a deadly poison
which adds to their guilt, the malice of Sacrilege?
What, then, does the sinner do, when he conceals
his sins in Confession?
He tramples underfoot, the Blood of Jesus Christ.
And should he afterwards receive the Holy Communion
in a state of sin, he is, according to St Chrysostom,
as guilty as if he threw the Consecrated Host into a sink …
Accursed shame! how many poor souls
do you bring to hell?
… Unhappy souls! they think only of the shame
of confessing their sins and do not reflect
that, if they conceal them, they shall be
certainly damned!”

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

“Unfortunately, our only return for God’s
continual favours, has been negligence,
ingratitude and sin!
Since it is an offence against God,
Who is infinitely good and amiable,
even venial sin cannot properly be atoned for
by the merits of all the Angels
and of all the Saints of Heaven.
Therefore, it was necessary for the Son of God,
made Man, to offer Himself
as a Victim of Expiation, on our behalf.
Remembering His Infinite Merits,
we should humbly ask God –
‘forgive us our debts.‘ that is, our many sins
and failings and, whatever punishment is owing to us,
for every sin demands some expiation,
either in this life or in the next!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUTH, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 December – The Treasure and The Pearl

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One Minute Reflection – 2 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Bibiana (Died c 361) Virgin Martyr – Sirach 51:13-17; Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Jesus said in parables: The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure, hidden in a field. … Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant seeking good pearls. ”- Matthew 13:44 and 45

REFLECTION – “The two parables of the treasure and the pearl, both teach us the same thing – we should prefer the Gospel before all earthly treasures. … However, there is something even more praiseworthy than this – we should delight to give it preference, joyfully, unhesitatingly. Let us never forget this, to abandon all else, so as to follow God, is to gain more, than one loses. The preaching of the Gospel is hidden in this world like a hidden treasure, a treasure without price.

To gain this treasure … two conditions are required – the forsaking of this world’s goods and a firm determination. For, it is a question “of a merchant searching for fine pearls, when he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.” This one pearl is Truth and Truth is One, it is not divided. Do you possess a pearl? Then you know your wealth, it is clenched in the palm of your hand, no-one is aware of your fortune.

So it is with the Gospel, if you embrace it with faith, if it remains enclosed in your heart, what a treasure you have You alone know it is there. Unbelievers, who know neither what it is, nor what value it has, have no idea of your incredible wealth!” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on Saint Matthew’s Gospel No 47:2).

PRAYER – O God, giver of all good gifts, Thou Who in Thy servant, Bibiana, joined the flower of virginity with the palm of Martyrdom, by her intercession unite our hearts to Thee in charity, so that, saved from all dangers, we may obtain the rewards of eternal life. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, OUR Cross, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 November – ‘ … By the Cross, we put on Christ and cast aside our former self. … ‘

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

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

Romans 13:13-14

“And bearing His own Cross,
He went forth to the place which is called Calvary
but in Hebrew Golgotha.”

John 19:17

“That is why all the faithful who love God
and their neighbour, truly drink the Cup
of the Lord’s Love even though,
they may not drink the cup of His Bodily Suffering.
And becoming inebriated from it,
they put to death, whatever in their nature
is rooted in earth.
They clothe themselves with the Lord Jesus Christ
and do not indulge fleshly desires.
They do not fix their gaze on visible things
but contemplate things, which the eye cannot see.
Thus they drink the Lord’s Cup
by preserving the holy bond of love –
without it, even if a man should deliver his body
to be burned, he gains nothing.
But the gift of love enables us to become,
in reality, what we celebrate
as Mystery in the Sacrifice.”

St Fulgentius of Ruspe (c462–533)
Bishop, Father

“By the Cross, death was slain
and Adam was restored to life.
The Cross is the glory of all the Apostles,
the Crown of the Martyrs,
the Sanctification of the Saints.
By the Cross, we put on Christ
and cast aside our former self.
By the Cross we, the sheep of Christ,
have been gathered into one flock,
destined for the Sheepfold of Heaven.”

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)

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

St Vincent Strambi CP (1745-1824)

Posted in GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The WILL of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 28 November – Suscipe By St Ignatius Loyola

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Our Morning Offering – 28 November

Suscipe
“Receive”
By St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

Receive, O Lord,
all my liberty.
Take my memory, understanding
and entire will.
Whatsoever I have or hold,
Thou hast given it – I give all back to Thee
and commit it wholly to be governed by Thy Will.
Thy Love and Thy Grace give unto me
and I am rich enough
and ask for nothing more!
Amen

Posted in CARMELITES, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the POOR, SELF-DISTRUST, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 24 November – St John of the Cross

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Quote/s of the Day – 24 November – St John of the Cross OCD (1542-1591) Confessor, Doctor of the Church

“Whenever anything disagreeable
or displeasing happens to you,
remember Christ Crucified and be silent!”

“Where there is no love,
it is for you to bring love.”

“Always seek, for preference,
not the easierst but, the most difficult,
not the most charming but, the most boring,
not that which pleases but, that which repels,
not that which consoles but rather, that which afflicts,
not that which saves us trouble
but, that which gives us trouble,
not the most but, the least,
not the highest and most precious
but, the lowest and most despised,
not the desire of something
but, the non-desire,
do not seek that which is better in things
but,that which is the worst
and, for Jesus Christ Sake,
put youtself in denudation,
in emptiness and renunciation,
of all which exists in this world.”

“The one who walks in the love of God
seeks neither gain nor reward
but seeks only, with the will,
to lose self and all things, for God
and this loss, the lover judges to be a gain!
Thus it is, as St Paul asserts:
“For me death is gain” [Phil 1:21],
that is, my death to all things and to myself,
for Christ, is my spiritual gain.
Consequently, the soul declares:
“I was found.”
The soul who does not know how to lose himself,
does not find himself but rather, loses himself,
as Our Lord teaches in the Gospel:
“For he who will save his life, shall lose it
and he who will lose his life for My Sake, will find it.”
(Mt 16:25).”

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

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

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

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/24/quote-s-of-the-day-24-november-st-john-of-the-cross-3/

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

Posted in GOD ALONE!, HOW to PRAY at ALL TIMES, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 22 November –Self-oblation and Love of God

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Thought for the Day – 22 November – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“How to Pray at All Times”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

The Practice of Praying Constantly
Self-oblation and Love of God
Excerpt from Chapter Five:5

“Following the example of St Teresa, often offer yourself to God during the day and say:
‘Behold me, O Lord, ready to do what Thou wilt.
Make known Thy holy Will to me; I am eager to do all which Thou askest of me.‘

As the hours go by, make repeated Acts of Divine Love, for, to quote St Teresa again, these Acts of Love are the fuel by which divine love is kept burning within the heart.

One day, when the Venerable Sister Seraphine of Capri happened to see the Convent mule, the thought occurred to her that the poor animal could not love God. She expressed her compassion in these words:
‘Poor brute you can neither know, nor love God.‘
Then a wonderful thing happened – tears welled into the animal’s eyes and forthwith began to flow abundantly.
Do you imitate the saintly sister’s example. When you see, creatures incapable of knowing or loving God, use the intelligence, He has given you, to repeat many Acts of Love.”

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOMINICAN OP, GOD ALONE!, ON the SAINTS, OUR Cross, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, St Francis de Sales, The COMMUNION of SAINTS, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 8 November – The Octave Day of All Saints

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 8 November – The Octave Day of All Saints

“Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.”

Matthew 5:8

“Remember, that you will derive strength
by reflecting, that the Saints yearn
for you to join their ranks;
desire to see you fight bravely
and, that you behave like true knights
in your encounters with the same adversities
which they had to conquer.
That breath-taking joy is theirs
and your eternal reward
for having endured a few years of temporal pain.
Every drop of earthly bitterness
will be changed into an ocean
of heavenly sweetness!”

Blessed Henry Suso (1295-1366)

“Our greatest fault is, that
we wish to serve God in our way,
not in His way — according to our will,
not according to His will….
To be truly a Saint, it is necessary
to be one according to the will of God.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

“We should honour God in His Saints
and beseech Him to make us partakers
of the graces He poured, so abundantly, upon them.”

“Perfection consists in one thing alone,
which is doing the will of God.
For, according to Our Lord’s words,
it suffices for perfection to deny self,
to take up the cross and to follow Him.
Now who denies himself
and takes up his cross
and follows Christ better,
than he who seeks not to do his own will
but always that of God?
Behold, now, how little is needed
to become as Saint!?
Nothing more than to acquire the habit of willing,
on every occasion,
what God wills.”

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

“Holiness consists in love –
not earthly love, of course
but supernatural love.
It consists in seeking God in all things,
in doing His will without reservation,
in aiming at His glory alone.
All else, is dust and ashes!
… Herein lies the explanation of the lives of the Saints,
lives of sacrifice dedicated to God
and to the salvation of souls.
“Everything for the greater glory of God,”
was the motto of St Ignatius Loyola.
“Everything in the Name of God,”
said St Vincent de Paul.
“My God is my All” said St Catherine of Genoa.
“Love God, serve God, everything is in that!”
exclaimed St Clare of Assisi.

How do my thoughts, desires and ambitions
compare with these?”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in GOD ALONE!, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL

Quote/s of the Day – 6 November – “Rejoice and be glad,for your rewardwill be great in Heaven.”

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Quote/s of the Day – 6 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Within the All Saints Octave – Apocalypse 7:2-12; Matthew 5:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward
will be great in Heaven.”

Matthew 5:12

“He seems to demand of us
the most entire renunciation …
So, if we keep back for ourselves,
any earthly goods or any perishable supplies,
our minds will remain sunk in them,
as though in mud.
Then, inevitably, our souls will become unable
to contemplate God and will be unmoved
by desire for the splendours of Heaven
and for the good things promised us.
We shall only be able to acquire those good things,
if we ask for them unceasingly,
with a burning desire that will, besides,
make easy the effort needed to gain them.”

St Basil the Great (329-379)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“We should honour God in His Saints
and beseech Him to make us partakers
of the graces He poured,
so abundantly, upon them.”

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

“The patience of the Saints
was more severely tried than is ours.
Not only were they stoned, racked, torn asunder,
not only did they suffer want, distress, afflictions
(Hebrews 11 : 37) but, they had to endure
what was still more difficult –
ingratitude, failure, unkindness, false accusations, desolation, darkness.
Yet they willingly endured all for Jesus’ sake,
never ceasing to love Him through it all.
I have my trials, yet none so dreadful as theirs,
yet I complain even under my lighter cross!”

Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, St Francis de Sales, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY NAME of MARY, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 3 November – Why are you fearful ..?

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Quote/s of the Day – 3 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Within the Octave of All Saints – Pentecost XXIV – Romans 13:8-10; Matthew 8:23-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Why are you fearful,
O you of little faith?
Then He arose
and rebuked the wind and the sea
and there came a great calm.”

Matthew 8:26

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

John 14:27

“No-one should fear to suffer
for the sake of justice,
no-one should lose confidence
in the reward that has been promised.
The way to rest is through toil,
the way to life is through death.
Christ has taken on Himself
the whole weakness of our lowly human nature.
If then, we are steadfast in our faith in Him
and in our love for Him,
we win the victory that He has won,
we receive what He has promised.”

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

“If thou art bound down by sickness,
if sorrows weary thee,
if thou art trembling with fear,
invoke the Name of Jesus!”

St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1456)

“ … Let the fine point of your spirit
always turn towards God, its north.
Your are about to take to the high seas
of the world, do not, on this account,
alter dial or mast, sail or anchor or wind.
Keep Jesus Christ
as your dial, at all times,
His Cross for mast,
on which to hoist
your resolutions, as a sail.
Let your anchor be,
profound trust in Him
and set out early!”

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

Posted in GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), St Francis de Sales, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 October – ‘ … When we do abandon all, Our Lord takes care of all …’

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One Minute Reflection – 21 Octoberber – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” –Saint Ursula and Companions (Died c238) Virgin Martyrs –Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6; Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And everyone who has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.” – Matthew 19:29

REFLECTION – “WE MUST POSSESS a continual and imperturbable equanimity, amid the great variety of human occurrences and although, all things change around us, remain immovable, with our eyes fixed on God alone.
And, although, all things, I will not merely say around us but even within us, should turn topsy-turvy; whether our souls be joyful or sorrowful, in peace or in trouble, in light or in darkness, in temptation or in repose, in happiness or in disgust, although the sun scorch, or the dew refresh – we should always keep our will fixed on the good pleasure of God, as its sole and supreme object.

It is true that we require great confidence to abandon ourselves, without any reserve, to Divine Providence but, when we do abandon all, Our Lord takes care of all and disposes of all.
But, if we reserve anything which we are unwilling to confide to Him, He leaves us, as if He would say: “You think yourselves sufficiently wise to manage that affair without Me – you can do so and see what will come of it!” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritatis( Consoling Thoughts on God and Providence).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God that we may never cease devoutly, to venerate the triumphs of Thy holy Virgins and Martyrs, Ursula and her companions that, as we cannot worthily shew forth their praises, yet we may continually honour them, with lowly service. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CARMELITES, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 October – ‘ … Keep going, persevere, bear and accept this delay and you have carried His Cross!’ … – (Matthew 25:10)

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One Minute Reflection – 15 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila OCD (1515-1582) Virgin and Doctor of the Church – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18; 11:1-2; Matthew 25:1-13  – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ … The Bridegroom came and they, who were ready, went in with Him … ” – Matthew 25:10

REFLECTION – “In this world, which is to say, in the Church, wholly following Christ, He says to all of us: “Whoever wishes to come after Me must deny himself.” This command is not being directed to virgins but not married women, to widows but not wives, to Monks but not husbands, to Priests but not laity. It is the whole Church, the whole Body of Christ with all its members, differentiated and divided according to their proper functions which is, to follow Christ. May she wholly follow Him, she who is one alone, the dove, the bride (Sg 6:9); may she follow Him, she who has been redeemed and endowed with the Blood of her Bridegroom. Virginal purity has its place here; the continence of widows has its place here; wedded chastity has its place here…

These members who have their place here should follow Christ, each according to their category, each according to their status, each after its fashion. Let them deny themselves, that is to say, let them not rely on themselves. Let them carry their cross that is to say, bear, for Christ’s sake in the world, all that the world inflicts on them. May they love Him, He, the Only One, Who never deceives or is deceived, the Only One ,Who is not mistaken. May they love Him because, what He promises is true. Yet because, He does not give it to us now, our faith falters. Keep going, persevere, bear and accept this delay and you have carried His Cross!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 96:9)

PRAYER – Graciously hear us, O God, our Saviour that as we rejoice on the feast-day of blessed Teresa, Thy Virgin, we may be so nourished by the food of her heavenly teaching, as to learn how to serve Thee. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 27 September – Reward?

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 27 September – Saints Cosmas and Damian (Died c 286 ) Martyrs – Wisdom 5:16-20; Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Be glad in that day and rejoice,
for behold, your reward is great in Heaven,”

Luke 6:23

“The great wealth of Christians
is found in the needs of the poor,
provided we grasp how to put our
possessions to good use.
The poor are always before us;
if we entrust our wealth to them,
we shall not lose it.”

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

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

“One day, I started thinking about
what the last office can be in the world.
And, I discovered that the last place,
is at the feet of the traitor, Judas.
And I wanted to place myself there
but I could not because there,
I found Jesus Christ kneeling,
washing Judas’ feet!
Since then, my appreciation for
and understanding of humility, has grown.”

St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572)

“LOVE
is the only way
to HEAVEN.”

St Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648)

Posted in ACT of LOVE, ACT of REPARATION, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, franciscan OFM, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, QUOTES on WISDOM, The BEATITUDES, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 20 September – Humility

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Quote/s of the Day – 20 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Vigil of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist – Wisdom 5:16-20; Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

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

Luke 6:20

“If thou wouldst see well, pluck out thine eyes and be blind;
if thou wouldst hear well, be deaf
and if thou wouldst speak well, become dumb;
if thou wouldst advance, stand still
and advance with thy mind;
if thou wouldst work well, cut off thy hands
and work with thy heart;
if thou wouldst love much, hate thyself;
if thou wouldst live well, mortify thyself;
if thou wouldst gain much and be rich,
first lose all and become poor
and if thou wouldst enjoy peace, afflict thyself
and be ever in fear and suspect thine own self;
if thou wouldst be exalted and have great honour,
humble and abase thyself;
if thou wouldst be held in great reverence, despise thyself
and do reverence to him who reviles thee;
if thou wouldst that it should be well with thee,
suffer all evil things and if thou wouldst be blessed,
desire that all should speak ill of thee
and if thou wouldst have true and eternal rest,
then toil and suffer and desire to have every temporal affliction.
O what great wisdom it is to know how to do
and to work out these things.”

Blessed Giles of Assisi (c1190-1262)

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

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

“We must make many acts of humility
before we can attain any proficiency in the virtue.
Our acts of humility must consist,
not merely in protesting to Almighty God
that we are vile and worthless ,in His sight
and in humbling ourselves before Him
by reason of our many sins.
Our acts of humility must be practiced
towards others by being very gentle
towards those who provoke us,
by bearing contradictions with patience,
by accepting disappointments with patience
and rebuffs without complaint.
All this is a gradual process
and we must not expect proficiency in humility
until we have long practiced these means to attain it.”

Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

(The Attainment of Humility)
https://anastpaul.com/2024/06/09/thought-for-the-day-9-june-the-attainment-of-humility/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, franciscan OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 17 September – St Francis of Assisi

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 17 September – The Commutation of the Stigmata of Saint Francis of Assisi

“Alms are an inheritance
and a justice
which is due to the poor
and which Jesus has levied upon us!”

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

St Frances of Assisi (c1181-1226)

“In beautiful things
St Francis saw Beauty itself
and through His vestiges
imprinted on creation,
he followed his Beloved everywhere,
making, from all things,
a ladder, by which he could climb up
and embrace Him, Who is utterly desirable.”

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

“All the brothers should strive to follow
the humility and the poverty of our Lord Jesus Christ …
And they must rejoice when they live among people
who are considered to be of little worth
and who are looked down upon,
among the poor and the powerless,
the sick and the lepers and the beggars by the wayside.
And when it may be necessary,
let them go to seek alms.
And they should not be ashamed
but rather recall that our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Son of the living and all-powerful God …
was a poor man and a transient and lived on alms,
He and the Blessed Virgin and His disciples.”

(Earlier Rule, #8-9).

“Be strengthened in Almighty God
and in the power of His might,
for with His help, nothing is difficult.
Throw off the heavy load of your own will,
cast aside the burden of sin
and gird yourselves as valiant warriors!
Forget what you are leaving behind;
strain forward to the great things before you.
I tell you that every place where you set foot,
shall be yours.
For the Spirit, Who goes before your face
is Christ the Lord.
He will carry you to the topmost peak
in the arms of His Love.”

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

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

Posted in "Follow Me", CARMELITES, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, OUR Cross, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 September – “I lost myself and was found”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 17 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Commutation of the Stigmata of St Francis of Assisi – Galatians 6:14-18; Matthew 16:24-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For he who will save his life, will lose it and he who will lose his life, for My Sake, will find it. ” – Matthew 16:25

REFLECTION – “I lost myself and was found”

“The one who walks in the love of God seeks neither gain nor reward but seeks only, with the will, to lose self and all things, for God and this loss, the lover judges to be a gain! Thus it is, as St Paul asserts: “For me death is gain” [Phil 1:21], that is, my death to all things and to myself, for Christ, is my spiritual gain. Consequently, the soul declares: “I was found.” The soul who does not know how to lose himself, does not find himself but rather, loses himself, as Our Lord teaches in the Gospel: “For he who will save his life, shall lose it and he who will lose his life for My Sake, will find it. ” (Mt 16:25).

Should we desire to interpret this verse more spiritually and in accord with what we are discussing here, it ought to be known that when a soul treading the spiritual road, has reached such a point that he has lost all roads and natural methods, in his communion with God and no longer seeks Him by reflections or forms or feelings or by any other way of creatures and the senses but, has advanced beyond them all and beyond all modes and manners and enjoys communion with God in faith and love, then it is said that God is his gain because he has certainly lost all that is not God and has truly lost himself.” – St John of the Cross (1542-1591) Carmelite, Doctor of the Church (Spiritual Canticle 29:11).

PRAYER – O Lord, Jesus Christ, Who, to inflame our hearts with the fire of Thy love, when the world was becoming cold in spirit, renewed in the flesh of most blessed Francis, the sacred marks of Thine own Passion, graciously grant that by his merits and prayers, we may steadfastly carry our cross and bring forth worthy fruits of penance. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, The WILL of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 21 August – Prayer of Abandonment

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Our Morning Offering – 21 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Feast of St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641)

Prayer of Abandonment
By St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641)

O sovereign goodness
of the sovereign Providence of my God!
I abandon myself forever to Thy arms.
Whether gentle or severe,
lead me henceforth whither Thou will.
I will not regard the way
through which Thou will have me pass
but keep my eyes fixed upon Thee,
my God, who guides me.
My soul finds no rest without the arms
and the bosom of this heavenly Providence,
my true Mother, my strength and my rampart.
Therefore I resolve with Thy Divine assistance,
0 my Saviour,
to follow Thy desires and Thy ordinances,
without regarding or examining
why Thou does this rather than that
but I will blindly follow Thee,
according to Thy Divine will,
without seeking my own inclinations.
Hence I am determined to leave all to Thee,
taking no part therein,
save by keeping myself in peace in Thy arms,
desiring nothing, except as Thou incites me to desire,
to will, to wish.
I offer Thee this desire, 0 my God,
beseeching Thee to bless it.
I undertake all it includes,
relying on Thy goodness,
liberality and mercy,
with entire confidence in Thee,
distrust of myself,
and knowledge of my infinite misery and infirmity.
Amen.

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, Holy Name PRAYERS, HYMNS, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, MARIAN QUOTES, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, St JOSEPH, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Quote/s of the Day – 20 August – A little bit of Bernard’s wisdom

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

“ They are there at your side, then,
not just with you but for you.
They stand beside you to protect and help you.
What return will you make to the Lord
for all the good He has done for you? (Ps 115:31).
It is to Him, alone, we should give thanks
and honour for their aid; it is He,
Who has commanded them.
“Every perfect gift,” (Jas 1:17)
comes from Him alone.
But we are, on no account,
to fail in thanksgiving regarding the Angels,
in view of the great charity, with which they obey Him and the great need we have of their assistance!”

“Nevertheless, small though we be
and long and dangerous though the road
may be which remains for us to travel,
what do we have to fear
under so good a guardian?…
The Angels are faithful,
wise and powerful –
what have we to fear?
Let us only follow them
and hold fast to them
and we shall abide under the protection
of the God of Heaven!”

“But what shall we offer, brothers,
what shall we give Him
for all the benefits He has given us?
He offered the most precious Victim
He possessed for our sake;
in truth, He could not have had
anything more precious.
So let us, too,
do what we can,
let us offer Him the best we have,
that is to say, ourselves!
He offered Himself,
so who are you,
to hesitate to offer yourself?”

“God, to Whom Angels submit themselves
and Who Principalities and Powers obey,
was subject to Mary
and not only to Mary
but Joseph too, for Mary’s sake …
God obeyed a human creature;
this is humility without precedent.
A human creature commands God!
it is sublime beyond measure!

jesu Dulcis Memoria
Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee!
By St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father and the Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast!
Yet sweeter far Thy face to see
And in Thy presence rest.

No voice can sing, no heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find,
A sweeter sound than Jesus’ Name,
The Saviour of mankind.

O hope of every contrite heart!
O joy of all the meek!
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!

But what to those who find?
Ah! this nor tongue, nor pen, can show
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but His loved ones know.

Jesus! our only hope be Thou,
As Thou our prize shall be;
In Thee be all our glory now
And through eternity.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/20/quote-s-of-the-day-20-august-st-bernard-3/

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

Posted in DEVOTIO, GOD ALONE!, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Quote/s of the Day – 19 August – St John Eudes “The Apostle of Two Hearts”

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Quote/s of the Day – 19 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – the Feast St John Eudes (1601-1680) Confessor, “The Apostle of Two Hearts”

“Let us … give ourselves to God,
… and beg Him to destroy in us,
the life of the world of sin
and to establish His Life within us.”

“Any innovation in matters of faith,
is extremely harmful and injurious
and utterly damnable!”

“A man is no true Christian
if he has no devotion
to the Mother of Jesus Christ.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/19/quote-s-of-the-day-19august-st-john-eudes/

St John Eudes (1601-1680)
“The Apostle of Two Hearts”

Posted in CHARITY - Fr Richard Clarke SJ, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING

Thought for the Day – 16 August – The Resignation of Charity – “Charity endureth all things”

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Thought for the Day – 16 August – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

CHARITY
Meditations for a Month

The Resignation of Charity
“Charity endureth all things”

The test of our love for anyone, is what we are willing to endure for that person. If we love only a little, we are willing to endure only a little. If we love much, we are willing to endure much. If we love that person, better than we love ourselves, we are pleased to endure, for his sake, that which we would otherwise dread. If we love that person better than we love ourselves, we are pleased to endure, for his sake, that from which we would otherwise shrink.
Hence, the test of our supernatural charity, is what we are willing to endure for God and whether ,it is a pleasure for us to endure, positive suffering, for Him.

We would consider it a great privilege, if we were called upon to lay down our lives for the Faith.
However, this is a grace we poor ordinary mortals cannot expect and, we must be careful against deluding ourselves, by fancy pictures of the courage we should then display.
The real question before us, is whether we willingly suffer the little, disagreeable effects of life, bodily ailments, failures in our projects, neglect or unkindness from others, or undeserved reproaches.
It is no use thinking of Martyrdom until we have learnt to bear these!

If I have true charity, I shall take all with joy. Everything I have endured, I would willingly endure again for God’s sake. I would, with His grace, accept even more painful things, for charity endures all things, rather than offend God.
Fervent charity would endure all things rather than be unfaithful to one single inspiration which comes from Him, or neglect one single grace which He desires to give us.
Here is the test for me. How far can I stand it?

Posted in CHARITY - Fr Richard Clarke SJ, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SELF-DISTRUST

Thought for the Day – 15 August – The Hopefulness of Charity – “Charity hopeth all things”

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Thought for the Day – 15 August – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

CHARITY
Meditations for a Month

The Hopefulness of Charity
“Charity hopeth all things”

How common and how fatal an evil is discouragement! Half of our enterprises fail,, simply because we become discouraged. More than half of our faults are owing to discouragement. We lose heart and, therefore, fail in the necessary perseverance. We become despondent and seek to console ourselves, by some earthly pleasure or perhaps, sinful indulgence. No general who was discouraged ever won a victory and, no sinner who lost heart, ever became a Saint or even turned to God, as long as the despondency remained.

Yet, it is no easy thing to keep up our courage and our hope. We so often fail and failures are discouraging. We commit so many faults; yet, nothing saps our courage, as much as the consciousness of having done wrong.
Then too, there are continual impediments and obstacles in our way, the neglect and indifference shown by others to our work, the opposition we meet and a thousand things more. Too often, these are causes of discouragement to all who are working for God.
We ought not to be discouraged by them, for often, difficulties and opposition are the best signs of coming success!

How are we to keep courage and to be always hopeful? The only chance for us lies in our keeping God always before us and forgetting ourselves, as far as possible which depends on the degree of our charity.
When self prevails, eventually hope disappears; when God is predominant, hope springs up in our heart, for “Charity hopeth all things.”
I shall have strong confidence and a certainty of final success, if I have a fervent charity.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SELF-DISTRUST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 August – ‘ … Do not worry … but entrust to Divine Providence … 

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One Minute Reflection – 13 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Saints Hippolytus and Cassian (Died c235) Martyrs – Our Lady Refuge of Sinners – Hebrews 10:32-38; Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7

REFLECTION – “It seems to me you ought to resolve to carry out peacefully what you can. Do not worry about all the rest but entrust to Divine Providence that which you are unable to accomplish on your own. What is pleasing to God, is the reasonable care and attention we give, to accomplishing well, whatever business we must undertake through duty. What is not pleasing to God, is anxiety and disquiet of mind. The Lord wants our limitations and weaknesses, to find their support in His Strength; He wants us to hope that His Goodness will complete and perfect the imperfectness of our means.

Those who take on numerous responsibilities, even with an upright and pure intention, must resolve to do simply what lies within their power … If it is necessary to set certain things aside, arm yourselves with patience and do not think that God expects of us what we are unable to do. He does not want a man to distress himself on account of his limitations … there is no need to tire ourselves out excessively. More, if we have laboured to do our best, we can abandon all the rest to Him ,Who has the power to accomplish whatever He will.

May the Divine Goodness always be pleased to communicate His Light of Wisdom to us, so that we may clearly see and firmly accomplish, His good pleasure, for ourselves and for others … so that we may accept from His Hand, whatever He sends us, taking due note of what is the most important – patience, humility, obedience and charity!” – St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) Priest, Founder of the Society of Jesus (Letter of 17 November 1555)

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and, by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. 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 CHARITY - Fr Richard Clarke SJ, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on TRUTH, SELF-DISTRUST

Thought for the Day – 12 August – The Joy of Charity – “Charity rejoiceth in the Truth”

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Thought for the Day – 12 August – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

CHARITY
Meditations for a Month

The Joy of Charity
“Charity rejoiceth in the Truth”

Everything which is done to promote the cause of truth, is a source of sincere joy to those who have, in their hearts, the spirit of true charity. It matters not whether the success is due to their own efforts, or those of others; they are always happy at the advance of truth and the defeat of error.
How do I testify my joy when truth prevails, when heresy is crushed, when souls are converted to God?
Do I say a Te Deum or Magnificat, or thank God with all my heart on these joyful occasions?

Charity also finds pleasure in the truth being known. It has no wish to conceal anything. Those who have it in their hearts, make no attempt to hide the truth concerning themselves. They are willing to be known as they really are, with all their defects and imperfections. They are even happy their faults should be manifested, as far as the manifestation tends to the glory of God and the edification of their neighbour.
I will examine myself to see what progress I have made in charity.
Do I rejoice in the truth being known about myself, even in matters which may humble my pride?

Do I rejoice in the truth when I find, I have misjudged or misunderstood my neighbours and they are very different from that which I thought them to be and, far better than myself? Do I rejoice in the truth when I am shown to be incorrect in some opinion and when, others rectify me?
Do I rejoice in the truth when I am brought, face-to-face with my own weakness and nothingness and find that I cannot trust in myself but have to trust in God alone?

Posted in "Follow Me", CHARITY - Fr Richard Clarke SJ, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on MEEKNESS, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, SELF-DISTRUST

Thought for the Day – 9 August – The Meekness of Charity“ – Charity is not provoked to anger”

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Thought for the Day – 9 August – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

CHARITY
Meditations for a Month

The Meekness of Charity
“Charity is not provoked to anger”

One of the strongest instincts of human nature is the instinct of self-defence. In some, it is almost irresistible. The desire to return blow for blow, within due bounds, is a reasonable and lawful impulse and is prompted by the duty we owe to ourselves.
Yet, there is no tendency more likely to lead to sin if it is indulged! There is no tendency more prone to set aside prudence, justice and, above all, charity.
Am I one of those natures, ready to take up arms in my own defence, at the slightest provocation?

The instinct of self-defence is always prone to mislead us, due to our excessive self-love. We imagine we have been attacked, when in fact, nothing of the sort is the case. We see a slight or insult, when none was intended. We do not keep in mind how simple the true explanation may really be. We become angry, long for revenge and are carried beyond all bounds, by our wounded self-love. We say and do what we bitterly regret afterwards, alienating others from us and offending God by our angry words.
How often, alas, I have done this!

How is this evil to be remedied?
By charity and nothing else.
If God were more prominent in our hearts, if we loved God more and ourselves less, if our ambition were to promote His honour and not our own, we should not indulge in these outbursts of intemperate or bitter words. Instead, we should not be easily provoked or become angry. We should take a gentle view of what has been done or we should accept the injury or unkindness done to us and offer it up for our sins in union with the supreme charity of Christ our Lord!