Category: QUOTES on SUFFERING

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, QUOTES on VANITY

Thought for the Day – 17 March – Privation

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

Privation

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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Posted in CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, DOCTORS of the Church, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PHYSICAL SICKNESS, ILLNESS, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the POOR, The HOLY NAME, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 March – Sickness

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Quote/s of the Day – 16 March – Thursday of the Third Week in Lent

“Now when the sun was setting,
all those who had any who were sick
with various diseases brought them to him
and he laid his hands on everyone of them
and healed them. And demons also came out
of many, crying,
“You are the Son of God!”
But he rebuked them
and would not allow them to speak
because they knew that he was the Christ.”

Luke 4:40-41

“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)

“The poor and the sick
are the Heart of God.
In serving them,
we serve Jesus Christ.”

St Camillus de Lellis MI (1550-1614)

“Our misery is the throne of God’s Mercy.”

“If it be God’s will that the remedies overcome
the sickness, return to God thanks, with humility;
if it be God’s will that the sickness overcome
the remedies, bless God with patience.”

“The prayer of the sick person
is his patience and his acceptance
of his sickness for the love of Jesus Christ.
Make sickness itself a prayer,
for there is none more powerful,
save Martyrdom!”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

Posted in OUR Cross, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The KINGDOM of GOD, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 6 March – The Kingdom of Heaven

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Quote/s of the Day – 6 March – Ecclesiasticus Sirach 51:13-17, Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure …”

Matthew 13:44

“ For where thy treasure is,
there is thy heart also.”

Matthew 6:21

“Sell what you possess and give alms.
Make for yourselves purses which do not grow old,
a treasure unfailing in Heaven,
where neither thief draws near,
nor moth destroys.”

Luke 12:33

“Thy will be done
on earth as it is
in heaven.”

Matthew 6:10

“I want to advise you and remind you, what His will is.
Do not fear that it means He will give you riches,
or delights, or honours, or all these earthly things.
His love for you is not that small!
and He esteems highly what you give Him.
He wants to repay you well,
for He gives you His Kingdom
while you are still on earth …
See … what He gave to the One He loved most.
By that we understand what His will is.
For these are His gifts in this world.”

St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Doctor of Prayer of the Church

“By giving yourself to God,
you not only receive Himself in exchange
but, eternal life as well!”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

“Where is the heart that loves?
On the thing it loves.
Therefore, where our love is,
there our heart is held captive.
It cannot leave it;
it cannot be lifted higher,
it cannot go either to the right or the left;
see, it is fixed.
Where the miser’s treasure is,
there is his heart
and where our heart is,
there is our treasure.”

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, LENT 2023, LENTEN THOUGHTS, OUR Cross, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The LAMB of GOD, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

Our Lenten Journey with St Francis de Sales – 5 March – ETERNAL HAPPINESS

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Our Lenten Journey with St Francis de Sales – 5 March – The Second Sunday in Lent – Thessalonians 4:1-7, Matthew 17:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Lord, it is good for us to be here …”
Matthew 17:4

“I know a man in Christ—
whether he was in or outside the body,
I do not know, God knows—
who was snatched up to the third heaven. . .
and heard secret words,
words which it is not granted to man to utter.”
2 Corinthians 12:2-4

ETERNAL HAPPINESS
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

“REJOICE AND BE HAPPY! Persevere to the end and prefer to die, rather than abandon the post to which God has called you!

But embrace the Cross with patience and hide in God’s breast, with your troubles; fix your eyes on the Lamb immolated for your sake and always be content with what God gives you and destines for you. We must act like this because we are sure that God is calling us and has chosen for us ,what will make us the most pleasing in His sight . Thus, you will go from Light to Light and the pains endured, for the sake of Jesus Crucified, will be delightful to you, whereas the pleasures and consolations of the world, will become bitter.

You will begin to taste, even in this life, a foretaste of eternal life, for the principal beatitude of the soul in Heaven, is to be confirmed forever in the Will of the Father. Thus, it tastes the divine sweetness. But it will never taste it in Heaven, if it is not clothed with it on earth, where we are pilgrims and travellers. When it is clothed with it, it tastes God by grace in its troubles; its memory will be full of the Blood of the Lamb without blemish; its mind will be opened and contemplate the ineffable love that God has made known in the Wisdom of His Son and the love it finds, in the Holy Spirit’s goodness, casts out self-love and love for created things, to love only God.

So do not be afraid … but suffer with joy, so as to conform yourself to the Will of God.” – (Sermon for the Second Sunday of Lent, 20 February 1622).

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY SCRIPTURES, The TRANSFIGURATION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 March – ‘… We will share in this honour … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 5 March – The Second Sunday in Lent
– Thessalonians 4:1-7, Matthew 17:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“His face shone like the sun and His garments became white as snow.” – Matthew 17:2

REFLECTION – “The Lord displays His glory before chosen witnesses and makes illustrious that bodily shape which He shared with others, with such splendour that His countenance shone like the sun and His garments were as white as snow. In this Transfiguration, the chief object was to remove the scandal of the Cross from the hearts of the disciples and, to prevent their faith being disturbed, at the humiliation of His voluntary Passion, by revealing the excellence of His hidden dignity. But with no less foresight, the foundation was laid of the hope of holy Church that the whole Body of Christ, might realise, with what a change it was to be endowed and that the members, might promise themselves, a share in that honour which had shone forth in their Head.

But to confirm the Apostles and to lead them onto all knowledge, still further, instruction was conveyed by this miracle. For Moses and Elias, that is, the law and the prophets, appeared talking with the Lord, so that, in the presence of these five men, might most truly be fulfilled, what was said – In two or three witnesses every word stands. What more stable, what more steadfast, than the word, in the proclamation of which, the trumpet of the old and of the new TestamentS, sounds forth and the records of ancient witnesses, agree with the teaching of the Gospel? For the pages of both Covenants corroborate each other and He, Whom, under the veil of Mysteries, the types that went before, had promised, is displayed clearly and manifestly by the splendour of His present glory.

The Apostle Peter, therefore, being stirred by the revelation of these Mysteries, despising things worldly and scorning things earthly, was carried away by a certain excess of mind, to the desire of things eternal and, being filled with rapture at the whole vision, longed to make his abode with Jesus, in the place where he was gladdened by the sight of His glory. And so also he says: Lord, it is good for us to be here: if Thou wilt, let us set up here, three tents, one for Thee and one for Moses and one for Elias. But to this proposal the Lord made no reply, signifying that what he asked was not indeed wicked, but irregular, since the world could not be saved, except by Christ’s Death and by the Lord’s example in this, the faithful were called upon to believe that, although there ought not to be any doubt about the promises of happiness, yet, we should understand that, amid the trials of this life, we must ask for power to endure, rather than for glory.” – St Leo the Great (400-461) Pope, Father and Doctor (Sermon on the Transfiguration – excerpt).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who sees how we are deprived of all strength, guard us inwardly and outwardly that in body, we may be protected against all misfortunes and in mind, cleansed of evil thoughts and by the intercession of blessed and gloriosus ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, be assisted on this earthly pilgrimage. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Thought for the Day – 2 March – Prayer as a Necessary Means of Salvation

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

Prayer as a Necessary Means of Salvation

“We should appreciate how necessary it is to pray with special fervour and perseverance, in times of great temptation and suffering.
If we neglect to do so when temptation assails us, we shall be on our own and shall certainly fall.
When we encounter suffering and everything seems to be crumbling around us, let us remember that God sees us and pities us.
Let us turn to Him. Who alone is able and eager to help us in our misfortunes.
When we pray, our tears are precious in His sight.
God’s love for us is infinite.
If we have recourse to Him, He will certainly answer us in the manner which He knows is best for us.
He has promised this, “If he cries out to me, I will hear him, for I am compassionate” (Ex 22:26).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/15/thought-for-the-day-15-march-prayer-as-a-necessary-means-of-salvation/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/02/thought-for-the-day-2-march-prayer-as-a-necessary-means-of-salvation/

Posted in ARMOUR of CHRIST, DOCTORS of the Church, LENT, LENT 2023, PATRONAGE - of PILGRIMS, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on SLOTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUTH

Our Lenten Journey with St Francis de Sales – 27 February – THESE FORTY DAYS …

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Our Lenten Journey with St Francis de Sales – 27 February – Monday of the First Week in Lent – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“My son, when you come to serve God,
prepare your sould for temptation.”
Ecclus. Sirach 2:1

“Then the devil left Him
and behold, Angels came
and ministered to Him.”
Matthew 4:11

THESE FORTY DAYS …
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

“I DOUBT NOT that many prefer the end of today’s Gospel (Mt 4:1-11) to its beginning.
It is said there that after Our Lord had overcome His enemy and rejected his temptations, Angels came and brought Him heavenly food.
What joy to find oneself with the Saviour at this delicious feast!
My dear friends, we shall never be capable of keeping company with Him in His consolations, nor be invited to His Heavenly banquet, if we are not sharers of His labours and sufferings (2 Cor 1:7).
He fasted for forty days but the Angels brought Him something to eat only at the end of that time.

These forty days, … symbolise the life of the Christian – of each one of us!
Let us then desire these consolations only at the end of our lives and let us busy ourselves in steadfast resistance to the frontal attacks of our enemies.
For whether we desire it or not, we shall be tempted.
If we do not struggle, we shall not be victorious, nor shall we merit the crown of immortal glory which God has prepared for those of us, who are victorious and triumphant!
Let us fear, neither the temptations nor the tempter, for if we make use of the Shield of Faith and the Armour of Truth, they will have no power whatsoever, over us.

… Let us also shun both spiritual avarice and the ambition which occasions so much disorder in our hearts and so greatly impedes our perfection.
The noonday devil will be powerless in causing us to fail in our firm and steadfast resolution, to serve God generously and as perfectly as possible, in this life, so that after this life, we shall go to enjoy Him forever. May He be blessed ! Amen.” – (Extract-Sermon 1st Sunday of Lent – 13 February 1622).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, LENT 2023, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD, The HEART, The WORD

Our Lenten Journey with St Francis de Sales – 25 February – OUR COMPASS

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Our Lenten Journey with St Francis de Sales – 25 February – Saturday after Ash Wednesday – Isaias 58:9-14, Mark 6:47-56 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“One thing I have asked of the Lord,
this will I seek after
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord,
all the days of my life.
That I may see the delight of the Lord
and may visit His temple.”
Psalm 26:4

“Take courage, it is I
be not afraid!”
Mark 6:50

OUR COMPASS
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

“ALL SHIPS HAVE A COMPASS which, when touched by the magnet, always turns towards the polar star. And even when the boat is making its way in a southward direction yet, the compass does not cease turning towards its north at all times.

In the same way, let the fine point of your spirit always turn towards God, its north. …
You 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 a mast on which to hoist your resolutions, as a sail.
Let our anchor be profound trust in Him and set out early.
May the propitious wind of heavenly inspirations ever fill the sails of your vessel more and more and cause you to speed forward to the harbour of a holy eternity. …

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

Posted in FRANCISCAN OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING

Our Morning Offering – 7 February – “The Peace Prayer”

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Our Morning Offering – 7 February – Tuesday of Septuagesima Week – Preparing to prepare, making a plan of action, seeking the best means for ourselves.

Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace.
“The Peace Prayer”
By St Francis of Assisi (c 1181–1226

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving
that we receive;
it is in pardoning
that we are pardoned
and it is in dying,
that we are born to eternal life.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 6 February – I have chosen you …

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Quote/s of the Day – 6 February – St Titus (Died c96) Bishop, Confessor

“Love one another as I have loved you”

John 15:12

“I have chosen you
and have appointed you,
that you should go
and should bring forth fruit
and your fruit should remain,
says the Lord.”

John 15:16

“He wants you to become
a living force for all mankind,
lights shining in the world.
You are to be radiant lights
as you stand beside Christ,
the Great Light,
bathed in the glory of Him
who is the Light of Heaven.”

St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“My children, eternal life is being offered to us,
the Kingdom of Heaven is made ready
and Christ’s inheritance awaits us …
So let us run from now on with increased energy
and above all you, lazy, recalcitrant,
dull of heart, friends of murmuring who,
unless you improve, are like the cursed fig tree.
… Let us seek out the fight,
bravely pour with our sweat,
adorn ourselves with crowns,
gain praises and gather up,
like a treasure,
“what eye has not seen
and ear has not heard
and what has not entered the human heart”
(1 Cor 2:9).

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

John 16:33

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

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on THE WORLD, SAINT of the DAY, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Quote/s of the Day – 31 January – St John Bosco

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Quote/s of the Day – 31 January – St John Bosco “Don Bosco” SDB (1815-1888) Priest, Confessor, Founder.

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

“My life experience has been
that only the practice of religion,
can assure concord in families
and the happiness of those,
who live in this vale of tears.”

“What do the pleasures
of this world amount to?
What is not eternal,
is worth nothing!”

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

“Love one another,
advise one another,
correct one another and never
be carried away
by envy or rancour,”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/31/quote-s-of-the-day-31-january-st-john-bosco-2/

St John Bosco (1815-1888)

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, CONSECRATION Prayers, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, Holy Name PRAYERS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, MARIAN PRAYERS, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, PURGATORY, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FRIENDSHIP, QUOTES on HERESY, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MEDITATION, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, QUOTES on the POPE, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SAINT of the DAY, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The HOLY NAME, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 29 January – St Francis de Sales

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Quote/s of the Day – 29 January – St Francis de Sales, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church

“The measure of love,
is to love without measure.”

“Since God often sends us His inspirations
by means of His Angels,
we ought frequently to offer Him,
our aspirations, through the same channel.
… Call on them and honour them frequently
and ask their help in all your affairs,
temporal, as well as spiritual.”

“Anxiety is the greatest evil
that can befall a soul, except sin.
God commands you to pray
but He forbids you to worry.”

“Friendships begun in this world
will be taken up again,
never to be broken off. ”

“Have patience with all things
but chiefly, have patience with yourself.
Do not lose courage
in considering your own imperfections
but instantly set about remedying them,
everyday begin the task anew.”

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

“Thus we do not say that the Pope
cannot err in his private opinions,
as did John XXII;
or be altogether a heretic,
as perhaps Honorius was.
Now, when he, [the Pope],
is explicitly a heretic,
he falls ipso facto, from his dignity
and OUT of the Church! …”

“During the night
we must wait for the Light.”

Hail, Sweet Jesus!
Prayer to Christ
in His Passion and Death
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

Hail, sweet Jesus!
Praise, honour and glory be to Thee, O Christ,
Who, of Thou own accord, embraced death,
and recommending Thyself to Thy heavenly Father,
bowing down Thy venerable Head,
did yield up Thy Spirit.
Truly thus giving up Thy life for Thy sheep,
Thou hast shown Thyself, to be the Good Shepherd.
Thou died, O Only-begotten Son of God.
Thou died, O my beloved Saviour,
that I might live forever.
O how great hope,
how great confidence have
I reposed in Thy Death and Thy Blood!
I glorify and praise Thy Holy Name,
acknowledging my infinite obligations to Thee.
O good Jesus,
by Thy bitter Death and Passion,
give me grace and pardon.
Give unto the faithful departed,
rest and life everlasting.
Amen.

Most Holy Mary,
Virgin Mother of God
Act of Consecration
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Indulgence of 300 days, for each recitation
St Pius X, 17 November 1906

Most Holy Mary,
Virgin Mother of God,
I ………., most unworthy though I am to be thy servant,
yet touched by thy motherly care for me
and longing to serve thee,
do, in the presence of my Guardian Angel
and all the Court of Heaven,
choose thee this day to be my Queen,
my Advocate and my Mother
and I firmly purpose to serve thee evermore myself
and, to do what I can, that all may
render faithful service to thee.
Therefore, most devoted Mother,
through the Precious Blood thy Son poured out for me,
I beg thee and beseech thee,
deign to take me among thy clients
and receive me as thy servant forever.
Aid me in my every action
and beg for me the grace never,
by word or deed or thought,
to be displeasing in thy sight
and that of thy most holy Son.
Think of me, my dearest Mother
and desert me not at the hour of death.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/29/quote-s-of-the-day-29-january-st-francis-de-sales/

Posted in "Follow Me", QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the POOR

Thought for the Day – 25 January – Blessed are the Merciful

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

Blessed are the Merciful

“Works of mercy can be either corporal or spiritual.
The former cannot be practised much by those who are poor but, any generous-minded Christian can perform the latter.
Sometimes, there is greater charity in speaking a kind word than in giving a large alms.
Often, it is worth more in the sight of God, to comfort a sorrowful heart or to revive, in some soul, a dying hope, than it is to fill a hungry belly.

There are so many spiritual miseries which are crying out to be assuaged.
The suffering of the soul is much deeper than that of the body.
This is why anything done to soothe and encourage the soul is so valuable before God.

We can also do something about the remorse, disgust and darkness which are the results of the state of sin.
If we can succeed in enlightening or healing one of these poor souls, we shall have accomplished a work of mercy which is most beautiful and meritorious in the eyes of God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/28/thought-for-the-day-28-january-blessed-are-the-merciful/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/26/thought-for-the-day-26-january-blessed-are-the-merciful/

Posted in "Follow Me", JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY NAME

Thought for the Day – 22 January – Carrying our Cross

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Thought for the Day – 22 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Carrying our Cross

“We also read in the Imitation of Christ: “No man has so heartfelt a sense of the Passion of Christ, as he whose lot it has been, to suffer like things.” (Imitation of Christ, Bk II, Ch 12)
If you carry your cross willingly, it will lead you to your longed for destination, where suffering ends and everlasting joy begins.
If you carry it unwillingly, the weight will become unbearable and you will have to bear it in any case!
If you fling away the cross which you are carrying, immediately, an even heavier one will be laid upon you!
Look upon them as wonderful consolations because, the sufferings of this life cannot be regarded as the measure of that glory which will be ours in Heaven … (Rom 8:18).
We are fortunate and greatly blessed, if we deserve to suffer a little, for the Name of Jesus …
Only when we begin to die ourselves, can we begin to live in God.
Nothing is more acceptable to God and more helpful for us in this world, than to suffer willingly for love of Christ.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/23/thought-for-the-day-23-january-carrying-our-cross/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/20/thought-for-the-day-20-january-carrying-our-cross-the-royal-road/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, JESUIT SJ, OUR Cross, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 22 January – “Lord, I believe. Help thou mine unbelief,”

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Quote/s of the Day – 22 January – The Third Sunday after the Epiphany – Romans 12:16-21, Matthew 8:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Amen I say to you,
I have not found
such great faith in Israel.”

Matthew 8:10

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

Matthew 9:2

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

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

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

Matthew 9:21-22

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

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

“But whom do you say that I Am?”

Luke 9:20

“… 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)

Prayer for Unbelievers
By St Francis Xavier (1506-1552)

O God, the Everlasting Creator of all things,
remember that the souls of unbelievers
were made by Thee
and formed in Thine own image and likeness.
Remember that Jesus, Thy Son,
endured a most bitter Death for their salvation.
Permit not, I beseech Thee, O Lord
that Thy Son should be any longer despised by unbelievers
but do Thou graciously accept the prayers
of holy men and of the Church,
the Spouse of Thy Most Holy Son
and be mindful of Thy mercy.
Forget their idolatry and unbelief
and grant that they too,
may someday know Him,
Whom Thou hast sent…the Lord Jesus Christ,
Who is our Salvation, our Life and Resurrection,
by Whom we have been [redeemed] and delivered,
to Whom be glory for endless ages.
Amen.

St Francis Xavier (1506-1552)

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING

Thought for the Day – 17 January – The Vicissitudes of Life

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

The Vicissitudes of Life

“Let this be our resolution and the result of our meditation.
When we are tempted to sin, especially against holy purity, let us resist immediately and take flight.
When we encounter misunderstanding on the part of others, or even coldness or calumny, or injustice, let us not be depressed or annoyed.
The only thing which should concern us, is the evidence of our conscience before God.

Offer everything else to God – joy or sorrow, praise or blame, honour or humilition.
Ask only for His grace.
If we have that, we shall have peace of mind as well.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/17/thought-for-the-day-17-january-the-vicissitudes-of-life/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/17/thought-for-the-day-16-january-the-vicissitudes-of-life/

Posted in "Follow Me", ARMOUR of CHRIST, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE MERCY, GOD ALONE!, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The HEART, The KINGDOM of GOD, The LAMB of GOD, The LAST THINGS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 15 January – St Macarius of Egypt

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Quote/s of the Day – 15 January – The Memorial of St Macarius of Egypt (c 300-390) Priest, Abbot, Hermit, Father

“The heart itself is only a small vessel,
yet dragons are there and lions,
there are poisonous beasts
and all the treasures of evil,
there are rough and uneven roads,
there are precipices
but there too is God and the Angels,
life is there and the Kingdom,
there too is light and there, the Apostles
and heavenly cities
and treasures of grace.
All things lie within that little space!”

Prayer for Mercy
and Forgiveness
By St Macarius of Egypt (c 300-390)

Lord, be merciful now
that my life is approaching its end
and the evening awaits me.
There is not enough time
for me to cleanse myself of my sins,
for they are so many.
Heal me while I am still on earth
and I shall be truly healthy.
In Thy mercy,
move me to repent,
so that I shall not be ashamed,
when I meet Thee in Heaven.
Amen

“Then go and learn,
neither to be moved with injuries nor flatteries.
If you die to the world and to yourself,
you will begin to live to Christ.”

“The Son of man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
Luke 6:5

“ … The Lord calls on us to rest,
telling us: “Come to me, all you who labour
and are burdened and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28)
And He gives rest to all souls who trust Him
and come to Him,
by delivering them from painful,
oppressive and impure thoughts.
Then they completely stop indulging in evil,
celebrating a true, a delightful and holy Sabbath,
a feast of the Spirit in inexpressible joy
and rejoicing.
They offer a pure and acceptable worship to God,
coming from a pure heart.
That is the true and holy Sabbath.”

“And as soon as He sees you seek Him fervently,
He will make Himself known to you.
He will appear to you, grant you His help,
bestow the victory on you
and save you from your enemies.
In fact, when He sees how you are looking for Him,
how you continually place all your hope in Him,
then He will instruct you,
teach you true prayer,
give you that authentic charity that is Himself.
Then, He will become everything to you:
your Paradise, Life-giving Tree,
Precious Pearl, Crown, Architect, Farmer,
One subject to suffering
but not afflicted with suffering,
Man, God, Wine, Living Water,
Lamb, Bridegroom, Soldier, Armour,
Christ Who is “All in All” (1Cor 1B,28).

St Macarius of Egypt (c 300-390)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY

Thought for the Day – 8 January – The Apostolate of Suffering

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

The Apostolate of Suffering

The Agony in the Garden by Luca Giordono (1634-1705) Naples, Italy

“Suffering has a still further purpose.
Besides bearing the role of an apostolate in our own lives, it can also be an apostolate for others,
We can offer our sufferings and sorrows to God, not only for our own spiritual advancement but, also for the expiation of the sins of the human race, for our enemies, for the persecutors of the Church (especially those within the Church!) and for all the other suffering members of the Mystical Body of Christ.
In this way, we can accomplish great good and can acquire great merit before God.

As a result of our offering, who knows how many hearts, hardened in sin, or how many souls forgetful of Heaven, may be touched by the grace of God?
Let us suffer with Jesus.
He alone can ease our pain and make it meritorious.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/10/thought-for-the-day-10-january-the-apostolate-of-suffering/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/08/thought-for-the-day-8-january-the-apostolate-of-suffering/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, St PAUL!, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 7 January – The Problem of Suffering

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

The Problem of Suffering

“Jesus is the Head of the Mystical Body of the Church and we are its members.
We ought to suffer with submission and love, as He did.
Rebellion increases and aggravates the pain.
Resignation and love, on the other hand, lighten it, making it meritorious and even welcome.
It is a consolation to suffer with Jesus.
St Paul says: “I rejoice now in the sufferings I have for your sake and what is lacking of the sufferings of Christ, I fill up in my flesh, for His Body, which is the Church” (Col 1:24).
In other words, the Passion of Christ demands our submissive and joyful co-operation in suffering along with Jesus.

The Acts says of the Apostles, “So they departed from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer disgrace for the Name of Jesus.” (Acts 5:41).

“So great is the reward which awaits me,” exclaims St Francis, “every suffering is pure joy to me!” He knew well, that the sorrows of this world are very tiny compared with the wonderful recompense which awaits us in Heaven.
“The sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come that will be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/07/thought-for-the-day-7-january-the-problem-of-suffering/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/07/thought-for-the-day-7-january-the-problem-of-suffering-2/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, GOD is LOVE, OUR Cross, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 4 January – ‘ … The greater the suffering, the greater will be the reward. …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 4 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus” – Octave of the Holy Innocents – Apocalypse 14:1-5 , Matthew 2:13-18 –Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“If the world hates you,
know that it has hated Me first.”

John 15:18

“He who raised Him from the dead
will raise us also” (2Cor 4,14),
if we do His Will and live by His Commands
and love what He loved…
Let us be imitators of His endurance
and, if we suffer for His sake,
let us glorify Him.
For He set us this example Himself …”

St Polycarp (69-155)
Apostolic Father,
Bishop and Martyr

“Fix your minds on the Passion
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Inflamed with love for us,
He came down from Heaven
to redeem us.
For our sake, He endured
every torment of body and soul
and shrank from no bodily pain.
He, Himself, gave us an example
of perfect patience and love.
We, then, are to be patient, in adversity!”

“The recollection of an injury,
is . . . a rusty arrow
and poison for the soul.”

St Francis of Paola (1416-1507)

“You will be consoled
according to the greatness
of your sorrow and affliction;
the greater the suffering,
the greater will be the reward.”

St Maria Magdalena de’ Pazzi (1566-1607)

“I think He intends to try you
like gold in the crucible,
so as to number you
amongst His most faithful servants.
Therefore, you must lovingly embrace
all occasions of suffering,
considering them
as precious tokens of His love.
To suffer in silence
and without complaint,
is what He asks of you.”

St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
“Apostle of the Sacred Heart”

“Our Lord, Who saved the world,
through the Cross,
will only Work for the good of souls,
through the Cross.”

St Madeleine Sophie Barat (1779-1865)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 January – For it will come to pass that Herod will seek the Child, to destroy Him.” – Matthew 2:14

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One Minute Reflection – 4 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus” – Octave of the Holy Innocents – Apocalypse 14:1-5 , Matthew 2:13-18 –Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For it will come to pass that Herod will seek the Child, to destroy Him.” – Matthew 2:14

REFLECTION – “The Apostle John said: “Whoever says he abides in Christ, ought to walk even as Christ walked” (1 Jn 2:6). Moreover, the blessed Apostle Paul exhorts and teaches us, saying: “We are God’s children but if children, then heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified together” (Rm 8:16f.) … Let us, beloved brethren, imitate righteous Abel, who initiated Martyrdom, he being the first to be slain for righteousness’s sake (Gn 4:8) … let us imitate the three children Ananias, Azarias and Misael, who … overcame the king by the power of faith (Dn 3) … What of the prophets whom the Holy Spirit quickened to a foreknowledge of future events? What of the Apostles whom the Lord chose? Since these righteous men were slain for righteousness’ sake, have they not taught us also to die?

The nativity of Christ at once witnessed the Martyrdom of infants, so that they, who were two years old and under were slain for His Name’s sake. An age, not yet fitted for the battle, appeared fit for the crown. That it might be manifest that they, who are slain for Christ’s sake, are innocent, innocent infancy was put to death for His Name’s sake … How grave is the case of a Christian, if he, a servant, is unwilling to suffer when his Master first suffered! … The Son of God suffered that He might make us sons of God and the son of man will not suffer that he may continue to be a son of God!? … The Maker and Lord of the world also warns us, saying: “If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me before you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own but because you are not of the world but I have chosen you out of the world ”… remember the word that I said to you: “The servant is not greater than his Lord” (Jn 15:18-20).” – St Cyprian of Carthage (c 200-258) Martyr, Bishop of Carthage, Father of the Church – Letter 55

PRAYER – O God, Whose praise the Innocents, Thy Martyrs, this day proclaimed, not by speaking but by dying, put to death in us all the wickedness of sin, so that Thy faith which our tongue professes, may be proclaimed also by our life. 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", ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUTH

Quote/s of the Day – 29 December – St Thomas à Becket

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Quote/s of the Day – 29 December – The Fifth Day of the Octave of Christmas and the Memorial of St Thomas à Becket (1118-1170) Martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury

“Do you not know that the largest trees
which have required years to grow,
are cut down in one hour?
It is foolish to look for their fruits
and yet to be unprepared for their fall.
Let it be your consolation, then,
that God’s enemies, however honourable
and exalted they may have been,
shall, nevertheless, fade away like the smoke!”

“Between the uprightness of my conscience
and the hardness of my lot,
I know not how, either
to show respect to my feelings,
or to the times.
The bitterness of my mind, urges me,
at all hazards, to speak what I think,
whereas the necessity of the times,
prompts me, however unbecomingly,
to keep silence. Good God!
Which way shall I turn myself?”

“Remember the sufferings of Christ,
the storms that were weathered…
the crown that came from those sufferings
which gave new radiance to the faith…
All Saints give testimony to the truth
that without real effort,
no-one ever wins the crown.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/29/quote-s-of-the-day-29-december-st-thomas-a-becket-1118-1170-martyr-2/

St Thomas à Becket (1118-1170)
Martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARTYRS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on JEALOUSY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 December – ‘ … He wanted them to possess Heaven, rather than earth. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 28 December – “The Month of the Divine Infant and the Immaculate Conception” – The Holy Innocents, Martyrs – Apocalypse 14:1-5, Matthew 2:13-18 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Then Herod, perceiving that he was deluded by the wise men, was exceeding angry and sending, killed all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all the borders …” – Matthew 2:16

REFLECTION – “Where does this jealousy lead?… The crime committed today shows us. Fear of a rival to his earthly kingdom fills Herod with anxiety, he plots to suppress “the newborn King” (Mt 2:2), the Eternal King; he fights against his Creator and puts innocent children to death… As for those children, what fault had they committed? Their tongues were dumb, their eyes had seen nothing, their ears heard nothing, their hands done nothing. They accepted death who had not known life. … Christ reads the future and knows the secrets of the heart, He weighs our thoughts and probes our intentions (cf. Ps 138[139]): why did He forsake them? … Why did the newborn heavenly King abandon these companions in innocence, forget the sentinels watching around His crib, to such an extent that the foe, who wanted to get at the King, ravaged His whole army?

My brethren, Christ did not forsake His soldiers but covered them with honour, by allowing them to conquer, before they had lived and to carry away the prize, without a fight. … He wanted them to possess Heaven, rather than earth. … He sent them before Him as His heralds. He did not abandon them but saved those who went on ahead. He did not forget them. …

Blessed are they who have exchanged their travail for repose, their pains for ease, their suffering for joy. They are alive! Yes, they are alive, they live indeed who have undergone death for Christ’s sake. … Happy the tears their mothers shed for these infants, they have won them the grace of Baptism. … May He who deigned to rest in a stable, be pleased to lead us too, to the heavenly pastures.” – St Peter Chrysologus (400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 152 PL 52, 604).

PRAYER – O God, Whose praise the Innocents, Thy Martyrs, this day proclaimed, not by speaking but by dying, put to death in us all the wickedness of sin, so that the faith which our tongue professes, may be proclaimed also by our life. 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, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The WORD, THOMAS a KEMPIS

Quote/s of the Day – 27 December – St John the Beloved

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Quote/s of the Day – 27 December – St John the Apostle and Evangelist, the Beloved – Ecclesiasticus 15:1-6, John 21:19-24 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Peter, therefore, seeing him, said to Jesus,
Lord and what of this man?”

John 21:21

“ So, to Peter is said: “Follow me.”
Of the other, however;
“If I wish him to remain until I come,
what is that to thee? Follow thou me.”
What is the meaning of this?
How much can I know of it?
How much can I understand?
What is it?–unless this:
“You are to follow me,
imitating me in suffering temporal evils.
Let him remain until I come,
bringing eternal rewards.”

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

“The love of Jesus is noble and generous,
it spurs us onto do great things
and excites us to desire always
that which is most perfect.
Love will tend upwards
and is not to be detained by things beneath.
Love will be at liberty
and free from all worldly affections…
for love proceeds from God
and cannot rest but in God
above all things created.
The lover flies, runs and rejoices,
he is free and not held.
He gives all for all and has all in all
because he rests in One sovereign Good above all,
from Whom all good flows and proceeds”

Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)

The Imitation of Christ,
Book III, Chapter V, 3-4

More:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/27/quote-s-of-the-day-27-december-feast-of-st-john/

Posted in MARTYRS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on MERIT, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SAINT of the DAY

Thought for the Day – 26 December – St Stephen, the First Martyr

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

St Stephen, the First Martyr

“Let us endeavour too, like St Stephen, to suffer, pray and work for the conversion of our fellowmen, so many of whom are wandering in the darkness of error or struggling in the clutches of vice.
Let us try, by our sufferings, prayers and good example, to draw down God;s grace on our unhappy brothers.
If we succeed, we shall share in the merits of their good actions and we shall have ensured our own everlasting salvation.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/26/thought-for-the-day-26-december-st-stephen-the-first-martyr/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/26/thought-for-the-day-26-december-st-stephen-the-first-martyr-2/

Posted in "Follow Me", DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, GOD ALONE!, ON the SAINTS, OUR Cross, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 December – ‘He who loses his life, for My sake will find it.’ – Matthew 16:25

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Quote/s of the Day – 16 December – “The Month of the Divine Infant and the Immaculate Conception” – Friday of Ember Week in Advent – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Matthew 16:24-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

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

Matthew 16:25

“Take nothing for your journey,
neither staff, nor bag,
nor bread, nor money;
neither have two tunics.”

Luke 9:3

“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

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

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

“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 a Saint?
Nothing more than to acquire the habit of willing,
on every occasion,
what God wills.”

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

“Entrust yourself entirely to God.
He is a Father
and a most loving Father at that,
Who would rather let Heaven
and earth collapse,
than abandon anyone
who trusted in Him.”

St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775)

Posted in "Follow Me", FATHERS of the Church, OUR Cross, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD

One Minute Reflection – 16 December – What does this mean, “take up a cross?”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 16 December – “The Month of the Divine Infant and the Immaculate Conception” – Friday of Ember Week in Advent – 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 – “What does this mean, “take up a cross?” It means, he will bear with whatever is troublesome and in this very act, he will be following Me.
When he has begun to follow me, according to My teaching and precepts, he will find many people contradicting him and standing in his way, many who not only deride but even persecute him.
Moreover, this is true, not only of pagans who are outside the Church but also of those, who seem to be in it visibly but are outside of it because of the perversity of their deeds.
Although these glory, in merely the title of Christian, they continually persecute faithful Christians.
Such belong to the members of the Church in the same way, that bad blood is in the body.
Therefore, if you wish to follow Christ, do not delay in carrying His Cross, tolerate sinners but do not yield to them.
Do not let the false happiness of the wicked corrupt you.
You do well to despise all things for the sake of Christ, in order that you may be fit for His companionship.”- St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Bishop of Arles and Father of the Church – (Sermons, 159).

PRAYER – Put forth Thy power, O Lord, we beseech Thee and come that those who trust in Thy goodness may soon be delivered from all harm. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 5 December – Peace of Soul

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Peace of Soul

“True peace consists in doing the will of God constantly and, with love.
When God gives us consolation and joy, we thank Him for His Infinite Goodness towards us.
When He sends us suffering and privation, we bless and thank Him nonetheless.
Let us recall the example of Job.
When he had lost his children, his health and all his possessions and, was derided by his wife and distrusted by his friends, he exclaimed in a spirit of resignation: “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord!” (Job 1:21).

All this may seem too difficult to us but, it is only on these conditions that we can obtain interior peace.
By surrendering our will entirely to God, in all the circumstances of our lives, we can raise ourselves above all the sorrows and vain desires of this earthly existence and, we will find in God, a lasting peace and tranquillity.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

Posted in "Follow Me", 7 GIFTS of the HOLY SPIRIT, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The HOLY SPIRIT, The WILL of GOD

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Blessedness of Those Who Suffer Persecution

“Why did God will to grant us happiness, only on this condition – that we deny ourselves and carry the cross with resignation?
The reason is that we should no longer be ourselves but, should belong entirely to God and, should no longer live our own lives, as St Paul expresses it but, should live the life of Jesus Christ.
We ought to become like Him, the Man of Sorrows, Who redeemed us at the price of His Precious Blood and forgave His executioners from the Cross.
We must suffer, moreover, so that, by our suffering, we may expiate our sins, purify our souls, detach ourselves from the world and begin to lead a heavenly life, even on this earth.

We should not imagine that this will make our lives sad and dreary.
On the contrary, it will fill them with the lasting joy which God sends from on high.
Let us acquire the peace which is founded on complete control of the passions, on absolute dedication to God and on the power of charity which can overcome all obstacles.
Before we can acquire it, of course, we must be enlightened and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
It was not until after Pentecost that the Apostles achieved this happiness, so that, “they departed from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer disgrace, for the Name of Jesus” (Acts 5:41).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

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

Romans 13:13-14

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

Matthew 9:2

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

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

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

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

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

(Catecheses 1)

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

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

Lord Jesus, Bind Me to Yourself

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

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

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

St Vincent Strambi CP (1745-1824)

(From his first Pastoral Letter as Bishop)

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

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

St Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562)