Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION

Thought for the Day – 31 March – The Redemption

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

The Redemption

Do I ever think of all that I have cost Jesus?
Do I ever meditate on His Infinite Love for me?
If I could constantly bear in mind the work of Redemption and the Passion of Jesus Christ, I should certainly never offend God and I should be on fire with love for Him.

Moreover, if in time of temptation, I were to pray earnestly before the image of Christ Crucified, I should certainly succeed in my resistance, by asking the suffering Lord for His Divine assistance.

If by some misfortune, however, I should fall into sin, it should suffice to kiss the Crucifix in order to revive my confidence in Christ, to rouse myself to sorrow, to obtain pardon and to begin a new life.
That should be the fruit of the Redemption for me.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/13/thought-for-the-day-13-september-the-redemption/

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Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MERIT, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Thought for the Day – 28 March – TEMPTATION

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

TEMPTATION

Why does God allow us to endure tempations?
According to spiritual writers, there are two main reasons.

(1) because God wishes us to be humble and not to depend too much on ourselves.
Before he was tempted, St Peter boasted that he would never deny his Master.
When he was tempted, he fell and recognised his weakness.

(2) Because by resisting temptations, we can show our love for Jesus and our readiness to sacrifice everything for Him

Temptations, therefore, can teach us humility, teach us to rely on God alone and can help us to store up merit for our souls.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/31/thought-for-the-day-31-march-temptation/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/26/thought-for-the-day-26-july-temptation/

Posted in GOD is LOVE, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES, The HOLY CROSS

Thought for the Day – 26 March – THE CRUCIFIX

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

THE CRUCIFIX

Let us weep for our sins and increase in love for our Divine Redeemer.
When we are oppressed by the weight of our own cross, we shall look at the Crucifix and find comfort.
When we are tempted, we shall grasp the Crucifix and turn away with horror from thoughts of sin and ingratitude.

The Crucifix will teach us, as it taught the Saints, the lesson of charity towards God and towards our neighbour.
It will teach us to hate sin and to love virtue.
If we cherish it during life, it will be our consolation to kiss the Crucifix at the moment of death.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/04/thought-for-the-day-4-august-the-crucifix/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/25/thought-for-the-day-25-september-the-crucifix/

Posted in I BELIEVE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Thought for the Day – 14 March – How We Should Pray

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

How We Should Pray

“Finally, our prayer should be persevering.
Perseverance in prayer is always rewarded by God, especially during times of temptation.
The Gospel is full of examples of the way in which perseverance is rewarded.
Remember the blind man of Jericho, who was rebuked for his persistent entreaties.
Nevertheless, he went on shouting: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Cf Lk 18:34-43).
His prayer was eventually answered.
Remember the Centurion.
Although he was a pagan, he requested the cure of his paralysed servant with such outstanding faith and perseverance that Jesus granted what he asked.
Not even in Israel,” said Jesus, “have I found such great faith” (Lk 7:9).
Remember the parable of the three loaves, which were so persistently demanded in the middle of the night until they were at last obtained (Cf Lk 11:5).
Remember Mary, the sister of Lazarus and the Samaritan woman.
Remember Jairus and the man suffering from dropsy.
Above all, remember the Canaanite woman who almost snatched a miracles from the Hands of Jesus by her humility and perseverance.

A confident spirit of perseverance always wins the Heart of God, Who sometimes waits before answering our prayers, in order to enkindle our desire, to make us pray more and, to reward our perseverance by a liberal bestowal of His favours.
Let us persevere in total trust, with intense love and in the deepest humility, knowing, without any doubt, that our prayers will be answered.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/16/thought-for-the-day-16-march-how-we-should-pray/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/04/thought-for-the-day-4-march-how-we-should-pray/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Thought for the Day – 13 March – PRAYER

Thought for the Day – 13 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

PRAYER

“The Saints had their failings and temptations like everyone else.
Some experienced continual spiritual aridity.
Others, like St Anthony and St Benedict, were often tempted against purity, while St Francis de Sales, was strongly inclined towards impatience.
Others, like St Therese of the Child Jesus, were even tempted to despair.
But, they all conquered, by means of prauer.

If we wish to conquer in the same way, we must pray too.
Let us never tire of prayer.
Sooner or later, the Father of Goodness and Mercy, will answer us.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/13/thought-for-the-day-13-march-prayer/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/13/thought-for-the-day-13-march-prayer-2/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on The HUMAN SOUL

Thought for the Day – 9 March – The Human Soul

Thought for the Day – 9 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Human Soul

Remember that every mortal sin means death to the soul, for it robs it of the supernatural life of grace, making it incapable of every good action and deserving of hell.
If you committed one mortal sin, God could tire of you, as if you were an unproductive tree and put an end to your life, without giving you time to repent!
Then, you would be lost for all eternity.
This thought should never leave your mind, particularly in time of temptation.
At such a time, turn to God with confidence, tell Him that you love Him and do not wish to offend Him at any price.
Face death rather than sin.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/27/thought-for-the-day-27-march-the-human-soul/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/10/thought-for-the-day-27-march-the-human-soul-2/

Posted in CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, DIVINE MERCY, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 3 March – The Shortness of Time

Thought for the Day – 3 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Shortness of Time

“Another vision will confront us also in that final hour.
Our frightened minds will see again all those hours which we have misused in sin.
The devil will try by every means in his power, to repaint them in our troubled imagination.
He will do his best to lead us into despair, even as he tempted Judas and many other sinners before us.

We know well that the mercy of God is infinite and that it remains infinite at the hour of death.
But, we know too that His justice, is no less infinite.
Since God has granted us so much time in which He called us to repentance and to a life of virtue, it could happen that at the point of death, He will put an end to the mercy and to the favours which He has shown us and which we have disregarded.
What will become of us then?
Remember that only one of the two thieves was converted.
The other died unrepentant on his cross, even though he was hanging by the side of Jesus!

Reflect and make provision while there is still time.
While we have time.,let us do good (Gal 6:10).
We shall be unable to do anything about it afterwards
.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/05/thought-for-the-day-5-january-the-shortness-of-time/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/20/thought-for-the-day-20-march-the-shortness-of-time/

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

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 …

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

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

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

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

Matthew 4:10

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

Hebrews 10:35-37

Expect temptation to your last breath.

St Anthony Abbot (251-356)

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

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

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

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

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

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

St John Bosco (1815-1888)

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, LENT 2023, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The WORD

Our Lenten Journey with St Francis de Sales – 26 February – TEMPTATION

Our Lenten Journey with St Francis de Sales – 26 February – The First Sunday of Lent – 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Matthew 4:1-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

My son, when you come to serve God,
prepare your soul for temptation.

Ecclus. Sirach 2:1

At that time Jesus
was led by the Spirit
into the desert,
to be tempted by the devil.

Matthew 4:1

TEMPTATION
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

IN THE FIRST PLACE, I note that although no-one can be exempt from temptation, still no-one should seek it or go of his own accord, to the place where it may be found, for undoubtedly, he who loves it will perish in it (Ecclus (Sirach 3:27).
That is why the Evangelist says that Our Lord was led into the desert by the Spirit to be tempted – it was not then by His choice (I am speaking with regard to His human nature) that He went to the place of temptation but, He was led by the obedience He owed to His heavenly Father. …

If we are led by the Spirit of God to the place of temptation, we should not fear but should be assured that He will render us victorious! (1 Cor 10:13).
But, we must not seek temptation, nor go out to allure it, however holy and generous we may think ourselves to be, for we are not more valiant than David, nor than our Divine Master Himself, Who did not choose to seek it.
Our enemy is like a chained dog – if we do not approach, it will do us no harm, even though it tries to frighten us by barking at us. …

… No-one who comes to serve God can avoid temptations.
… The great Apostle, St Paul, as soon as he had given himself to the Divine service and ranged himself on the side of Christianity, was immediately tempted for the rest of his life. (2 Cor 12:7). While he was an enemy of God and persecuted the Christians, he did not feel the attack of any temptation, or at least he has given us no testimony of it in his writings. But he did when he was converted by Our Lord.

Thus, it is a very necessary practice, to prepare our soul for temptation. That is, wherever we may be and however perfect we may be, we must rest assured that temptation will attack us.
Hence, we ought to be so disposed and to provide ourselves with the weapons necessary to fight valiantly in order to carry off the victory – since the crown is only for the combatants and conquerors!
(2 Tim 2:5; Jas 1:12).
We ought never to trust in our own strength or in our courage and go out to seek temptation, thinking to confound it but, … if we encounter it, we must remain firm in the confidence which we ought to have that He will strengthen us against the attacks of our enemy, however furious they may be!.” (Extract-Sermon 1st Sunday of Lent – 13 February 1622).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the 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

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 "Follow Me", 7 GIFTS of the HOLY SPIRIT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FREE WILL, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The HOLY SPIRIT, The KINGDOM of GOD, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 9 February – St Cyril of Alexandria

Quote/s of the Day – 9 February – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) “The Pillar of Faith” “Doctor of the Incarnation,” Bishop,Confessor, Father and Doctor, of the Church

Indeed, the Mystery of Christ
runs the risk of being disbelieved,
precisely because, it is so incredibly wonderful!”

He who abides in Me and I in Him,
the same bears much fruit

John 5:5

We are preserved in being, if we grow onto Him
and cling fast to the holy commandment,
which has been handed down to us
and, if we are eager to keep the blessing of nobility,
that is to say, if we never consent, in any way,
to “grieve the Holy Spirit” (Eph 4:30),
Who has come to dwell in us and, through Whom,
we believe, God has made His home in us. …
For just as the vine-stock supplies and distributes,
the virtue of its own inherent natural quality to the shoots,
so, too, the Only-Begotten Word of God,
implants, in His people, a sort of affinity
with His own nature and that of the Father.
By the gift of the Spirit, they are united with Him
by every kind of holiness.
He nourishes them, so that they become devout
and He moves them to knowledge of all virtue
and good works.

“… [The Kingdom of God] … is within you.
That is, it depends on your own wills
and is in your own power,
whether or not you receive it.
Everyone, that has attained
to justification, by means of faith in Christ
and decorated by every virtue,
is counted worthy,
of the Kingdom of Heaven.

He says that these temptations must come.
Is this then because God, Who governs all,
forces people to their commission of sin?
Away with the thought!
Nothing that is evil comes from Him.
He is the fountain of all virtue.
Why then must this happen?
They clearly happen because of our infirmity,
for all of us stumble in many things,
as it is written.
Nevertheless, He says, that there will be woe
to the person who lays the stumbling blocks
in the way.
He does not leave indifference in these things
without rebuke but restrains it by fear of punishment.
He still commands us to bear with patience
“ those who cause sins to happen.

We must note, therefore,
that he that does things pleasing to God,
serves Christ but he that follows his own wishes,
is a follower, rather of himself and not of God
.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/09/quote-s-of-the-day-9-february-st-cyril-of-alexandria/

St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Posted in GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FRIENDSHIP, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Thought for the Day – 8 February – The Use of Creatures

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

The Use of Creatures

“St Ignatius Loyola investigates this subject in his Spiritual Exercises.
He writes that we ought to use things, insofar as they bring us nearer to our final end.
We ought to avoid things completely, he continues, insofar as they separate or distract us from this end.

The function of creatures in our regard, is to lead us nearer to God, to remind us of God and to make us love God.
But if they are a source of scandal to us, we must avoid them.
The Gospel is very strict on this matter when it says, “If thy hand or foot is an occasion of sin to thee, cut it off and cast it from thee” (Mt 5:29-30; 18:8).

This means that we must be ready to give up anything or anyone, rather than endanger our souls and risk the loss of Divine grace and eternal life.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/09/thought-for-the-day-9-february-the-use-of-creatures/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/09/thought-for-the-day-9-february-the-use-of-creatures-2/

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

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

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 ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 January – ‘… With the thought ‘God sees you!’ we would never sin. …’

One Minute Reflection – 29 January – The Memorial of St Francis Salesius, Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church – Romans 13:8-10, Matthew 8:23-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was covered by the waves but He was asleep.”- Matthew 8:24

REFLECTION – “Just as the good soldier is not afraid of battle, so the good Christian has no fear of temptation. … The greatest temptation is not to have temptation! It might even be said that we are fortunate to have temptations for these are the times of spiritual harvest when we gather up for Heaven. … If we were thoroughly saturated with God’s Holy Presence, it would be easy for us to resist the enemy. With the thought ‘God sees you!’ we would never sin.

There was a saint who complained to our Lord after being tempted and said to Him: “Where were Thou, my most loveable Jesus, during that awful storm?” Our Lord answered: “I was in the centre of thou heart…” – St John-Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859) The Curé of Ars (Selected thoughts of the Curé d’Ars).

PRAYER – O God, Who for the salvation of souls, willed that blessed Francis, Thy Confessor and Bishop, should become all things to all men, mercifully grant that we, inspired by the sweetness of Thy love, guided by his teachings and aided by his merits, may attain the joys of everlasting 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 MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD

Thought for the Day – 27 January – How to Guard Holy Purity

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

How to Guard Holy Purity

“Let us examine our conscience now and we shall perceive that everytime we have fallen in any way, it was always because we did not put into practice, the remedies suggested.
So let us not lose courage but renew out determination to employ, at the first sign of danger, the necessary means of defending our purity.
It will be a difficult struggle at times.
But the grace of God will never let us down, as long as we do our best to co-operate with it.
Each one of us should remember that God “is faithful and will not permit you to be tempted beyond your strength but, with the temptation, will also give you a way out that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor 10:13).
Our first reward will be that exhilaration of having fought hard and won!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/30/thought-for-the-day-30-january-how-to-guard-holy-purity/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/28/thought-for-the-day-28-january-how-to-guard-holy-purity/

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

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

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

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

Luke 6:20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luke 14:11

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

(Rule of Benedict #7)

St Benedict (480-547)
Father of the Church

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

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TIME, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 17 January – St Anthony Abbot

Quote/s of the Day – 17 January – St Anthony Abbot (251-356)

The fruits of the earth
are not brought to perfection immediately
but by time, rain and care.
Ssimilarly, the fruits of men ripen
through ascetic practice,
study, time, perseverance,
self-control and patience.

Regard as free, not those,
whose status makes them outwardly free
but those, who are free
in their character and conduct.
For we should not call men truly free
when they are wicked and dissolute,
since they are slaves to worldly passions.
Freedom and happiness of soul
consist in genuine purity
and detachment from transitory things
.”

“. . . You should know
that there is present with you,
the Angel whom God has appointed for each man. . .
This Angel, who is sleepless and cannot be deceived,
is always present with you;
he sees all things and is not hindered by darkness.
You should know, too, that with him, is God!

Expect temptation to your last breath.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/17/quote-s-of-the-day-17-january-st-anthony-abbot/

St Anthony Abbot (251-356)

Posted in CATHOLIC TIME, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on SLOTH, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 14 January – The Proper Use of Time

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

The Proper Use of Time

Time is money,” runs an old English proverb.
But, for a Christian, time is something much more important.
It is the price of eternity!

With time well spoent or badly spent, we can purchase a life of eternal happiness with God, or of eternal suffering in hell.
Since our true destiny is God and everlasting happiness, all the time which we spend with this in view, is well spent, whereas, all that is not devoted to this end, is useless or harmful.

We must make a special effort to avoid sloth.
There is good reason for calling it the father of vices.
When a man surrenders to laziness, he is squandering a priceless treasure, which was intended to be used in the service of God and for the sanctification of his own soul and the souls of his fellowmen.
He is also disobeying the clear command which God issued after the sin of Adam: “In the sweat of your brow you shall eat bread” (Gen 3:29).

The man who is steeped in sloth, moreover, is more vulnerable to the temptations of the devil, the suggestions of the flesh and the frivolous attractions of the world.
If our hands are not employed in labour, or our minds occupied in study or prayer, we can easily be diverted from our proper purpose and drawn towards sin.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/14/thought-for-the-day-14-january-the-proper-use-of-time/

Posted in Holy Name PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY NAME, THOMAS a KEMPIS

Our Morning Offering – 7 January – The Love of Your Name

Our Morning Offering – 7 January – Within the Octave of Epiphany – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus”

The Love of Your Name
By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)

The Imitation of Christ
(Book 3 Ch 26:1-4)

My God, Sweetness beyond words,
make bitter all the carnal comfort
that draws me from love of the eternal
and lures me to its evil self,
by the sight of some delightful good
in the present.
Let it not overcome me, my God.
Let not flesh and blood conquer me.
Let not the world and its brief glory
deceive me, nor the devil trip me by his craftiness.
Give me courage to resist,
patience to endure
and constancy to persevere.
Give me the soothing unction of Your spirit,
rather than all the consolations of the world
and in place of carnal love,
infuse into me the love of Your Name.
Amen

Posted in DIVINE MERCY, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Thought for the Day – 29 December – Our Frequent Lapses

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

Our Frequent Lapses

“The mercy of God, however, should not provide us with a reason for continuing to fall into sin.
On the contrary, it should be a motive for greater gratitude and love.
We cannot claim, that it is impossible for us to conquer temptation.
If we implore God’s grace and employ all the means of resistance at our disposal, temptation cannot overcome us.

How often in the past, when we prayed fervently and fought with determination, have we not successfully routed temptation?
Why can we not do the same again?
Then we shall have interior peace in this life and an everlasting reward in the next.
God is faithful,” St Paul assures us, “and will not permit you to be tempted beyond your strength but, with the temptation, will also give you a way out that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor 10:13).

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/29/thought-for-the-day-28-december-our-frequent-lapses/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, The HOLY NAME

One Minute Reflection – 24 December – ‘ … The Name of Jesus, is light for our minds, food for our hearts, medicine for our souls. …’

One Minute Reflection – 24 December – The Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord – “The Month of the Divine Infant and the Immaculate Conception” – Romans 1:1-6, Matthew 1:18-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

She shall bring forth a Son and thou shall call His Name Jesus; for He shall save His people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21

REFLECTION – “The Name of Jesus is a Divine Name which the Lord made known to Mary through the voice of the Archangel Gabriel: “Thou shalt give Him the Name, Jesus” (Lk 1,31). A Name which, for this reason, is called “above all names”, “the only Name by which we can be saved” (Phil 2,9; Acts 4,12). This great Name is compared to oil by the Holy Spirit: “Thy Name is oil poured out” (Sg 1,3). Why? Because, as Saint Bernard explains, just as oil is both light, food and medicine, so the Name of Jesus, is light for our minds, food for our hearts, medicine for our souls.

Light for our minds – it was the brilliance of this Name which enabled the world to pass from the shadows of idolatry, to the Light of Faith. We were born in a land, whose inhabitants were all pagans, before the coming of the Lord. We would be as they were, if He had not come to enlighten us. So how should we not give thanks to Jesus Christ for the gift of faith!…

Food for our hearts – this, too, is what the Name of Jesus is. For it calls to our minds all the painful work Jesus accomplished to save us. This is how he comforts us in tribulation, strengthens us to walk along the way of salvation, revives our hope and inflames us with love for our God.

And medicine for our souls – Jesus’ Name makes them strong in the face of temptation and our enemies’ attacks. Do they hear this Holy Name? The powers of hell tremble and take to flight. This is what Saint Paul says: “that at the Name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld” (Phil 2,10). No-one who is tempted, will fall, if he calls on Jesus and, for as long as he calls, he will persevere and be saved (cf Ps 18[17],4).” – St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Meditations for the Octave of Christmas no 8).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who gladden us, year after year, with the expectation of our redemption, grant that we, who now welcome with joy Thy Only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also gaze upon Him without fear when He comes as our Judge, our Lord Jesus Christ. 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 MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, The BEATITUDES, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Thought for the Day – 10 December – Holy Purity

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

Holy Purity

Since Mary excelled so much in this virtue and had so great a love for it, she will obtain for us from God, the grace necessary for us to preserve it, as long as we pray humbly to her, especially in times of temptation.

Let us remember, that at Baptism, we became members of the Mystical Body of Christ and temples of the Holy Spirit (Cf 1 Cor 6:15-20).
We are obliged to avoid defiling this temple and making the Mystical Body of Christ a dwelling-place for the devil!

It is not true to say, that this is an impossible fight.
We know, from our own experience, that we can win.
We have often battled with, or fled from occasions of sin.
We have prayed and made sacrifices, in order to avoid sin and, with the help of God and the protection of the Blessed Virgin, we have won!
After our victory, we have felt elated and have experienced that peace, which only God’s grace can bestow.
If we have succeeded so many times, why cannot we do the same always?
There is no need to be afraid.
If we do all that we can, God’s grace will do the rest.

I can do all things in Him, Who strengthens me,” Phil 4:12) says St Paul.
God is faithful,” he writes elsewhere “and will not permit you to be tempted beyond your strength but, with the temptation, will also give you a way out, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor 10:13).

If we remain pure, we shall see God.
We shall see Him in the work of His creation in this world and we shall see and enjoy Him forever in Heaven.
Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God” (Mt 5:8).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on HOPE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, To JESUS through MARY

Our Morning Offering – 9 December – O Mary, My Hope!

Our Morning Offering – 9 December – Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception and “The Month of the Divine Infant and the Immaculate Conception”

O Mary, My Hope!
By St John Damascene (675-749)
Father and Doctor of the Church

I salute you, O Mary!
you are the hope of Christians.
Receive the prayer of a sinner,
who loves you tenderly,
honours you in a special manner
and places in you the whole hope
of his salvation.
From you I have my life.
You reinstate me in the grace of your Son:
you are the sure pledge of my salvation.
I beseech of you, therefore, to deliver me
from the burden of my sins,
dispel the darkness of my mind,
banish from my heart the love of the world,
repress the temptations of my enemies
and so rule my whole life, that by your means
and under your guidance,
I may obtain everlasting happiness in Heaven.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY EUCHARIST

Thought for the Day – 20 November – The Storms of Life

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

The Storms of Life

At other times, however, the tempest will come from outside ourselves and will have a shattering effect on our spiritual life.
It may be some insult which has seriously wounded us.
There may be somebody near to us who has grown quite insufferable.
Or perhaps suffering will come to us in the guise of illness, disgrace or loss of our dear ones.
We shall feel lonely and abandoned in the midst of the storm.
To whom shall we have recourse in our hour of need?
Shall we turn to our fellow-men?
Perhaps there will be nobody able to understand us perfectly, or, if there is somebody who sympathises with us,he may be able to do nothing for us, save to utter a few kind words.

Let us turn, therefore, to Jesus on the Cross and to Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist.
The Crucifix will teach us how to suffer with resignation and with love.
Before this mystery of infinite love, all our anguish and unrest, will give way to a Christian acceptance of suffering.

If this is not enough, let us turn to Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist.
Let us invite Him into our hearts to calm the tempest and to give us His divine grace, which will conquer every temptation and heal every wound.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/17/thought-for-the-day-17-april-the-storms-of-life/

Posted in "Follow Me", JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OPEN HOUSE...Conversations with..., QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY NAME

Thought for the Day – 15 November – Conversation with God and with Men

Thought for the Day – 15 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Conversation with God and with Men

“Do not speak too often with men but speak often with God.
We should always be in communication with God because, to converse with God, is to pray.
Jesus has told us that we ought always to pray (Lk 18:1).
We have a great need of intimacy with God, for if the life of grace does not flow within us, we become like arid branches and fall prey to temptations and to tepidity.
In order to remain close to God, we must pray constantly.
As St Paul says, “whatever you do, in word or in work, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through Him” (Col 3:17).
This is what the Saints did.
While their feet walked the earth, their minds were in Heaven.

We should imitate them by trying to cultivate the interior life which will keep us detached from the world and from sin and always close to God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/15/thought-for-the-day-15-november-conversation-with-god-and-with-men/

Posted in "Follow Me", GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, QUOTES on WATCHING

Thought for the Day – 24 October – “Lead Us Not Into Temptation”

Thought for the Day – 24 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
“Lead Us Not Into Temptation”

Why, we may ask, does God permit us to be tempted?
Ir is for our own good because:
(1) He desires us to co-operate with Him, in our own salvation.
The crown of glory, which is to be our reward, will only be given to him who has earned it.
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation,” says Sr James, “for when he has been tried, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him” (Js 1:12);
(2) He wishes us to understand, moreover, that we can do nothing without Him, so that we may be humble and may pray to Him with faith and perseverance;
(3) He desires that we may be vigilant and may live in union with Him, by means of prayer.

He wishes us to realise, that only with His help, can we aspire to the supernatural life and triumph over our enemies.
Apart from Him, we shall be lost but close to Him, we shall be invincible!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/24/thought-for-the-day-24-october-lead-us-not-into-temptation/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/25/thought-for-the-day-25-october-lead-us-not-into-temptation/