Category: QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST

Posted in "Follow Me", CARMELITES, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, OUR Cross, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, St Francis de Sales, St PAUL!, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 December – ‘ The endurance of darkness … ‘

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Quote/s of the Day – 16 December – St Eusebius of Vercelli (c283-371) Bishop, Confessor – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 – Matthew 16:24-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

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

Matthew 16:24

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

Matthew 16:25

“For as the sufferings of Christ
abound in us, so also by Christ,
doth our comfort abound.”

St Paul – 2 Corinthians 1:5

“The endurance of darkness
is the preparation for great Light!”

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

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

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, OUR Cross, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

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

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

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

REFLECTION – “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 – O God, Who gladden us with the annual festival of blessed Eusebius, Thy Martyr and Bishop, mercifully grant that, as we venerate the anniversary of his Martyrdom, we may also rejoice in his protection.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in OUR Cross, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HOLY CROSS

Quote of the Day – 1 December – St Andrew, Apostle & Martyr

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Quote of the Day – 1 December – The Feast of St Andrew, Apostle of Christ, Martyr on the Cross for Christ

It is claimed, that the words below were spoken by St Andrew, according to an ancient account (which dates to the beginning of the 6th Century), entitled –

The Passion of Andrew

“Hail, O Cross, inaugurated by the Body of Christ
and adorned with His Limbs
as though they were precious pearls.
Before the Lord mounted you,
you inspired an earthly fear.
Now, instead, endowed with heavenly love,
you are accepted as a gift.

Believers know of the great joy that you possess
and of the multitude of gifts you have prepared.
I come to you, therefore,
confident and joyful,
so that you too may receive me,
exultant as a disciple of the One
Who was hung upon you….

O blessed Cross, clothed in the majesty
and beauty of the Lord’s Limbs!…

Take me, carry me far from men
and restore me to my Teacher,
so that, through you,
the One Who redeemed me by you,
may receive me.

Hail, O Cross, yes, hail indeed!”

Posted in CHRIST the KING, Gerard MANLEY HOPKINS SJ, GOD ALONE!, HYMNS, JESUIT SJ, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The PASSION, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 5 November – St Ignatius and his Brethren – Seeing God in all things

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Quote/s of the Day – 5 November – All Saints and Blesseds of the Society of Jesus (SJ)

I Love Thee, O Thou Lord Most High!
Translation and Parphrase
of St Ignatius Loyola’s Latin Hymn
By Fr Edward Caswell CO (1814-1878)

I love, I love Thee, Lord most high!
Because Thou first hast loved me;
I seek no other liberty
But that of being bound to Thee.

May memory no thought suggest,
But shall to Thy pure glory tend;
My understanding find no rest
Except in Thee, its only End.

My God, I here protest to Thee,
No other will have I than Thine;
Whatever Thou hast given me,
I here again to Thee resign.

All mine is Thine — say but the word,
Whate’er Thou wllest shall be done;
I know Thy Love, all-gracious Lord;
I know It seeks my good alone.

Apart from Thee, all things are naught;
Then grant, O my supremest bliss!
Grant me to love Thee as I ought;
Thou givest all in giving this!

“A precious crown is reserved in Heaven
for those who endow their actions with
all the diligence of which they are capable,
for, it is not enough to do good,
we must do it well!”

“God takes special care
to detach from the passing pleasures of this world,
those whom He Loves with special predilection,
by sending them desires after heavenly bliss
and, by the sorrows and bitterness
of the present life.”

St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

I Love Thee, God, I Love Thee
O Deus Ego Amo Te
By St Francis Xavier (1506-1552)
Translated by Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ (1844-1889)

I love Thee, God, I love Thee—
Not out of hope for Heaven for me
Nor fearing not to love and be
in the everlasting burning.
Thou, my Jesus, after me
Didst reach Thine arms out dying,
For my sake suffered nails and lance,
Mocked and marred countenance,
Sorrows passing number,
Sweat and care and cumber,
Yea and death and this for me,
And Thou could see me sinning.
Then I, why should not I love Thee,
Jesu so much in love with me?
Not for Heaven’s sake, not to be
Out of hell by loving Thee,
Not for any gains I see,
But just the way that Thou didst me
I do love and will love Thee.
What must I love Thee, Lord, for then?
For being my King and God.
Amen

“We must make our way towards eternity,
never regarding what men think of us,
or of our actions,
studying only to please God.”

St Francis Borgia (1510-1572)

““Man’s salvation and perfection
consists in doing the Will of God
which he must have in view in all things
and, at every moment of his life.”

St Peter Claver (1581-1654)

“Can we think, the life of man,
better employed than in this good work?
What do I say? Would not all the labours
of a thousand men, be well rewarded,
in the conversion of a single soul
gained to Jesus Christ?
I have always felt a great love
for this kind of life
and for a profession so excellent
and so akin to that of the Apostles.”

St Isaac Jogues (1607-1646)
Martyr

“Are we in the habit of seeing all thing in God
and God in all things?
Do we accept all things from His Holy Hands
and do His Will cheerfully and lovingly?
Do we try to control ourselves when God sends
us sorrows, in addition to joy?
If we find we are in need of reform in this matter,
we should make good resolutions and fulfil them!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Quote/s of the Day – 4 November – Saint Charles Borromeo

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Quote/s of the Day – 4 November – Saint Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) He is known as the “Father of the Clergy” – Some of his Patronages: Bishops, Priests, Seminarians • Catechists • Catechumens • Spiritual Directors • Spiritual leaders

“Charity is that with which,
no man is lost,and without which,
no man is saved.”

“Stay quiet with God.
Do not spend your time in useless chatter…
Do not give yourself to others,
so completely that you have
nothing left for yourself.”

“Behold Jesus Christ Crucified,
Who is the only Foundation of our hope;
He is our Mediator and Advocate;
the Victim and Sacrifice for our sins.
He is Goodness and Patience itself;
His Mercy is moved by the tears o sinners
and He never refuses pardon and grace
to those who ask it with a truly contrite
and humbled heart.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/11/04/quote-s-of-the-day-4-november-saint-charles-borromeo/

St Charles Borromeo (1538-1584)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, The INCARNATION, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 November – “Well done, good and faithful servant … Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”- Matthew 25:21

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One Minute Reflection – 4 Novemer – “The Month of The Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Saint Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) – Sirach 44:16-27; 45:3-20 – Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Well done, good and faithful servant … Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”- Matthew 25:21

REFLECTION – “The Word of the Father, Only-begotten Son of God, Sun of Justice (Mal 3:20), is the great Merchant Who has brought us the price of our redemption. It is a truly precious exchange which we can never value sufficiently, when a King, Son of the King Most High, has become the Coin, the Gold has paid our dues, the Just Man is given for the sinner. Truly unmerited mercy, perfectly disinterested love, astonishing goodness …, it is a completely disproportionate purchase, in which the Son of God is delivered up for the servant, the Creator is put to death for the one He has created, the Lord is condemned for His slave.

O Christ, these are Thine Works, Thou Who descended from Heaven’s brightness into our hellish darkness, to bring Light to our gloomy prison. Thou came down from the Right Hand of the Divine Majesty, into our human misery, to redeem the human race, Thou Who descended from the Father’s glory, to death on the Cross, to triumph over death and its author. Thou art the only One and there is no other but Thee Who could have been drawn to redeem us through Thine Own Goodness…

Let all the merchants of Teman (Bar 3:23) withdraw from this place … it is not they but Israel [Thy] beloved whom [Thou hast] chosen, Thou Who hide these mysteries from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to those babes and humble servants of Thine (Lk 10:21) … O Lord, I willingly embrace this purchase since it concerns me!… I remember all the things Thou hast done, Thou Who desire that I should keep them alive … Therefore, I shall profit by this talent which Thou hast lent to me until Thy return and will stand before Thee with great joy. O God, grant that I may then hear these sweet words: “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Mt 25:21).” – St Bernard O.Cist. (1091-1153) Cistercian Monk, known as the Last Father and the Mellifluous Doctor of the Church (Selected sermons, no 42: The Five Purchases).

PRAYER – Safeguard Thy Church, O Lord, under the continual protection of St Charles, Thy Confessor and Bishop, so that just as his concern for his flock made him glorious, so his intercession may make us ever fervent in loving Thee. 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 WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, JESUIT SJ, OUR Cross, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST

Our Morning Offering – 30 October – This is My Joy, To Follow My Saviour By St Alphonsus Rodriguez

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Our Morning Offering – 30 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Feast of – St Alphonsus Rodriquez SJ (1532-1617)

This is My Joy, To Follow My Saviour
A Prayer to Seek the Consolation of the Cross
By St Alphonsus Rodriguez SJ (1532-1617)

Jesus, love of my soul,
centre of my heart!
Why am I not more eager to endure pains
and tribulations for love of Thee,
when Thou, my God,
have suffered so many for me?
Come, then, every sort of trial in the world,
for this is my delight,
to suffer for Jesus.
This is my joy,
to follow my Saviour
and to find my consolation
with my Consoler on the Cross.
This is my happiness,
this my pleasure –
to live with Jesus,
to walk with Jesus,
to converse with Jesus,
to suffer with and for Him,
this is my treasure!
Amen

Posted in CARMELITES, CHRIST the JUDGE, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), franciscan OFM, OUR Cross, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The HEART, The LAST THINGS, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Quote/s of the Day – 15 October – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila OCD (1515-1582) Virgin

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Quote/s of the Day – 15 October – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila OCD (1515-1582) Virgin

“Why should I fear the Judgement
when my Judge will be my Best Friend?”

“He gives according to the love He bears us …,
according to the courage He sees in each
and the love each has for His Majesty.
He will see, that whoever loves Him much,
will be able to suffer much for Him;
whoever loves Him little,
will be capable of little.
I myself hold,
that the measure for being able to bear,
a large or small cross, is love …”

“Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations,
Baptising them in the Name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28:19-20

“But, if Each One is distinct,
how can we say that the Three are One Essence?
For this is what we believe.
This is deepest truth and I would die for it
a thousand times.
In these Three Persons
there is but One Will and One Power and One Might; neither can One be without the Others.
There is One Sole Creator of all created things.
Could the Son create an ant without the Father?
No! because Their Power is One.
The same is to be said of the Holy Ghost.
Thus, there is one God Almighty
and the Three Persons are One Majesty.
Is it possible to love the Father without loving the Son
and the Holy Ghost?
No, for those who please One of the Three Persons,
please all Three Persons and those who offend One,
offend all.
Can the Father exist without the Son
and without the Holy Ghost?
No, for they are One in Being and where One is,
there are the Three; they cannot be divided.”

AND by St Teresa’s Confessor,
St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562) Confessor:

“Strain not after tears,
strive not for sentiments of devotion,
do not force your heart.
Rest rather in interior solitude.
Dwell therein quietly, waiting
until God’s will be accomplished in you.
When it shall please Him to send you tears,
oh, how sweet will those tears be,
for is not your impatience
which has secured them –
they are the fruits of humility and of peace.
On your part, then, you must receive them
with the deepest self-effacement,
allowing God to work in you.”

St Teresa, who has written much in his praise,
says among other things:

“He died as he had lived, a Saint
and I have, after his death, received
many graces from God, through his intercession.
I have often seen him in great glory
and when I saw him the first time,
he said to me:
‘O happy penance, which has obtained
so great a glory for me!‘”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/15/quote-s-of-the-day-15-october-st-teresa-of-jesus-of-avila/

St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582)

Posted in MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, ROSARY QUOTES, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The PASSION, The RESURRECTION

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

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

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

“Do we wish to share also in the joy of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?
Let us imitate Mary.
First of all, we must participate as she did in the sufferings of Christ.
By meditating frequently on the Passion and Death of Christ, we can nourish in our hearts, an intense love for Him Who suffered so much for our salvation.
Let us learn to carry our cross, as He carried His, with resignation and with conformity to God’s Will.
Spiritual joy is always the fruit of renunciation and love.

We cannot be happy with Jesus triumphant ,if we have not first imitated Jesus suffering.
We cannot rise gloriously into Heaven, if we have not first walked patiently with Mary along the Way of Calvary!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, PATIENCE - Fr Richard CLARKE, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, St Francis de Sales, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 27 September – Behold, your reward is great in Heaven,

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

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

Luke 6:23

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

Matthew 5:12

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

St John of the Cross (1442-1591)
Doctor of the Church

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

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

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

Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, GOOD FRIDAY, HOLY WEEK, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 September – ‘ … God’s desire to be loved, rather than feared, to be a Father, rather than a Lord. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 26 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

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

REFLECTION – “I appeal to you by the Mercy of God. This appeal is made by Paul, or rather, it is made by God through Paul because of God’s desire to be loved, rather than feared, to be a Father, rather than a Lord. God appeals to us in His Mercy to avoid having to punish us in His severity.

Listen to the Lord’s appeal:
In Me, I want you to see your own body, your members, your heart, your bones, your blood. You may fear what is Divine but why not love what is human? You may run away from Me as the Lord but why not run to Me as your Father? Perhaps you are filled with shame for causing My bitter Passion. Do not be afraid. This Cross inflicts a mortal injury, not on Me but on death! These nails no longer pain Me but only deepen your love for Me. I do not cry out because of these Wounds but through them, I draw you into My Heart. My Body was stretched on the Cross as a symbol, not of how much I suffered but of My all-embracing Love. I count it no less, to shed My Blood, it is the price I have paid for your ransom. Come then, return to Me and learn to know Me as your Father, Who repays good for evil, love for injury and boundless charity for piercing wounds!” – St Peter Chrysologus (c400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and Doctor of the Church (An Excerpt from Sermon 108).

PRAYER – May the continual protection of the blessed Martyrs comfort us, O Lord, for Thou do not cease to behold with favour those whom You have granted the grace of such assistance. 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 DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, Holy Name PRAYERS, JESUIT SJ, OUR Cross, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS on the CROSS of CHRIST, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, Quotes Self-Oblation, REDEMPTIVE Suffering, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY NAME, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 26 September – Jesus, What Can I Give Thee in Return? The Prayer of St Jean de Brébeuf

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Our Morning Offering – 26 September – St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646), St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions

Jesus, What Can I Give Thee in Return?
The Prayer of St Jean de Brébeuf SJ (1593-1649)

Jesus, my Lord and Saviour,
what can I give Thee in return
for all the favours Thou hast
first conferred upon me?
I will take from Thy Hand,
the Cup of Thine Sufferings
and call on Thy Name.
I vow before Thee, eternal Father and the Holy Ghost,
before Thy most holy Mother
and her most chaste Spouse,
before the Angels, Apostles and Martyrs,
before my blessed fathers,
Saint Ignatius and Saint Francis Xavier,
in truth, I vow to Thee, Jesus my Saviour,
that, as far as I have the strength,
I will never fail to accept the grace of Martyrdom,
if someday Thou, in Thine Infinite Mercy,
should offer it to me,
Thy most unworthy servant …
My beloved Jesus,
here and now, I offer
my body and blood and life.
May I die only for Thee,
if Thou will grant me this grace,
since Thou willingly died for me.
Let me so live that Thou may grant me
the gift of such a happy death.
In this way, my God and Saviour,
I will take from Thy Hand,
the Cup of Thine Sufferings
and call upon Thy Name,
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOOD FRIDAY, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 19 September – In Thine Hour of Holy Sadness

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Our Morning Offering – 19 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”

In Thine Hour of Holy Sadness
By St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father & Doctor of the Church

In Thine hour of holy sadness
could I share with Thee, what gladness
should Thine Cross to me be showing.
Gladness past all thought of knowing,
bowed beneath Thine Cross to die!
Blessed Jesus, thanks I render
that in bitter death, so tender,
Thou now hear Thy supplicant calling,
Save me Lord!
and keep from falling, from Thee,
when my hour is nigh.
Amen.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The IMITATION of CHRIST, The LAST THINGS, Thomas a Kempis

Thought for the Day – 17 September – Carrying our Cross

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

Carrying our Cross

“There is only one way to become holy and to win Heaven.
This is the way of the Cross.
The Imitation of Christ contains some moving thoughts on the subject of the Royal Road of the Cross.
We shall summarise them here.

The words of Jesus seem difficult to many: “Renounce yourself, take up your cross and follow Me.”
But, it would be much more difficult to hear on the last day those terrible words: “Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire.”
Those who listen now and accept the message of the Cross, need not be afraid of hearing this irrevocable sentence on that day.
Why avoid the way of the Cross if it is the only road which leads to Heaven?
In the Cross there is salvation; in the Cross there is protection from our enemies.
If we carry our cross with submission and love, we shall find peace of soul.
If we intertwine our cross with the Cross of Jesus, we shall obtain energy of mind, joy of spirit and perfect holiness.
If we die on the Cross with Jesus, we shall live with Him in eternal happiness.
If we are His companions in suffering, we shall also be with Him one day in glory (Rom 6:8).

Everything depends on our dying on the Cross with Jesus.
There is no other way to life and to true interior peace but the way of the Holy Cross and of daily mortification (Imitation of Christ, Bk II ch 12).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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One Minute Reflection – 17 September– Christ is our Glory, Property and Kingdom!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The HOLY CROSS

Thought for the Day – 16 September – Our Martyrdom

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Thought for the Day – 16 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Our Martyrdom

“St Ambrose describes virtue, as a slow martyrdom.
In this sense, we must all be Martyrs.
There is only one difference.
The Martyrs of the Church shed their blood and gave up their lives for Jesus, within one hour or one day and gained their reward immediately.
Our Martyrdom, on the other hand, will be prolonged.
It will last all our lives and will end only when we accept death with resignation from the hands of God.
Ours is the Martyrdom of virtue.
Let us clearly understand, that solid Christian virtue is a slow and continual Martyrdom which will only end with death.
It is not a flower which springs up spontaneously in the garden of the soul.
It is like a seed which is thrown on the damp earth and must die there slowly, so that it can generate young shoots which will produce the ears of corn.
“Unless the grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But, if it dies, it brings forth much fruit” (Jn 12:24-25).
It is necessary, then, to descend into the mire of humility and to remain there until we die.
Only after we have died to ourselves, shall we rise again in God (Cf ibid).
After the death of our lower instincts and vices, we shall find a new life.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day – 14 September – The Crucifix

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

The Crucifix

“The Crucifix is a simple meditation manual, open and intelligible to all, even to the most illiterate.
Anyone who turns to it, can study the sorrowful gaze of Jesus, His heart pierced with love for men.
His head crowned with thorns, His hands and feet transfixed with nails which support His divine body, streaming blood and writhing in anguish.
The Crucifix should be dear and sacred to every Catholic.
It should stand at the head of his bed, hang around his neck and hold a prominent position in his place of work or study.

Above all, however, the Crucifix should have its place in the heart of every fervent Catholic.
At every moment of his life, in time of sadness and of joy, he should remember, that God became man and suffered and died for him.
He should remember also, that this implies an obligation on his part, to work, suffer and die, for the love of God alone!

Many people meditate on the Crucifix.
They kiss it and claim to love it.
But while they love the Crucifix, they have no love for their particular cross, which they try, by every means in their power, to fling far away from them.
Now, it is very certain, that anyone who does not love his own cross, does not really love the Crucifix, for Jesus has told us that, “if anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mt 16:24).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Quote/s of the Day – 14 September – Exaltation of the Holy Cross

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Quote/s of the Day – 14 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” and the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

“We are made a spectacle to the world
and to Angels and to men.
We are fools for Christ’s sake
but you are wise in Christ;
we are weak but you are strong;
you are honourable but we without honour.
Even unto this hour, we both hunger and thirst
and are naked and are buffeted
and have no fixed abode.
And we labour, working with our own hands.
We are reviled and we bless.
We are persecuted and we suffer it.
We are blasphemed and we entreat.
We are made as the refuse of this world,
the offscouring of all, even until now.”

St Paul – 1 Corinthians 4:9-14

“Be imitators of God, as very dear children
and walk in love, as Christ also loved us
and delivered Himself up for us …”

St Paul … Ephesians 5:1-2

“Carry me, O Christ,
on Thy Cross
which is salvation to the wanderer,
rest for the wearied
and, in which alone,
is Life for those who die.”

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

“Happy the soul which detaches itself
from its own pleasure,
from its own will,
from its own understanding.
A sublime lesson is this
and God will teach it,
to all those who place their happiness
in the Cross of Jesus Christ.”

St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775)

“Crosses, contempt,
sorrows and afflictions,
are the real treasures
of the lovers of Jesus Christ Crucified.”

St Margaret Mary Alacoque
(1647-1690)

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/14/quote-s-of-the-day-14-september-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross-the-book-of-life/

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One Minute Reflection – 14 September – ‘I … ‘will never find Thee, except on the Cross …’

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One Minute Reflection – 14 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Exaltation of the Holy Cross – Pentecost XIV – Philippians 2:5-11 – John 12:31-36 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to Myself.” – John 12:32

REFLECTION – “Far be it for me to glory, except in the Cross of my Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal 6:4). The Cross is Thy glory, the Cross is Thy Dominion. Behold, upon Thy shoulders Dominion rests (Is 9:5). Those who bear Thy Cross, bear Thy glory. That is why the Cross which makes unbelievers quail, is more beautiful than all the trees of Paradise to believers. Was Christ afraid of the Cross? Or Peter? Or Andrew? To the contrary! they longed for it. Christ went to meet it “like a champion joyfully running his course” (Ps 18:6): “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Lk 22:15). He ate the Passover even as He suffered His Passion when He passed from this world to His Father. He ate and drank on the Cross, He was drunk with wine and fell asleep …

From henceforth, who can fear the Cross? Lord, I may traverse Heaven and earth, the sea and dry land, yet will never find Thee, except on the Cross. It is there Thou sleeps, there Thou pasture Thy flock, there Thou rest at noonday (Sg 1:7). One ,who is united to his Lord, sweetly sings upon this Cross: “Thou, O Lord, my encircling shield, my glory, Thou lifts up my head” (Ps 3:4). None seeks for Thee, none finds Thee, except on the Cross. O glorious Cross, embed Thyself in me that I may be found in Thee!” – St Bernard (1091-1153) Cistercian Abbot, Father and the Mellifluous Doctor of the Church (Meditation on the Passion (attrib),

PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us this day by the annual feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, grant, we beseech Thee, that we, who know on earth, the mysteries of Christ, may be found worthy to obtain, in heaven, the rewards of His Redemption. 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).

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Our Morning Offering – 14 September – Faithful Cross Above All Others

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Our Morning Offering – 14 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Faithful Cross! Above All Other
By St Venantius Fortunatus (c 530 – c 609)

Faithful Cross! above all other,
one and only noble tree!
None in foliage, none in blossom,
none in fruit thy peer may be;
sweetest wood and sweetest iron,
sweetest weight is hung on thee.

Bend thy boughs, O tree of glory!
Thy relaxing sinews bend;
for awhile the ancient rigour
that thy birth bestowed, suspend
and the King of heavenly beauty
gently on thine arms extend.

Praise and honour to the Father,
praise and honour to the Son,
praise and honour to the Spirit,
ever Three and ever One:
One in might and One in glory
while eternal ages run.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD

Thought for the Day – 11 September – Following Jesus, the Divine Model

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Thought for the Day – 11 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Following Jesus, the Divine Model

“Jesus is the Divine Model, Whom we ought to follow and imitate.
In Him, the virtues possess both the Infinite splendour of the Divinity and the gentle appeal of glorified Humanity.
Jesus does not dazzle us with His brightness but kindly invites us to love and follow Him.
“Learn from me” He says, “for I am meek and humble of heart and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:29).
After He has indicated humility, meekness and interior peace, as the foundations of the spiritual life, He invites us to take up the yoke of His law and assures us, that we shall find it light (Mt 11).

If we follow Jesus, even though we are bowed with Him, beneath the weight of the Cross, we shall experience, even in this life, a reflection of the peace and joy which will be our reward in Heaven.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day – 9 September –Carrying our Cross

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Thought for the Day –9 September – 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

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Our Morning Offering – 9 September – Fr Faber’s O Come and Mourn With Me Awhile

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Our Morning Offering – 9 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” and Our Lady’s Saturday

O Come and Mourn With Me Awhile
By Fr F W Faber C.Orat (1814-1863)

O come and mourn with me awhile,
See Mary calls us to her side;
O come and let us mourn with her.
Jesus, our Love, is Crucified.

Have we no tears to shed for Him,
While soldiers scoff and Jews deride?
Ah, look how patiently He hangs.
Jesus, our Love, is Crucified.

How fast His feet and hands are nailed,
His blessed tongue with thirst is tied,
His failing eyes are blind with blood.
Jesus, our Love, is Crucified.

O love of God! O sin of man!
In this dread act Thy strength is tried
And victory remains with love,
For He, our Love, is Crucified
Amen

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, MOTHER of GOD, OUR Cross, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The NATIVITY of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 8 September – Mary, the Mother of God

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

Mary, the Mother of God

“St Matthew (Cf Mt 12:46-50) and St Mark (Cf Mk 3:31-35), relate how Jesus was preaching one day in Galilee, surrounded by His Apostles and by a large crowd, when a man approached and said: “Behold, thy mother and thy brethren are standing outside, seeking thee.”
“Who is my mother,” He answered, “and who are my brethren?”
Then He extended His hand towards His disciples and said: “Behold, my mother and my brethren! For whoever does the will of my Father in Heaven, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

These words were directed at us, not at Our Lady.
Not only was she the Immaculate Mother of Jesus Christ but, she performed lovingly, on all occasions, the Will of the heavenly Father.
She did His Will, in poverty and obedience, in exile and on Mount Calvary.
Therefore, she was God’s Mother in the spiritual, as well as, in the physical sense of the word, insofar, as she was constantly united to Him by a bond of love and of conformity with His desires.

Christ’s words indicate, that Mary’s perfect and continuous acceptance of God’s Will, was even more pleasing to God, than the dignity of the Divine Motherhood.

We cannot equal her in dignity but, we can imitate her in this other respect.
Jesus will look on us as His brothers and as worthy sons of Mary, if we carry out His Will in all things.
It is not always easy to do this.
It is not easy, when we are strongly tempted to commit sins of pride, anger or impurity.
It is not easy, when we are overcome by sorrow or by sickness, when we are let down or misunderstood by others, when we are in want and, when we feel that we are collapsing beneath the weight of our cross.
At times like these, we should pray for Mary’s spirit of complete acceptance of the Will of God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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One Minute Reflection – 7 September – ‘ … And, it was not enough for Him to restore those to life, who lay in death. … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 7 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Pentecost XIII – Galatians 3:16-22 – Luke 17:11-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Were not ten made clean? And where are the other nine?” – Luke 17:17

REFLECTION – “After having offended our Benefactor by our indifference to His signs of Goodwill, we have, nevertheless, not been forsaken by the Lord’s Goodness nor cut off from His Love but, we have been rescued from death and restored to life by our Lord Jesus Christ. And the way in which we have been saved is even more worthy of wonder. “Although He was in the form of God, He did not regard equality with God something to be grasped but emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave” (Phil 2:6-7).

He carried our weakness and bore our sufferings, He was put to death for our sake that we might be saved by His Wounds, He redeemed us from the curse, by becoming accursed for us (cf Is 53:-5; Gal 3:13). He endured the most degrading of deaths to lead us to life and glory. And, it was not enough for Him to restore those to life, who lay in death. He clothed them again in the Divine dignity and prepared for them,, in everlasting rest, a happiness which exceeds all human imagining!” – St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Father & Doctor of the Church (Great monastic Rules 2)

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants, that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of thine eternal gladness.Through 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).

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Thought for the Day – 5 September – The Sacred Heart of Jesus Surmounted by a Flaming Cross

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

The Sacred Heart of Jesus
Surmounted by a Flaming Cross

“St Margaret Mary saw the Sacred Heart of Jesus, surmounted by flames in the midst of which, a Cross was raised on high.
These flames and this Cross, were the symbol of the Infinite Love of Jesus.
Let us reflect a little.
God, immeasurably happy in Himself, wished to communicate a share in His happiness to men, whom He created in a state of earthly happiness.
He was offended by men and, when He saw that they were heading for destruction, He sent His Eternal Word to them.
The Word took a human nature and became our Brother;  He preached the way to Heaven and gave us the means to achieve it.
More than this, He offered Himself as a Divine victim of expiation for our sins.
Having been condemned by those whom He had come to show the way, He died on the Cross and shed all His Blood, for our salvation.

Pagans of all times have called this “the folly of the Cross.”
In fact, it is the miracle of the Infinite Love of God for humanity.
Let us remember, however, that, although His Love and Goodness are Infinite, so also is His Justice!
It is an overwhelming miracle of love on the part of God, that He became man and died for us.
It will be our own downfall if we fail to co-operate with this miracle of love!

The same Jesus, Who died on the Cross for us and revealed His Heart, pierced and flaming with love, will one day appear with the same glorious Sign of the Cross, as our Supreme Judge.
Then, He will say to the wicked: “Depart from me, accursed ones, into everlasting fire!”

God’s Justice is, as Infinite as His charity!
We must choose either the way of the Cross, the way of love and goodness to which the Sacred Heart of Jesus invites us, or the way of sin which leads to the gulf of ruin and the final condemnation of the Supreme Judge.
This is the tremendous choice we have to make!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day –3 Seotember – The Royal Road of the Cross

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

The Royal Road of the Cross

“We all have our own cross.
When we reject it, we fashion one for ourselves by our defects and sins which leave us discontented and restless and draws God’s punishment upon us.

It is useless to flee from the Cross, for it follows us everywhere.
If we refuse to accept the cross which God has given us, we take upon ourselves, one which is heavier than the first.
Worldlings can bask for a moment in their pleasures but, it soon passes and is replaced by bitterness and sorrow.
Their suffering is deeper than that of a good Christian, who places his trust in God.
There is only one way of making our cross easier to bear and that is to embrace it as Jesus did.
We should love the Cross because it is suffering which shows us how to become like Jesus, to make reparation for our sins and to co-operate by our own passion with the Passion of Christ (Cf Col 1:24).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Our Morning Offering – 1 September – My Sorrowful Mother, Help Me to Bear My Crosses

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Our Morning Offering – 1 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” –

My Sorrowful Mother,
Help Me to Bear My Crosses
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

My sorrowful Mother,
by the merit of that grief
which you felt
at seeing your beloved Jesus
led to death,
obtain for me the grace
to bear with patience,
those crosses which God sends me.
I will be fortunate
if I also shall know how
to accompany you
with my cross until death.
You and Jesus,
both innocent,
have borne a heavy cross
and shall I,
a sinner who has merited hell,
refuse mine?
Immaculate Virgin,
I hope you will help me
to bear my crosses with patience.
Amen

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One Minute Reflection – 30 August–  “Many will come … ” – Matthew 8:11

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One Minute Reflection – 30 August – “The Month of the
Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Rose of Lima OP (1586-1617) Virgin – 2 Cor inthians10:17-18; 11:1-2 – Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Many will come from the east and the west and will recline… at the banquet in the Kingdom of Heaven” – Matthew 8:11

REFLECTION – “I have seen our Lord in the Gospel accomplish many miracles and, reassured by them, have strengthened my fearful words. I have seen the centurion throw himself at the Lord’s feet, nations send their firstfruits to Christ. The Cross has not yet been erected and already, pagans hasten towards their Master. The words “Go, teach all nations” have not yet been heard (Mt 28,19) but the nations are already hastening. Their race precedes their call, they are burning with desire for the Lord. The sound of preaching has not yet been heard but they are hurrying towards the One Who preaches. Peter… has now been instructed and they gather around the One Who is teaching him; the light of Paul has not yet blazed beneath Christ’s standard and nations are coming with incense to adore the King (Mt 2:1).

And now, see how a centurion begs Him and says to him: “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralysed, suffering dreadfully.” Here is a new miracle indeed! The servant, whose limbs are paralysed leads his master to the Lord; the slaves’ sickness gives health to his owner. Seeking his servant’s healing, he finds our Lord and while he is seeking for his slave’s cure, he becomes Christ’s conquest!” – Basil of Seleucia (Died c 468) Archbishop (Homily 19 on the centurion, PG 85, 235f).

PRAYER – Almighty God, Giver of all good things, Who willed that blessed Rose, imbued in early life with the dew of heavenly grace, should bloom among the Indians with the beauty of virginity and patience, grant unto us, Thy servants that, following the fragrance of her sweetness, we may be found worthy to become a sweet savour of Christ. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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One Minute Reflection – 28 August – ‘Be lamps yourselves ! …’ St Augustine

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 28 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Confessor, Great Western Father and Doctor of the Church – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel but upon a candlestick …” – Matthew 5:15

REFLECTION – “What sort of candlestick is this which bears such a light? I will teach you.
Be lamps yourselves and you will have a place on this lampstand. Christ’s Cross is one great lampstand.
Whoever wants to shine out should not be ashamed of this wooden candlestick.
Listen to me and you will get the point – the candlestick is the Cross of Christ …

“So will your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and glorify” Glorify Whom? Not yourself, since to seek your own glory is to want to be extinguished!
“Glorify your heavenly Father.” Yes, that they may glorify Him, your heavenly Father, when they see your good works…

Listen to the Apostle Paul: “May I never glory except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world” (Gal 6:14).” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – Give heed to our humble prayers, Almighty God and through the intercession of blessed Augustine, Thy Confessor and Bishop, kindly grant Thy oft-given mercy to those upon whom Thou bestows great hope in Thy forgiveness. 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).