Category: OUR Cross

Posted in "Follow Me", CARMELITES, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, OUR Cross, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 December – “I lost myself and was found”

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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/

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

REFLECTION – “I lost myself and was found”

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

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

PRAYER – O 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 "Follow Me", ADVENT QUOTES, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, MARIAN QUOTES, OUR Cross, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PURITY, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SLOTH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on WATCHING, SAINT of the DAY, The HEART, The HOLY CROSS, The SECOND COMING

Quote/s of the Day – 7 December – St Ambrose

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Quote/s of the Day – 7 December – St Ambrose (340-397) – Confessor, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church

“O, that the soul of Mary were in us,
to glorify the Lord!
That the spirit of Mary were in us,
to rejoice in God.
May the life of Blessed Mary
be ever present to our awareness.
In her, as in a mirror,
the form of virtue
and beauty of chastity, shine forth.
She was Virgin, not only in body
but in mind and spirit.
She never sullied the pure affection of her heart
by unworthy feelings.
She was humble of heart.
She was serious in her conversations.
She was prudent in her counsels.
She preferred to pray rather than to speak.
She united in her heart the prayers of the poor,
and avoided the uncertainty of worldly riches.
She was ever faithful to her daily duties,
reserved in her conversations
and always accustomed to recognise God
as the witness of her thoughts.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus!”

(On Virginity II 2.7)

“Watch, therefore because you know not
the day, nor the hour.”
Matthew 25:13

“ In the hours of the night, think always on Christ
and hope for His coming at every moment. …
Christ enters at the open door.
He will not fail to do so, for He has promised to enter.
Embrace Him, Whom you have sought.
Approach Him and be illumined.
Hold Him and ask Him not to go away quickly.
Beg Him not to depart.
For “His Word runs swiftly” (Ps 147:15)
and will not be held by the slothful
or negligent soul.
Let your soul run to His call and follow closely, t
he sound of His heavenly Voice,
for His passing is swift. …”

“Open wide your door to the One who comes.
Open your soul,
throw open the depths of your heart
to see the riches of simplicity,
the treasures of peace,
the sweetness of grace.
Open your heart
and run to meet
the Sun of Eternal Light
Who illuminates all men.”

“No-one heals himself
by wounding another.”

“Our own evil inclinations
are far more dangerous,
than any external enemies. ”

“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.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/07/quote-s-of-the-day-7-december-st-ambrose-3/

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

Posted in OUR Cross, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HOLY CROSS

Quote of the Day – 30 November – The Passion of Andrew:

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Quote of the Day – 30 November – 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 "Follow Me", CATECHESIS, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOOD FRIDAY, JESUIT SJ, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, OUR Cross, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, St Francis de Sales, The HOLY CROSS, The LORD'S PRAYER, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION

Quote/s of the Day – 25 November – Life for those who die

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Quote/s of the Day – 25 November – Sirach 51:1-8; 5:12, Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Behold, the Bridegroom is coming,
go forth to meet Him!”
Matthew 25:6

“He worked and struggled as our Champion
against our enemies,
broke open the bars of our prison,
won the struggle,
vanquished our death through His Own,
redeemed us through His Blood,
freed us through His water in Baptism
and made us rich,
through His Sacraments and His gifts,
so that, as He says in the Gospel (Mt 25:6),
we might “go out” with all virtues to,
“meet Him” in the palace of His glory
and enjoy Him forever in eternity.”

Bl Jan van Ruysbroeck (1293-1381)

“So, my brothers, let us pray as God our master has taught us.
To ask the Father in words His Son has given us,
to let Him hear the prayer of Christ ringing in His ears,
is to make our prayer one of friendship, a family prayer.
Let the Father recognise the words of His Son.
Let the Son who lives in our hearts, be also on our lips.
We have Him as an Advocate for sinners, before the Father,
when we ask for forgiveness for ours sins,
let us use the words given by our Advocate.
He tells us –
Whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give you.
What more effective prayer could we then make,
in the name of Christ, than in the words of His own prayer?”

An excerpt from St Cyprian’s
Treatise On the Lord’s Prayer

St Cyprian of Carthage (c 200-258)
Martyr, Bishop of Carthage,
Father of the Church

“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

“The soul glorifies the Lord,
when it consecrates all its inner powers
on praising and serving God
and when, by its submission
to the Divine commands,
it proves that it never loses sight
of His Power and Majesty.
The spirit rejoices in God, its Saviour,
when it places all its joy
in the remembrance of its Creator,
from Whom it hopes for eternal salvation.”

St Bede the Venerable (673-735)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“When you pray,
hear Mass,
sit at table,
engage in business and,
when at bedtime you remove your clothes—
at all times, yearn that by the pain
which He felt when He was stripped
just before His Crucifixion,
He may strip us of our evil habits of mind.
Thus, naked, of earthly things,
we may also embrace the Cross!”

St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572)

“Jesus Nazarenus, Rex Judeaorum –
Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews.”
John 19:19

“HE DIED, THEN
But although He died for us and was lifted up on the Cross,
those who refuse to look upon Him, will surely die,
for there is no other redemption but in this Cross.

O God, how spiritually beneficial and profitable
is a consideration of Thy Cross and Passion!
Can we contemplate our Saviour’s humility on the Cross,
without becoming humble and,
having some affection for humiliations?
Can we see His obedience, without being obedient?
Certainly not!
No-one has ever looked upon Our Lord Crucified
and remained dead or sick.
On the other hand, all who have died,
have done so because.
they were unwilling to gaze upon Him,
just as the Israelites died.
who were unwilling to gaze upon the serpent
which Moses had raised upon the pole.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on TIME, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY CROSS

Quote/s of the Day – 22 November – Ready?

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Quote/s of the Day – 22 November – St Cecilia (Died 3rd Century) Virgin Martyr – Ecclesiasticus 51:13-17, Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ … The Bridegroom came
and they, who were ready,
went in with Him … ”

Matthew 25:10

“Penance is a needful thing to the sinner,
who desires to recover health of his soul.
And, in doing penance, there be three things
to be considered:
serious compunction of heart,
confession of mouth
and satisfaction by deed.”

St John Fisher (1469-1535)
Martyr

“If you wish to rid yourself of self-love,
purify your intentions
and, in every action,
seek what is pure
and what alone, will give honour to God.”

St Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539)

“Lord, forgive this great sinner.
Give me time to do penance.
No more world, no more sins!”

St Camillus de Lellis MI (1550-1614)

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

St Madeleine Sophie Barat (1779-1865)

“If we are to reach God, Who is our goal,
it is necessary for us to know, love and serve Him.
In the hidden depths of our own being, we hear His Voice.
As our Creator, Redeemer and Benefactor,
God has the right to the undivided affection of our hearts.
This love should not be empty and sterile, however,
it should be active and effective.
Knowing and loving God,
we should feel the obligation of serving Him
as our Master, in whatever He commands,
even when this demands a heavy sacrifice on our part!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, OUR Cross, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on WATCHING, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY CROSS, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 November –“ … Keep going, persevere, bear and accept this delay and you have carried His Cross!”

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One Minute Reflection – 22 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – St Cecilia (Died 3rd Century) Virgin Martyr – Ecclesiasticus 51:13-17, Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

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

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

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

PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us by the annual feast of blessed Cecilia, Thy Virgin and Martyr, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may by virtuous conduct follow her, whom we venerate in this sacred rite. 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 CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, NOTES to Followers, OUR Cross, PRAYERS for the SOULS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS

Death in the Family – ‘Carry me, O Christ …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Dear Friends
On Thursday evening, 9 November, we lost a close family member, my elder sister, who left us on her final journey home. She had struggled against many odds, not just those related to health and finally gave up the fight and committed her spirit to our loving and merciful God. Our prayers for the dead this month are so appropriate for her soul now too and for these I thank you.
I shall be Absent (with your leave) for about 10 days.

St Ambrose: On the Death of His Brother

“To this must be added that, I cannot be ungrateful to God, for I must rather rejoice that I had such a brother, [sister for me] than grieve that I had lost a brother, for the former is a gift, the latter a debt to be paid.
And so, as long as I might, I enjoyed the loan entrusted to me – now, He Who deposited the pledge, has taken it back.
There is no difference between, denying that a pledge has been deposited and grieving at its being returned.
In each there is untrustworthiness and in each, [eternal] life is risked.
It is a fault, if you refuse repayment and impiety, if you refuse a sacrifice. Moreover, the lender of money can be made a fool of but the Author of nature, the Lender of all that we need, cannot be cheated.
And so, the larger the amount of the loan, so much the more gratitude is due for the use of the capital.” (From St Ambrose’ Sermon on the Death of his older brother, St Satyrus (c335-c378) Confessor). St Satyrus here: https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/17/saint-of-the-day-17-september-st-satyrus-of-milan-c335-c378-confessor/

“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

Prayer for the Dead
From My Prayer Book, 1927
By Fr Francis Xavier Lasance (1860-1946)

O God, whose property it is,
ever to have mercy and to spare,
we beseech Thee,
on behalf of the soul of Thy servant,
whom Thou hast called out of this world,
look upon her with pity
and let her be conducted
by the holy Angels to Paradise,
her true country.
Grant that she, who believed in Thee
and hoped in Thee, may not be left
to suffer the pains of the Purgatorial fires
but may be admitted to eternal joy.
Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord,
Who with the Holy Ghost-
liveth and reigneth,
world without end.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The ASCENSION of the LORD, The WILL of GOD, VENIAL SIN

Thought for the Day – 15 October – The Second Glorious Mystery – The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven

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

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
The Second Glorious Mystery
The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven

“In the course of our ascent, we must never stop and decide that we have gone far enough!
To stop would inevitably mean going backward.
Jesus and Mary are inviting and encouraging us to go higher and higher.

Have we been purified of sin, the defiler of the soul and the destroyer of human dignity?
Have we an intense horror, even of venial sin, which separates us from God and kills the life of grace?
It is still not enough – we must go higher.

Are we generous and unselfish in the fight to achieve holiness, guarding ourselves against the evil suggestions of the world, the flesh and the devil?
It is still not enough – we must continue to advance.

Do we carry the daily cross which God has entrusted to us and accept the burden with perfect resignation to His Holy Will?
Very good but even this is not enough!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/14/thought-for-the-day-14-october-the-second-glorious-mystery-the-ascension-of-jesus-into-heaven/

Posted in "Follow Me", MARIAN QUOTES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, REDEMPTIVE Suffering, ROSARY QUOTES, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, 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

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

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, ROSARY QUOTES, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 12 October – The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery – The Road to Calvary

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

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery
The Road to Calvary

“Scourged, crowned with thorns and derided, Jesus is finally condemned to death.
Burdened with the Cross, He sets out for the place of execution in the midst of a crowd of enemies, blasphemers and idle speculators.
Among them , there is only a tiny group which sympathises with Jesus, namely, Mary His Mother, the devout women and the beloved Apostle, St John.

The divine Redeemer goes forward laboriously beneath the heavy weight of the Cross.
He has already lost a large quantity of blood in Gethsemane and during the scourging and crowning with thorns.
His strength seems to be failing but love sustains Him.
Looking feebly around Him, He sees the mocking Jews, the indifferent and disrespectful Roman soldiers and a throng of curious spectators looking for something to amuse them.
Is there nobody else?
Where are those whom He cured miraculously and those whom He comforted and forgave?
Has nobody any pity for Him?
Suddenly the crowd falls silent.
A woman, pale and tearful, is approaching Him, supported by her friends.
She defies the commands of soldiers and the scowls of the executions and comes close to Him.

Here and there, a murmur is heard – It must be His Mother, poor woman!
Jesus and Mary gaze at one another.
It would be impossible for us to guess at the immense depths of love contained in that loving exchange of glances.
Neither utters a word, for no words could express their anguish, nor manifest their love.
They look and understand one another, offering themselves as a holocaust for the redemption of wayward humanity.

Nevertheless, in this silent meeting, there was great consolation for the Heart of Jesus, for He had found someone who loved and understood Him, amongst those malicious throngs.
Why do we not sympathise with Him too and love Him with all our hearts?”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in JESUIT SJ, OUR Cross, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS

Quote/s of the Day – 10 October – St Francis Borgia

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Quote/s of the Day – 10 October – St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572) Confessor

“When you pray,
hear Mass,
sit at table,
engage in business and,
when at bedtime you remove your clothes—
at all times, yearn that by the pain
which He felt when He was stripped
just before His Crucifixion,
He may strip us of our evil habits of mind.
Thus, naked, of earthly things,
we may also embrace the Cross!”

“What is it, my soul, that I seek in the world?
How long shall I pursue and grasp at shadows?
What is she already become,
who was lately so beautiful,
so great, so much revered?
This death which has thus treated the imperial diadem,
has already levelled his bow to strike me.
Is it not prudent, to prevent its stroke,
by dying now to the world that,
at my death. I may live to God?”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/10/quote-s-of-the-day-10-october-st-francis-borgia/

St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, Holy Name PRAYERS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, OUR Cross, QUOTES on BLASPHEMY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY NAME, The LORD'S PRAYER, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 September – Saint Cyprian of Carthage, Martyr

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Quote/s of the Day – 16 September – Saints Cornelius and Cyprian – Wisdom 3:1-8, Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And you shall be hated by all men,
for My Name’s sake.
But, not a hair of your head shall perish.”

Luke 21:17-18

“So, my brothers, let us pray as God our master has taught us.
To ask the Father in words His Son has given us,
to let Him hear the prayer of Christ ringing in His ears,
is to make our prayer one of friendship, a family prayer.
Let the Father recognise the words of His Son.
Let the Son who lives in our hearts, be also on our lips.
We have Him as an Advocate for sinners, before the Father,
when we ask for forgiveness for ours sins,
let us use the words given by our Advocate.
He tells us –
Whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give you.
What more effective prayer could we then make,
in the name of Christ, than in the words of His own prayer?”

An excerpt from St Cyprian’s
Treatise On the Lord’s Prayer
https://anastpaul.com/2019/06/20/thought-for-the-day-20-june-part-one-treatise-on-the-lords-prayer-st-cyprian-of-carthage-c-200-c-258/

“He [Christ], protects their faith
and gives strength to believers,
in proportion to the TRUST,
that each man,
who receives that strength,
is willing to place in Him.”

“ How grave is the case of a Christian,
if he, a servant, is unwilling to suffer
when his Master first suffered! …
The Son of God suffered that He
might make us sons of God
and the son of man will not suffer
that he may continue to be a son of God!? …
The Maker and Lord of the world
also warns us, saying: “If the world hates you,
remember that it hated Me before you.
If you were of the world, the world would love its own
but because you are not of the world
but I have chosen you out of the world ”
… remember the word that I said to you:
“The servant is not greater than his Lord”
(Jn 15:18-20).”

“I shall cultivate the ground around it
and fertilise it; it may bear fruit in the future.
If not, you may cut it down.”
Luke 13:8-9

“… This kind Master
closes His Church to no-one.
He not only receives
and pardons those adversaries,
those blasphemers,
those persistent enemies of His Name,
provided they do penance for their offence
and acknowledge the crime committed
but, He admits them to the reward
of the Kingdom of Heaven.
What can be called more patient,
what more kind?
Even he, who shed the Blood of Christ,
is given life,
by the Blood of Christ.”

May We Confess Your Name to the End
By St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258)

Good God,
may we confess Your Name to the end.
May we emerge unmarked
and glorious from the traps
and darkness of this world.
As You have bound us together
by charity and peace
and as together
we have persevered under persecution,
so may we also rejoice together
in Your heavenly kingdom.
Amen

St Cyprian of Carthage (c 200-258)
Martyr, Bishop of Carthage,
Father of the Church

Posted in "Follow Me", CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, OUR Cross, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, St Francis de Sales, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 14 September – Hail, Most Precious and Life-giving Cross of the Lord!

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

“If anyone serves Me,
let him follow Me
and where I am,
there also shall My servant be.”

John 12:25-26

“The wood of the Cross bears Him
Who made the universe.
Undergoing death for my life,
He Who bears the universe
is fastened to the tree, as one dead.
He Who breathes Life into the dead,
gives up the spirit on the tree.
The Cross brings no shame to Him at all
but, like a trophy,
confirms His complete victory.
Like a just Judge,
He is seated on the Throne of the Cross.
The Crown of Thorns.
He wears on His brow, confirms His victory
“Take courage, I have conquered the world
and the prince of this world,
by taking away the sin of this world”
(Jn 16:33; 1:29).”

St Germanus of Constantinople (c640-733)
Bishop, Father of the Church

Hail, Most Precious
and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord!

Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered
and let those, who hate Him,
flee from His Presence.
As smoke vanishes, let them vanish
and as wax melts by the presence of fire,
so let the demons perish by the presence
of those who love God
and who sign themselves
with the Sign of the Cross
and say in gladness:
Hail, Most Precious
and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord,
for Thou drives away the demons
by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ
Crucified on thee, Who went down to hell
and trampled on the power of the devil
and gave us thee, His venerable Cross,
for driving away all enemies.
O Most Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord,
help me with our holy Lady,
the Virgin Mother of God
and with all the Saints throughout the ages.
Amen.

St John Damascene (675-749)
Father and Doctor of the Church

(Part of the Night Prayers
by St John Damascene)

“If you cannot soar up as high as Christ
sitting on His Throne,
behold Him hanging on His Cross.
Rest in Christ’s Passion
and live willingly in His Holy Wounds.
You will gain marvellous strength
and comfort in adversities.
You will not care that men despise you!”

Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)

“Ah ! what is all that I do and suffer,
compared with what my Jesus did
and suffered for my sake?
O, that I might, for His honour,
be torn with scourges and pierced with nails
and expire on the Cross for Him!”

St Andrew Avellino (1521–1608)

“He mounted the Cross through obedience
and died on it through obedience.
All those who are willing to be saved through the Cross,
will find salvation there.
But those, who desire to be saved without it,
will perish miserably.
There is no salvation, except in this Cross.”

“Jesus Nazarenus, Rex Judeaorum –
Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews.”
John 19:19

“HE DIED, THEN
But although He died for us and was lifted up on the Cross,
those who refuse to look upon Him, will surely die,
for there is no other redemption but in this Cross.

O God, how spiritually beneficial and profitable
is a consideration of Thy Cross and Passion!
Can we contemplate our Saviour’s humility on the Cross,
without becoming humble and,
having some affection for humiliations?
Can we see His obedience, without being obedient?
Certainly not!
No-one has ever looked upon Our Lord Crucified
and remained dead or sick.
On the other hand, all who have died,
have done so because.
they were unwilling to gaze upon Him,
just as the Israelites died.
who were unwilling to gaze upon the serpent
which Moses had raised upon the pole.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

( Sermons of St Francis de Sales for Lent)

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Holy Name PRAYERS, I BELIEVE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, ON the SAINTS, OUR Cross, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on ZEAL, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, St Francis de Sales, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY NAME, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 11 September – ‘ … Perseverance unto death … ‘

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Quote/s of the Day – 11 September – “Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Protus and St Hyacinth (Died c257) Brother Martyrs – Wisdom 3:1-8, Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search here:

“And you shall be hated by all men,
for My Name’s sake.”

Luke 21:17

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

St Anthony Abbot (251-356)

“The Saints must be honoured
as friends of Christ
and children and heirs of God.
Let us carefully observe
the manner of life of all the Apostles,
Martyrs, Ascetics and just men,
who announced the coming of the Lord.
And let us emulate their faith,
charity, hope, zeal, life,
patience under suffering
and perseverance unto death,
so that we may also
share their crowns of glory.”

St John Damascene (676-749)
Father and Doctor of the Church

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

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

“Now, you must always persevere
in firmly placing all your trust in our Lord,
in the troublesome business you have in hand.
It will give you a fine opportunity
of laying a good foundation of submission
to God’s will and peace of soul.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

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

St Madeleine Sophie Barat (1779-1865)

May We Confess Your Name to the End
By St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258)
Bishop and Martyr
Apostolic Father of the Church

Good God,
may we confess Your Name to the end.
May we emerge unmarked
and glorious from the traps
and darkness of this world.
As You have bound us together,
by charity and peace
and as together,
we have persevered under persecution,
so may we also rejoice together
in Your Heavenly Kingdom.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, OUR Cross, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on PATIENCE, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS

Our Morning Offering – 9 September – My Sorrowful Mother, Help Me to Bear My Crosses

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Our Morning Offering – 9 September – “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

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, MOTHER of GOD, OUR Cross, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 8 September – Mary, 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

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/08/thought-for-the-day-8-september-mary-mother-of-god/

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, OUR Cross, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS

Quote/s of the Day – 30 August – St Rose of Lima

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Quote/s of the Day – 30 August – St Rose of Lima OP (1586-1617) Virgin

“Apart from the cross
there is no other ‘ladder’
by which we might get to Heaven.”

“Without the struggle of afflictions,
it is impossible to reach the height of grace.
The gift of grace increases
as the struggle increases.”

“If only we would learn how great it is
to possess divine grace
and how many riches it has within itself,
how many joys and delights.
We would devote all our concern,
to winning for ourselves
pains and afflictions,
in order to attain
the unfathomable treasure of grace.”

St Rose of Lima (1586-1617)

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, OUR Cross, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on WATCHING, The HOLY CROSS, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 August – “ … The Bridegroom came and they, who were ready, went in with Him … ” – Matthew 25:10

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One Minute Reflection – 30 August – 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/

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

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

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

PRAYER – 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).

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, OUR Cross, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 10 August – If anyone serves Me, he must follow me

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Quote/s of the Day – 10 August – St Lawrence (Died 258) Martyr, “Keeper of the Treasures of he Church” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, John 12:24-26 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“If anyone serves me,
he must follow me
and where I am,
there will my servant be also.”

John 12:26

“If it dies, it produces much fruit”
John 12:24

“Through the glorious achievements
of the holy Martyrs with which
the Church blossoms everywhere,
we are ourselves, proving to our own eyes,
how true are the words we have been singing that:
“Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of His saints” (Ps 116[115]:15).
For it is precious both in our sight
and in the sight of Him, in Whose Name.
the death took place.”

“Do not love your life in this world!
If you truly love yourselves,
do not thus love your life
and then, you will save your life!”…

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Day by day follow God’s path,
keeping Him closely attached to you by His promise.
In fact, He Himself said, through the mediation of His Apostles,
to all those who seek His will and His testimonies
that He would be with them
until the end of the world (Mt 28:20)
where paths and footsteps will be unknown (cf Ps 76:20),
as the divine David said in his songs.
Yet, in an invisible way,
He is present to the eyes of the mind,
making Himself seen by those who have a pure heart
and conversing with them.
So pursue your path …. “

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)
Monk and Theologian at Constantinople

Posted in GOD ALONE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MARIAN PRAYERS, OUR Cross, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Quote/s of the Day – 9 August – St John Vianney

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Quote/s of the Day – 9 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Jean-Marie-Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859) Confessor

“You either
belong wholly
to the world
or wholly to God.”

“You must accept your cross.
If you bear it courageously,
it will carry you to Heaven.”

“All our religion is but a false religion
and all our virtues are mere illusions
and we ourselves, are only hypocrites
in the sight of God,
if we have not that universal charity for everyone –
for the good and for the bad,
for the poor and for the rich
and for all those who do us harm,
as much as those, who do us good.”

O Thou, Most Holy Virgin Mary
(Pray for Me in All My Necessities)
By St John Vianney (1786-1859)

O thou, Most Holy Virgin Mary,
who dost evermore stand
before the Most Holy Trinity
and to whom it is granted, at all times
to pray for us to thy Most Beloved Son;
pray for me in all my necessities;
help me, combat for me
and obtain for me,
the pardon of all my sins.
Help me especially at my last hour
and when I can no longer give
any sign of the use of reason,
then do thou encourage me,
make the Sign of the Cross for me
and fight for me against the enemy.
Make in my name, a profession of faith;
favour me with a testimony of my salvation
and never let me despair of the mercy of God.
Help me to overthrow the wicked enemy.
When I can no longer say:
“Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
I place my soul in your hands,”
do thou say it for me;
when I can no longer hear
human words of consolation,
do thou comfort me.
Leave me not before I have been judged
and if I have to expiate my sins in Purgatory,
Oh! pray for me earnestly
and admonish my friends,
to procure for me a speedy enjoyment
of the Blessed Sight of God.
Lessen my sufferings,
deliver me speedily and lead my soul
into Heaven with thee
that, united with all the elect,
I may there bless and praise my God
and thee, for all eternity.
Amen.

MORE and MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/09/quote-s-of-the-day-9-august-st-john-vianney-2/

St Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859)

Posted in "Follow Me", INGRATITUDE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on VIRTUE

Thought for the Day – 5 August – THE CRUCIFIX

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Thought for the Day – 5 August – 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 "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, CONFESSION/PENANCE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Thought for the Day – 20 July – The Royal Road of the Cross

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

The Royal Road of the Cross

“A Penitent once asked a holy Priest for a hair-shirt.
“I cannot give you that,” the Priest replied “but the best thing you can do is to offer to God the trials of your daily life.”
The Penitent’s reaction was to protest that he would find this too difficult.

As a matter of fact, it is very difficult.
But, it is useless for a man to wear a hair-shirt and to scourge himself, if he is not prepared to put up with ordinary everyday hardships and to deny himself by carrying his cross with resignation and love.
God has imposed certain penances on us all and these are necessary for us.
To accept them is to set out on the Royal Road of the Cross which leads to Heaven.

It is true, however, that there are times when we meet with temptations which are exceptionally strong.
It can be necessary on these occasions to impose extra penances on ourselves for, “it is better to enter life maimed or lame, than having two hands or two feet to cast into the everlasting fire” (Cf Mt 18:8).
Nevertheless, the first and most necessary penance is to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/22/thought-for-the-day-21-july-the-royal-road-of-the-cross/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/23/thought-for-the-day-23-july-the-royal-road-of-the-cross/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, Quotes on SALVATION

Thought for the Day – 14 July – Everlasting Salvation

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

Everlasting Salvation

“We should not be discouraged because our salvation requires so many sacrifices on our part.
Jesus warned us that it would have to be so.
“How narrow the gate and close the way that leads to life” (Mt 7:14).
“The Kingdom of Heaven has been enduring violent assault and, the violent have been seizing it by force” (Mt 11:12).
“If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Lk 9:23).

All this is required for salvation and anyone who is not prepared to meet these demands, cannot gain everlasting happiness.
Nevertheless, there is no need for despondency.
What is difficult for man is easy for God.
If we ask God for His grace and co-operate generously with it, we shall be saved.

Let us resolve to play our part well!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/14/thought-for-the-day-14-july-everlasting-salvation/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/18/thought-for-the-day-18-july-everlasting-salvation/

Posted in "Follow Me", ON the SAINTS, OUR Cross, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The SECOND COMING, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 10 July – ‘The will of My Father …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 10 July – Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 12:46-50 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For whoever does
the will of My Father in heaven,
is My brother and My sister
and My mother.”

Matthew 12:50

“For patience is necessary for you
that, doing the Will of God,
you may receive the promise.
For yet a little and a very little while
and He that is to come, will come
and will not delay.”

Hebrews 10:36-37

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

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

“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.”

“Whatever may happen to us,
we ought not to be disturbed.
Let us calmly and quietly say:
‘the will of God be done’–
let us leave all to God –
the Lord be blessed forever –
what He wills,
I will, in time and in eternity.”

St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775)

Posted in CONFESSION, CONFESSION/PENANCE, OUR Cross, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 9 July – St John Fisher and St Thomas More

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Quote/s of the Day – 9 July – St John Fisher (1469-1535) Martyr, Bishop and St Thomas More (1478-1535) Martyr, Confessor

“I reckon in this realm,
no one man,
in wisdom, learning
and long approved virtue together,
meet to be matched
and compared with him.”

St Thomas More speaking of St John Fisher

“Penance is a needful thing to the sinner,
who desires to recover health of his soul.
And, in doing penance, there be three things
to be considered:
serious compunction of heart,
confession of mouth
and satisfaction by deed.”

“Beware of those prophets who speak unto you
and deceive you!
They prophecy nothing
but the imaginations and forgings
of their own minds
and not the truth of Holy Scripture!”

St John Fisher (1469-1535)

Give Me Thy Grace, Good Lord!
A Prayer of Hope
By St Thomas More (1478-1535)

Give me Thy grace, good Lord.
To set the world at naught.
To set the mind firmly on Thee
and not to hang upon the words of men’s mouths.
To be content to be solitary.
Not to long for worldly pleasures.
Little by little, utterly to cast off the world
and rid my mind of all its business.
Not to long to hear of earthly things
but that the hearing of worldly fancies,
may be displeasing to me.
Gladly to be thinking of God,
piteously to call for His help.
To lean into the comfort of God.
Busily to labour to love Him.
To know mine own vileness and wretchedness.
To humble myself under the mighty Hand of God.
To bewail my sins past,
for the purging of them,
patiently to suffer adversity.
Gladly to bear my purgatory here.
To be joyful in tribulations.
To walk the narrow way that leads to life.
To bear the Cross with Christ.
To have the last thing in remembrance.
To have ever before mine eyes,
my death that is ever at hand.
To make death no stranger to me.
To foresee and consider,
the everlasting fire of Hell.
To pray for pardon before the Judge come.
To have continually in mind,
the Passion that Christ suffered for me.
For His benefits, unceasingly to give Him thanks.
To buy the time again, that I before have lost.
To abstain from vain conversations.
To shun foolish mirth and gladness.
To cut off unnecessary recreations.
Of worldly substance,
friends, liberty, life and all,
to set the loss at naught,
for the winning of Christ.
To think my worst enemies, my best friends,
for the brethren of Joseph
could never have done him
so much good with their love and favour,
as they did him, with their malice and hatred.
These minds are more to be desired of every man,
than all the treasures of all the princes and kings,
Christian and heathen,
were it gathered and laid together,
all in one heap.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, I BELIEVE!, INDULGENCES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, OUR Cross, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, SAINT of the DAY, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 June – ‘ … Listen to Him …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – The Feast of St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Cpmfessor, Evangelical Doctor of the Church – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I have come, not to abolish but to fulfil.” … Matthew 5:17

REFLECTION – “In Him, the promise made through the shadows of prophecy, stands revealed, along with the full meaning of the precepts of the law. He is the One Who teaches the Truth of prophecy, through His Presence and makes obedience to the commandments possible, through grace.
In the preaching of the holy Gospel all should receive a strengthening of their faith. No-one should be ashamed of the Cross of Christ, through which the world has been redeemed.
No-one should fear to suffer for the sake of justice, no-one should lose confidence in the reward that has been promised. The way to rest is through toil, the way to life is through death. Christ has taken on Himself the whole weakness of our lowly human nature. If then, we are steadfast in our faith in Him and in our love for Him, we win the victory that He has won, we receive what He has promised.
When it comes to obeying the commandments or enduring adversity, the words uttered by the Father should always echo in our ears – “This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I am well pleased, listen to Him.” … St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from Sermo 51).

PRAYER – May the solemn feast of blessed Anthony, Thy Confessor and Doctor, make Thy Church rejoice, O God, so that, ever sustained by spiritual help, she may deserve to reap everlasting joy. 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).

MAY the Heart of JESUS in the most Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the Tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. Amen.
Indulgence 100 Days, Once a day. Raccolta 161 Pius IX, 29 February 1868.

Posted in GOOD FRIDAY, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION

Thought for the Day – 11 June – The Holy Mass

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

The Holy Mass

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

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

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

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

Let us remember, that the Sacrifice of the Mass should be our sacrifice too,
It is not only the Priest who offers it but we offer it along with the Priest and with Jesus.
“Receive, O Holy Trinity, this oblation which we make to Thee.”
Let us unite the offering of our entire selves to the Sacrifice of Jesus and we sgall obtain great spiritual benefits.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, GOD ALONE!, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, OUR Cross, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SIN, SAINT of the DAY, The LORD'S PRAYER, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

Quote/s of the Day –26 May – St Philip Neri

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day –26 May – The Memorial of St Philip Neri (1515-1595) Confessor

When summoned to hear Confessions
or to see someone who had called,
St Philip came down instantly, with the words:

“We must leave Christ for Christ.”.  

“It is an old custom with the servants of God,
always to have some little prayers ready
and to be darting them up to Heaven
frequently during the day,
lifting their minds to God
out of the filth of this world.
He who adopts this plan,
will get great fruit, with little pains.”

“Watch me, O Lord, this day –
for, abandoned to myself,
I shall surely betray Thee!”

“He who wishes for anything but Christ,
does not know what he wishes;
he who asks for anything but Christ,
does not know what he is asking;
he who works and not for Christ,
does not know what he is doing.”

“If a man finds it very difficult to forgive injuries,
let him look at a Crucifix
and think that Christ shed all His Blood for him
and not only forgave His enemies
but, even prayed His Heavenly Father,
to forgive them too.
Let him remember,
that when he says the Pater Noster, everyday,
instead of asking pardon for his sins,
he is calling down VENGEANCE UPON HIMSELF!”

“We are generally,
the carpenters
of our own crosses.”

Rather old images below
but great words from our Saint, of course:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/26/quote-s-of-the-day-26-may-marys-month-the-memorial-of-st-philip-neri-1515-1595/

St Philip Neri (1515-1595)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, OUR Cross, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day –24 April – Remain in Him

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day –24 April – Wisdom 5:1-5, John 15:1-7 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I am the Vine, you the branches;
whoever remains in Me and I in him,
the same bears much fruit;
for without Me
you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

“For patience is necessary for you
that, doing the Will of God,
you may receive the promise.
For yet a little and a very little while
and He that is to come, will come
and will not delay.”

Hebrews 10:36-37

“The way to rest is through toil,
the way to life is through death.
Christ has taken on Himself
the whole weakness of our lowly human nature.
If then we are steadfast in our faith in Him
and in our love for Him,
we win the victory that He has won,
we receive what He has promised.”

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

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

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

“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

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS

Thought for the Day – 16 April – The Three Grades of Perfection, The Third Grade

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

The Three Grades of Perfection –
The Third Grade

“The Third Grade of perfection consists in preferring suffering to pleasure, humiliation to honours and the cross, to an easy life.
By these means, we imitate Christ better and show our love for Him.
The way of the cross, is the way of Jesus and is the only path to holiness.
It is easier for those who walk this path to be detached from sin and from the world and to remain close to Jesus.
This is the way which the Saints chose.

In which grade of perfection are we?
Even if we are still far from the peak of the third grade of perfection, we should, nevertheless, work hard to reach it,
It is particularly essential that we should stand firm in the first grade of being faithful to the motto of St Dominic Savio: “Death rather than sin!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/24/thought-for-the-day-24-april-the-three-grades-of-perfection-introduction/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/14/thought-for-the-day-14-february-the-three-grades-of-perfection-one-and-two/