Category: QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DESPAIR, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on VIRTUE, SAINT of the DAY, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 February – “You can make me clean” – Mark 1:40-45

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 February – Readings: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46, Psalms 32:1-2, 5, 11, 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1, Mark 1:40-45 and the Memorial of Sts Cyril and Methodius, “Apostles to the Slavs”- Patrons of Europe

“You can make me clean” – Mark 1:40

REFLECTION – “You must never fail to trust in God, nor despair of His mercy. I should not like you to doubt, or despair of becoming better. For even if the devil were able to throw you down, from the heights of virtue, to the depths of wickedness, how much more, can God recall you to the summit of goodness. And, not just bring you back to the state you were in before your fall but He can make you much happier, than you seemed to be before.
Do not lose heart, I beg you and do not close your eyes to the hope of good, for fear that what happens to people, who don’t love God, should happen to you. For it is not, the great number of one’s sins, that leads the soul to despair but disdain for God.
As the Wise man says: “It is the characteristic of the impious to despair of salvation and hold it in contempt since they have fallen into the pit of sin” (cf. Prv 18,3 Vg).

Therefore, every thought that takes our hope away, follows on from a lack of faith, like a heavy stone around our neck, it forces us to be always looking downwards, to the earth and doesn’t allow us to raise our eyes to the Lord.
But those with a brave heart and enlightened mind, know how to release their necks from this horrid weight.
“Behold, as the eyes of servants are on the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid are on the hands of her mistress, so our eyes are on the Lord our God till he have pity on us” (Ps 123,2). – St Rabanus Maurus OSB (776-856) Archbishop, Monk, Abbot,Theologian, Poet – Three books dedicated to Bonosus, Bk 3, 4

PRAYER – To those who love You, Lord, You promise to come with Your Son and make Your home within them. If You will, You can make us clean, come then with Your purifying grace and make our hearts a place where You can dwell. May the prayers of intercession of Saints Cyril and Methodius, help us to reach our everlasting home with You. Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God now and forever, amen.

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Thought for the Day – 11 February – The Power of Mary

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

The Power of Mary

“We should turn confidently to Mary, especially when we are tempted.
She cannot allow us to offend her Jesus and to fall into the foils of the devil, as long as we pray to her with faith in her intercession.
“The devil, as a roaring lion,” says St Peter, “goes about seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
But, our Mother Mary is always by our side seeking to protect us.
Let us entrust ourselves to her maternal care.
Not only does Mary wish to help us, declares St Bonaventure but, those who do not pray to her, commit almost as great an offence, as those who openly insult her (In Spec Virg)!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Part One Here:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/15/thought-for-the-day-15-may-the-power-of-mary/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on COWARDICE, QUOTES on GOSSIP, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUTH, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 10 February – “The things that come out of a person …. ” Mark 7:15

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Quote/s of the Day – 10 February – Readings: Genesis 2:4-9, 15-17, Psalms 104:1-2,27-28, 29-30, Mark 7:14-23

“The things that come out of a person are what defile him.”

Mark 7:15

“The evil speaker,
eats the flesh of his brother
and bites the body, of his neighbour.”

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“The sky and the earth and the waters
and the things that are in them, the fishes
and the birds and the trees are not evil.
All these are good;
it is evil men who make this evil world.”

“What is reprehensible,
is that while leading good lives themselves
and abhorring those of wicked men,
some, fearing to offend,
shut their eyes to evil deeds
instead of condemning them
and pointing out their malice.”

St Augustine (354-407)
Father and Doctor of Grace

“…If I do not speak the truth,
I become a slave of the father of lies
and become a member of this father of lies.”

St Jerome Emiliani (1486-1537)

“Let the enemy rage at the gate;
let him knock, pound, scream, howl;
let him do his worst.
We know for certain,
that he cannot enter our soul,
except by the door of our consent.”

St Francis de Sales ((1567-1622)
Doctor of Charity

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

St Philip Neri (1515-1595)

“Sin is the assassin of the soul.”

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

“The power of evil men, lives,
on the cowardice of the good!”

St John Bosco (1815-1888)

Posted in "Follow Me", QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR, SAINT of the DAY, THEOLOGICAL

Quote/s of the Day – 8 February – St Jerome Emiliani

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Quote/s of the Day – 8 February – The Memorial of St Jerome Emiliani (1486–1537)

“For God, …
does not work in those
who refuse to place all their confidence
and hope in Him alone.
But He does impart
the fullness of His love
upon those who possess
a deep faith and hope;
for them He does great things.”

“With your patience you will save your soul.”

(Letter 3 #1)

“Therefore, having done what you could,
the Lord will be satisfied with you
because for Him,
who is the most benign,
goodwill compensates
for the lack of success.”

(Letter 5 #4)

“…If I do not speak the truth,
I become a slave of the father of lies
and become a member of this father of lies.”

(Letter 6 #5)

St Jerome Emiliani (1486-1537)

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 February – “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Mark 5:1-20

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One Minute Reflection – 1 February – Readings: Hebrews 11:32-40,Psalms 31:20, 21,22, 23, 24, Mark 5:1-20 and The Memorial of St Brigid of Ireland (c 453-523)

And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” – Mark 5:6-8

REFLECTION – “Those words show clearly, that the demons had much knowledge but entirely lacked love. They dreaded receiving their punishment from Him. They did not love the righteousness that was in Him.
He made himself known to them, to the extent He willed and, He willed to be made known, to the extent that was fitting.
But, He was not made known to them, as He is known to the holy angels, who enjoy participation in His eternity, in that, He is the Word of God.
To the demons, He is known as He had to be made known, by striking terror into them, for His purpose was to free, from their tyrannical power, all who were predestined for His kingdom and glory, which is eternally true and truly eternal.
Therefore, He did not make Himself known to the demons, as the life eternal and the unchangeable light, which illuminates His true worshipers, whose hearts are purified by faith in Him, so that they see that light.
He was known to the demons, through certain temporal effects of His power, the signs of His hidden presence, which could be more evident to their senses, even those of malignant spirits, than to the weak perception of human beings.”- St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace – (City of God, 9)

PRAYER – Almighty Father, grant that our trust and faith may grow each day. Help us to be secure in Your unfailing love and help. Even in our times of fear, pain and distress, give us the trust to know that You are always with us and that Your healing grace does indeed work miracles in our lives. Grant us strength, O Lord, to overcome all our fears with confidence in Your loving care and in the powerful and loving care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Your Son and our mother. May the intercession of St Brigid of Ireland and all Your Angels and Saints be a comfort to us. Through Jesus Christ in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.

Posted in "Follow Me", ArchAngels and Angels, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on COWARDICE, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, The WILL of GOD

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

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Quote/s of the Day – 31 January – The Memorial of St John Bosco (1815-1888)

“Whatever you do,
think of the Glory of God
as your main goal.”

“Health is God’s great gift
and we must spend it,
entirely for Him.
Our eyes should see only for God,
our feet walk only for Him,
our hands labour for Him alone;
in short, our entire body
should serve God while we still have the time.
Then, when He shall take our health
and we shall near our last day,
our conscience will not reproach us
for having misused it.”

“Be good!
This will make your angel happy.
When sorrows and misfortunes,
physical or spiritual, afflict you,
turn to your Guardian Angel,
with strong trust
and he will help you.”

“The power of evil men, lives,
on the cowardice of the good!”

St John Bosco (1815-1888)

More here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/01/31/quote-s-of-the-day-31-january-the-memorial-of-st-john-bosco-1815-1888/

Posted in QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 27 January – St Angela Merici

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Quote/s of the Day – 27 January – The Memorial of St Angela Merici (1474-1540)

“Do now,
what you wish to have done,
when your moment
comes to die.”

“Reflect that, in reality,
you have a greater need
to serve [the poor],
than they have of your service.”

“Consider that the devil doesn’t sleep
but seeks our ruin,
in a thousand ways.”

St Angela Merici (1474-1540)

Posted in "Follow Me", MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST

Thought for the Day – 15 January – The Two Standards

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

The Two Standards

“Apart from the throngs of the apathetic, we can see today, as in every stage of the history of Christianity, two armies in battle array, the enemies of Christ and His faithful.
Both the forces of good and evil and, the weapons which they have at their disposal, have increased tremendously in modern times.
Between them, there is Christ, “a sign that shall be contradicted,” (Lk 2:34) as Simeon prophesied.
There are those who give themselves completely to Jesus, their abilities, their health, their virginity offered as a sacrifice for a higher ideal and, if necessary, their life’s blood.
But, there are also those, who use every means which progress has provided, such as the press, cinema and television, in order to destroy God’s dominion over human souls.

Evil today, is organised on a vast scale.
Why, then, can we not employ every modern means, in order to diffuse goodness throughout the world?
This may require sacrifice but, we cannot refuse to make sacrifices on behalf of Jesus Christ, Who did not spare Himself for us!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Part One here:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/09/thought-for-the-day-9-september-the-two-standards/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 January – ‘See just how precious man’s soul is.’ St Jerome

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One Minute Reflection – 12 January – Seventh day in the Octave of Epiphany, Readings: Hebrews 2:5-12, Psalms 8:2 and 5, 6-7, 8-9, Mark 1:21-28 and the Memorial of St Benedict Biscop OSB (c 628-690)

But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” – Mark 1:25

REFLECTION – “Jesus rebuked the devil and said, ‘Be silent! Come out of him!’” Truth has no need of the Deceiver’s testimony. “I did not come to get the confirmation of your testimony but to cast you out of what I have created…, I have no need of the recognition of one whom I have vowed to destroy. Shut your mouth! Let your silence be My praise. I want no praise from your mouth, My praise is your torture, your punishment … Silence! and come out of this man!” It is as though He said: “Come out …, what are you doing in My house? It is I who want to enter in, so be silent and get out of the man, he being endowed with reason. Get out of the man! Leave the home prepared for Me! The Lord wants His house – vacate this man” …

See just how precious man’s soul is. This contradicts those who think that we human beings and animals have an identical soul and are animated by a same spirit. In another incident the devil is cast out of a single man and sent into two thousand pigs (Mt 8:32) – what is precious is saved, what is unclean is lost. “Come out of the man and get into the pigs…, go where you want, get along with you into the abyss. Leave the man, My private property, alone … I won’t allow you to possess the man, it would be an insult to Me if you were to make your home in him in My place. I took on a human body and dwell in man – the flesh you are possessing, is part of my own flesh – get out of this man!” – St Jerome (347-420) Father and Doctor of the Church – Homilies on Saint Mark’s Gospel, no. 2

PRAYER – King of heaven and earth, Lord God, rule over our hearts and bodies this day. Sanctify us and guide our every thought, word and deed, according to the commandments of Your law, so that now and forever, Your grace may free and save us. Sanctify our hearts, minds and actions with Your power, that all we are, may speak of Your Light. May the prayers of the Blessed Virgin our Mother and the ever-zealous St Benedict Biscop, bring us to peace and confidence. We make our prayer through Your Son, our Lord Jesus, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 October – “They have bowed my soul down.” – Luke 13:10-17

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One Minute Reflection – 26 October – Monday of the Thirtieth week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Monday of the Thirtieth week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Ephesians 4:32-5:8, Psalms 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6, Luke 13:10-17

“But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.” – Luke 13:14

REFLECTION – “The whole human race, like this woman, was bent over and bowed down to the ground. Someone already understands these enemies. He cries out against them and says to God, “They have bowed my soul down.” The devil and his angels have bowed the souls of men and women down to the ground. He has bent them forward to be intent on temporary and earthly things and has stopped them from seeking the things that are above.

Since that is what the Lord says about the woman whom Satan had bound for eighteen years, it was now time for her to be released from her bondage on the sabbath day. Quite unjustly, they criticised Him for straightening her up. Who were these, except people bent over themselves? Since they quite failed to understand the very things God had commanded, they regarded them with earthbound hearts. They used to celebrate the sacrament of the sabbath in a literal, material manner and did not notice it’s spiritual meaning.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father, Doctor of Grace (Sermon 162)

PRAYER – Come to help us in our weakness, God of mercy, forgive the sins of Your people and as nothing we can do is worthy in Your sight, save us through the intercession of the Mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ. May the prayers of all your saints be offered to You on our behalf. We make our prayer through Jesus with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, I BELIEVE!, MARIAN QUOTES, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on VOCATIONS, SAINT of the DAY, VOCATIONS

Quote/s of the Day – 1 October – St Romanos the Melodios & St Thérèse of the Child Jesus

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Quote/s of the Day – 1 October – Thursday of the Twenty Sixth week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Job 19:21-27, Psalms 27:7-8, 8-9, 13-14, Luke 10:1-12 and The Memorial of St Romanos the Melodios (c 490-c 556) and St Thérèse of the Child Jesus/Lisieux OCD (1873 – 1897) Doctor of the Church

“We implore You,
O All-Holy, Long-Suffering
Life and Restoration,
Source of goodness,
look down from heaven
and visit all those
who ever trust in You;
rescue our life, Lord,
from all constraint and affliction,
and, in the faith of truth, guide us all.
At the prayers of the
Immaculate Mother of God and Virgin,
Save your world
and those in the world
and spare us all,
You who, for us,
became man without change,
only Lover of mankind.”

St Romanos the Melodios (c 490-c 556)
(On the Life of Christ, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord)

“Our vocation, yours and mine,
is not to go harvesting in the fields of ripe corn,
Jesus does not say to us;
“Lower your eyes, look at the fields and go and reap them,”
our mission is still loftier.
Here are Jesus’ words: “Lift up your eyes and see….”
See how in My Heaven there are places empty,
it is for you to fill them! …
each one of you is my Moses praying on the mountain (Ex 17:8f),
ask Me for labourers and I shall send them,
I await only a prayer, a sigh from your heart!”

“Prayer is an aspiration of the heart.
It is a simple glance directed to Heaven.
It is a cry of gratitude and love
in the midst of trial as well as joy.”

“She is more mother
than Queen.”

“It is not Death that will come to fetch me,
it is the good God.
Death is no phantom, no horrible specter,
as presented in pictures.
In the catechism it is stated,
that death is the separation of soul and body, that is all!
Well, I am not afraid of a separation
which will unite me to the good God forever.”

“Let us go forward in peace,
our eyes upon heaven.
the only one goal of our labours.”

More here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/10/01/quote-s-of-the-day-1-october-the-memorial-of-st-therese-of-lisieux-o-c-d-1873-1897-doctor-of-the-church/
AND:
“In the Heart of the Church, I Will Be Love”
https://anastpaul.com/2019/10/01/thought-for-the-day-1-october-in-the-heart-of-the-church-i-will-be-love/

St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (1873 – 1897)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The LAST THINGS

Quote/s of the Day – 29 September – The Archangels

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Quote/s of the Day – 29 September – The Feast of Sts Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

“You should be aware that the word “angel”
denotes a function rather than a nature.
Those holy spirits of heaven
have indeed always been spirits.
They can only be called angels
when they deliver some message.
Moreover, those who deliver messages
of lesser importance, are called angels
and those who proclaim messages
of supreme importance,
are called Archangels.”

St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Angels take different earthly forms
at the bidding of their master, God.
They thus reveal themselves to human beings
and unveil the Divine Mysteries to them.”

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

“God loves in the Seraphim, as charity,
knows in the Cherubim, as truth,
is seated in the Thrones, as equity,
reigns in the Dominions, as majesty,
rules in the Principalities, as principle,
guards in the Powers, as salvation,
acts in the Virtues, as strength,
reveals in the Archangels, as light,
assists in the Angels, as piety.”

St Bernard (1090-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor

“God is humanity’s universal teacher and guardian
but His teaching to humanity,
is mediated by angels.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Angelic Doctor

“The powers of hell will assail the dying Christian
but his angel guardian will come to console him.
His patrons and St Michael,
who has been appointed by God
to defend his faithful servants,
in their last combat with the devils,
will come to his aid.”

St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on INNOCENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 September – ‘… Being like-minded with Him and anxious to walk in His steps.’ – Luke 9:48

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One Minute Reflection – 28 September – Monday of the Twenty Sixth week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Job 1:6-22, Psalms 17:1, 2-3, 6-7, Luke 9:46-50 and The Memorial of Blessed Bernardine of Feltre OFM (1439-1494)

“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me and whoever receives me, receives him who sent me, for he who is least among you all, is the one who is great.” … Luke 9:48

REFLECTION – “The passion and lust of pride attacked some of the holy apostles. The mere argument about who of them was the greatest is the mark of an ambitious person, eager to stand at the head of the rest. Christ, who did not sleep, knows how to deliver. He saw this thought in the disciple’s mind, springing up, in the words of Scripture, like some bitter plant. He saw the weeds, the work of the wicked sower. Before it grew up tall, struck its root down deep, grew strong and took possession of the heart, He tears up the evil by the very root. In what way does the Physician of souls amputate pride’s passion? How does He deliver the beloved disciple from being the prey of the enemy and from a thing hateful to God and man? “He took a child,” it says, “and set it by him.” He made the event a means of benefiting both the holy apostles themselves and us their successors. This illness, as a rule, preys upon all those who are in any respect superior to other people.

What kind of type and representation did He make the child He had taken? He made the child a representation of an innocent and humble life. The mind of a child is empty of fraud and his heart is sincere. His thoughts are simple. He does not covet rank and does not know what is meant by one man being higher than another is. Christ brought forward the child as a pattern of simplicity and innocence and set him by Him. He showed him as in an object lesson, that He accepts and loves those who are like the child. He thinks they are worthy of standing at His side, as being like-minded with Him and anxious to walk in His steps.” … St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Father and Doctor of the Church – Commentary on Luke, Homily 54

PRAYER – Lord God, You hold out the Light of Your Word to those who do not know You. Strengthen in our hearts, the faith You have given us and the Credo we profess, so that no trials and pride may quench the fire Your Spirit has kindled in us. May the intercession of Blessed Bernardine of Feltre, grant us the grace of following the way of the Cross, to stand beneath it with our Mother, the Mother of God, Ave Maria! We make our prayer through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.

Posted in "Follow Me", INCORRUPTIBLES, ON the SAINTS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 27 September – St Vincent de Paul

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Quote/s of the Day – 27 September – The Memorial of St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

“The most powerful weapon
to conquer the devil is humility.
For, as he does not know at all,
how to employ it,
neither does he know
how to defend himself from it.”

“Free your mind from all that troubles you;
God will take care of things.
You will be unable to make haste in this (choice) without,
so to speak,
grieving the heart of God
because He sees that you do not honour Him sufficiently
with holy trust.
Trust in Him, I beg you
and you will have the fulfilment
of what your heart desires.”

“He who allows himself to be ruled or guided
by the lower and animal part of his nature,
deserves to be called a beast,
rather than a man.”

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

“Our business is, to gain heaven;
everything else, is a sheer waste of time.”

More here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/27/quote-s-of-the-day-27-september-the-memorial-of-st-vincent-de-paul-c-m-1581-1660/
AND here:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/27/quote-s-of-the-day-27-september-st-vincent-de-paul/

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 17 September – St Robert Bellarmine

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Quote/s of the Day – 17 September – The Memorial of St Robert Bellarmine SJ (1542-1621) Doctor of the Church

“The school of Christ
is the school of love.
In the last day,
when the general examination takes place …
Love will be the whole syllabus.”

“What is easier, sweeter, more pleasant,
than to love goodness, beauty and love,
the fullness of which, YOU ARE,
O Lord, my God?”

“It is granted to few,
to recognise the true Church,
amidst the darkness,
of so many schisms and heresies
and, to fewer still,
so to love the Truth
which they have seen,
as to fly to it’s embrace!”

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

“It seems unbelievable
that a man should perish
in whose favour Christ said to His Mother:
‘Behold thy son’,
provided that he has not turned a deaf ear
to the words, which Christ addressed to him:
‘Behold thy Mother.’”

St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621)
Doctor of the Church

More here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/17/quote-s-of-the-day-17-september-the-memorial-of-st-robert-bellarmine-sj-1542-1621-and-st-hildegard-von-bingen-osb-1098-1179-both-doctors-of-the-church/

Posted in Hail MARY!, MARIAN TITLES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on GOSSIP, QUOTES on HYPOCRISY, QUOTES on JUDGING, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 September – ‘… Perfume is not to be found in mud…’

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One Minute Reflection – 12 September – Saturday of the Twenty Third week in Ordinary Time, Readings: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, Psalms 116:12-13, 17-18, Luke 6:43-49 and The Memorial of The Most Holy Name of Mary

“A good person, out of the store of goodness in his heart, produces good” … Luke 6:45

REFLECTION – “Those who conceal their hypocrisy beneath feigned love, bless outwardly with their mouths but curse inwardly.
Those who have acquired love, endure patiently the injuries and sufferings that their enemies inflict on them.
Love alone harmoniously joins all created things with God and with each other.
A person who does not tolerate suspicion or disparagement of others, possesses true love.
Someone who does nothing to dispel love, is precious in the sight of God and the world.
True words from a pure conscience betoken unfeigned love.
If you tell your brother how someone else is denigrating him, you conceal your own envy under the guise of goodwill. (…)
Guard yourself from hatred and dissipation and you will not be impeded at the time of prayer.
Perfume is not to be found in mud nor the fragrance of love in the soul of a rancorous person. (…)
Anyone who does not envy the spiritually mature and is merciful to the wicked, has attained an equal love for all. (…)
Do not trust a thought that would judge your neighbour: for it is the person who is a store of evil who thinks evil thoughts (Mt 6:21; 12:35).” … St Thalassios the Libyan (5th Century) – Priest and Abbot in Libya (see a little biography of him below).

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, assist us at all times we pray, to obtain a spirit of worthy penance, for our sins and that of all the world. To the invocation of Your Divine Son, Jesus, we call on the intercession of His holy Mother, to aid us on our pilgrimage. With great affection and confidence, we honour the Holy Hearts and invoke the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, to be our constant source of pure assistance and succour that we might bear fruits worthy of their Names. Blessed be the Name of Mary! Amen

Saint Thalassius the Libyan undertook the call of God to life as a hermit in the fifth century.
Thalassius is recorded to have entered into solitude at a young age near a village named Targala in Byzantine Syria. He is dwelt there living the ascetic life with no shelter for nearly forty years.
His was a soul filled with humbleness, simplicity and a gentle nature. God manifested in the saint the gifts of powerful intercession and healing for which he gained considerable renown.
In time, many came to join Thalassius in the eremitic life and he welcomed them as he would welcome Christ, building them cells with his own hands.
Saint Thalassius, Hermit of Syria is said to have died peacefully and is commemorated on 22 February.

Posted in "Follow Me", JESUIT SJ, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST

Thought for the Day – 9 September – The Two Standards

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

The Two Standards

“The well-known meditation of St Ignatius in his Spiritual Exercies on the two standards, remains applicable to our times.
We need only glance at the world to see, that it contains two different kinds of people – the good and the bad, the enemies of Christ and His faithful followers.
But, there is also a third group, those who are indifferent and apathetic, those who think of their own comfort and convenience and of nothing else!
When one considers it, it is plain that those people who think only of themselves – and their number seems to grow every year – belong to the rearguard of those, who fight beneath the banner of Satan.
That man is an enemy of Christ, who has no generosity, no spirit of sacrifice, no desire to combat the evil which threatens to submerge the world.
“He who is not with me, is against me,” (Mt 12:30) said Jesus.
He who thinks only of his own convenience and remains indifferent to the spread of evil, is not worthy of Jesus.
One cannot be indifferent when faced with the alternative between good and evil because, indifference is tantamount to a betrayal.
“The Christian,” writes Tertullian, “is another Christ!”

The fact that we are Christians imposes on us, the obligation to fight openly and courageously under the Standard of Christ.
The battle must be waged on two fronts.
On one side, the struggle is internal.
We must resist our rebellious inclinations and self-centred egoism.
At the same time, we must make a constant effort to advance in Christian perfection.
On the second front, the struggle is external.
It is not sufficient to sanctify ourselves but, we must try to sanctify others.
When we consider the sacrifices made in the cause of evil by the enemies of Christ, how can we remain indifferent?
We should work with zeal and with the help of God’s grace, to achieve our own sanctification and the reign of Christ in the universe.
We should examine what we have already done and resolve to be more determined in our future efforts!“

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL

Thought for the Day – 5 September – I Am Not Able

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

I Am Not Able

“Often, when the violence of our passions threatens to overcome all our powers of resistance, we are tempted to say: “Lord, I am not able; I cannot go any further. Why are You not helping me? Why have you abandoned me?”
This is a trick of the devil, to make us give up the fight, to make us believe, that God has deserted us and that we must, inevitably, give into temptation!

This is the last stratagem of the devil, when he sees that he cannot persuade us in any other manner.
But, the Lord addresses to us, the reproof which he addressed to St Peter, who, when walking on the water, doubted for an instant and then, felt himself going under.
“O thou of little faith, why did thou doubt?” (Mt 14:31).
In such a situation, we must strengthen our faith, our love and our dedication to Jesus Christ.
Then, the Lord will extend His helping hand to us, as He did to Peter.
He will give us the spiritual tranquillity, which only grace and Christian fortitude can offer.

Let us recall how this happened in the temptations in our past life.
When we were strong and generous with Jesus, we implored His help with faith and perseverance and emerged victorious from the fray.
Then, we experienced the heavenly joy which only God can give.
Why can we not always do the same?
We must never say: “I am not able!”
We are poor and weak but, with the grace of God, we can overcome all obstacles.
As St Paul says, “I can do all things in him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, MIRACLES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 September – ‘He laid His hands on everyone of them and healed them.’ – Luke 4:40

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One Minute Reflection – 2 September – “Month of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Wednesday of the Twenty-second week in Ordinary Time, Readings: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalms 33:12-13, 14-15, 20-21, Luke 4:38-44

“Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him and he laid his hands on everyone of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Christ.” … Luke 4:40-41

REFLECTION – “But observe again, I pray, how great is the efficacy of the touch of His holy flesh. For It both drives away diseases of various kinds and a crowd of demons and overthrows the power of the devil and heals a very great multitude of people in one moment of time.
And though able to perform these miracles by a word and the inclination of His will, yet, to teach us something useful, He also lays His hands upon the sick.
For it was necessary, most necessary, for us to learn, that the holy flesh which He had made His own, was endowed with the activity of the power of the Word, by His having implanted in it, a godlike might.
Let It then take hold of us, or rather let us take hold of It, by the mystical “Giving of thanks,” that It may free us also from the sicknesses of the soul and from the assault and violence of demons.

He would not permit the unclean demons to confess Him; for it was not fitting for them to usurp the glory of the Apostolic office, nor with impure tongue, to talk of the mystery of Christ.
Yea! though they speak ought that is true, let no-one put credence in them – for the light is not known by the aid of darkness, as the disciple of Christ teaches us, where he says, “For what communion hath light with darkness? or what consent hath Christ with Beliar?” … … St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Father and Doctor of the Incarnation

PRAYER – Heavenly God and Father, through Your Son, Lord God, You shed Your eternal light on all mankind. You gave us our mission, You taught us our way. Grant us the grace to acknowledge the full splendour of our Redeemer, so that, in His steps, we may grow from strength to strength in evangelising all. Fill us with Your Spirit to enlighten and guide us and may the prayers of the Sorrowful Mother of Our Lord Jesus, be our perpetual succour. Through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, God for always and forever, amen.

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL

Thought for the Day – 1 September – The Problem of Evil – Part One

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Thought for the Day – 1 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Problem of Evil – Part One

“In his second letter to the Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul speaks of the Anti-Christ, “the man of sin … the son of perdition, who opposes and is exalted above all that is called God…” “Already,” he says, “the mystery of iniquity is at work” (Cf 2 Thess 2:3-7).
From the beginning of the Church’s history until the present time, it has always been the same.

There always have been and always will be, men who do evil, not from human weakness but, from motives of malice, so diabolical as to present something of a mystery to us.
These can be called Anti-Christ because, they seem to be incarnations of the devil, the spirit of iniquity.
They delight in spreading error, in corrupting minds and, in persecuting the Church.
They are steeped in all kinds of baseness and nothing pleases them better, than to succeed in inducing the young and the innocent, to follow them in their sinful ways.
For this purpose, they employ all the advantages of modern technical progress has to offer – the press, the cinema, the radio and television.
In short, they use God’s gifts in their commercialisation of sin, in order to draw souls away from Him.

The realisation of this terrifying fact, provokes two questions.
(1) How can such evil be permitted by God, Who made man for Himself and redeemed him with the Blood of His only-begotten Son?
(2) What steps can we take to control this alarming and unversal deluge of evil?”

To be continued …..

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on SLOTH, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 30 August – Perseverance

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Thought for the Day – 30 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Perseverance

“He who has persevered to the end,” Jesus tells us, “will be saved” (Mt 10:22; 24:13).
Elsewhere He says that “no-one, having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdome of God” (Cf Lk 9:62).
It is necessary, therefore, to persevere in goodness, if we wish to be saved.

It is easy to begin but, it is difficult to continue.
In a moment of fervour, perhaps, you promised to be holy.
Maybe some misfortune came your way, such as the loss of someone very dear to you and you were moved to meditate upon the vanity of earthly things and promised to dedicated yourself entirely to God.
In that moment, you experienced the truth of the words of Ecclesiastes, summarised in The Imitation of Christ: “Vanity of vanities and all is vanity but, to love God and serve Him alone” (Bk 1, c 1:4).

Unfortunately, your good resolutions wore away with time.
You may have been swept away once more by the deceptive pleasures of this world.
Or perhaps, your charity grew cold and in your tepidity, you gave into the violent onslaught of temptation.

Christian perseverance has three main enemies.
(1) Firstly, there is time, which slowly consumes this virtue.
You must conquer time by resolving to begin the battle anew every morning of your life.
(2) Then there is the devil, who goes about, as St Peter warns us, like a lion in search of his prey (Cf 1 Peter 5:8).
You must resist him by the strength of your faith.
(3) Finally, there is spiritual sloth, which easily invades the soul.
You must take your cue from St Paul’s exhortation: “My beloved brethren, be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58).

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in "Follow Me", FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 August – “Get behind me, Satan! Matthew 16:23

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One Minute Reflection – 30 August – Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Readings: Jeremiah 20:7-9, Psalms 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 (2b), Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 16:21-27 and the Memorial of Blessed Juvenal Ancina (1545–1604) Bishop

“He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does but as human beings do…” … Matthew 16:23

REFLECTION – “Responding to Peter’s ignorance as one opposing God, Jesus said, “Satan,” which is Hebrew for opponent.
If he had not spoken to Him from ignorance nor of the living God when he said, “Never, Lord! This must never happen to you!” then he would not have said to him “Get behind me,” as if speaking to someone who had given up being behind Him and following Him. Neither would He have called him “Satan.”
Satan had overpowered the one following Jesus in order to turn him aside from following Him and from being behind the Son of God, to make him, because of ignorant words, worthy of being called “Satan” and a scandal to the Son of God, “not thinking in the ways of God but of humans.” … Origen (c 185-253) (Commentary on Matthew, 12.)

“When we stand in the light
it is not we who illumine the light and cause it to shine
but we are illuminated and made shining by the light…
God grants His blessings on those who serve Him
because they are serving Him
and on those who follow Him
because they are following Him
but He receives no blessing from them
because He is perfect and without need.” … St Irenaeus of Lyons (c 130-c208) Bishop, Martyr

PRAYER – God our Saviour, through the grace of Baptism you made us children of light. Hear our prayer, that we may always walk in that light and work for truth, love and charity, as Your witnesses before men. Dispel from our hearts the darkness of sin and keep us ever watchful for the true light, Christ Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God forever. Blessed Juvenal Ancina, you lived a life of total surrender to God and charity ever watchful to the needs of your neighbour, please pray for us, amen.

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on VANITY, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior)

Thought for the Day – 28 August – The Sons of God

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

The Sons of God

“In the beginning of his Gospel, St John speaks of the eternal nature of the Son of God, the Word through Whom all things were created and Who became man to enlighten and redeem the world, which was wallowing in ignorance and sin.
Unfortunately, he adds, instead of welcoming Him, the world rejected Him but, he goes on to say that “to as many as received him, he gave the power of becoming the sons of God” (Cf. John 1:1-12).
These words are a summary of the history of Christianity and, indeed, of the human race, for Jesus Christ was to be a “sign that shall be contradicted” (Lk 2:34).
On our side, there have always been the children of the world, those who ignore or openly combat Christ; on the other, the children of God,the thousands who acknowledge Christ as the Hope of salvation and the Light of the world and adore and love Him as God.

To which side do I belong?
Perhaps I am convinced that I have never attacked or rejected Christ.
But, in effect, I did so every time I committed a deliberate sin, for I put my own caprice before His will.
God’s grace in me was weakened by venial sin, or extinguished altogether by mortal sin.
As a result, I cased to be a child of God and became a child of Satan.
In losing Jesus, I forfeited all real happiness in this world AND in the next!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on INDIFFERENCE, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior)

Thought for the Day – 27 August – Those Who Will to be Damned

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

Those Who Will to be Damned

“There are many who are so steeped in vice that they never think of eternity and seek their happiness in sinful and worldly pleasures.
They have grown deaf to God’s voice, although He instils in them remorse and restlessness and invites them by good inspirations, to return to His merciful embrace.
They are deaf, too, to the voice of conscience, which, in spite of their degradation, cannot fail to make them feel the attractiveness of virtue and their great need of their Creator.
They are fundamentally unhappy, doubly so because, in this life “there is no peace to the wicked” (Is 48:22) and, in the next life, they will be damned forever.
Only a miracle of divine grace can save them from the abyss into which they have voluntarily precipitated themselves.

There are others who want to have their heaven both in this world and in the next.
They oscillate uncertainly, between good and evil, today being full of good resolutions and tomorrow giving way to sin because virtue seems to demand too many sacrifices.
They would like to be good but they will not take the necessary trouble.

Indecisive and lukewarm, they think that they can serve God and the devil at the same time!
Naturally, this is impossible, as Christ has told us, “No man can serve two masters … You cannot serve God and mammon” (Mt 6:24).
If people of this kind will not make up their minds, they are running the risk of eternal damnation.

To what category do you belong?
Think about this and make a firm decision.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL

Thought for the Day – 24 August – Christian Joy

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

Christian Joy

“Christianity is neither sad nor pessimistic.
On the contrary, it is the harbinger of “great joy,” (Lk 2:10) to quote the expression used by the Angels when they announced to the shepherds, the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

Obviously, this joy is something quite distinct from sensible pleasure.
It is the spiritual happiness which accompanies an innocent life, sorrow for sin, or suffering bravely borne for the love of God.

Any other form of earthly happiess can never be more than a partial and transitory pleasure, capable of satisfying the human heart completely.
When Christianity urges us to be detached from worldly objects, however, it does not condemn the joys of the present life.
The historian Tacitus, was very far from the truth when, in the description in his Annals of the burning of Rome at the time of Nero, he accused the Christians of hating the human race, although not of having set fire to the city.
Although the teaching of Christianity is preoccupied with the joys of Heaven, it does not frown upon legitimate worldly pleasures.

Jesus “went about doing good and healing all who were in the power of the devil” (Acts 10:38).
He loved to give joy to others and sanctified the marriage feast of Cana by His presence and by working His first miracle there.
He restored happiness to the widow of Naim, by raising her son to life and to Martha and Mary, by giving them back their brother, Lazarus, who had been dead for four days.
He spent His entire life giving happiness to others.

There is only one kind of merriment which Christianity cannot countenance and that is, the inordinate pleasure which leads to sin, or, is the result of sin.
This kind of pleasure has no kinship with spiritual joy.
It is a momentary exaltation, which soon disappears and leaves behind disillusionment and remorse.
It leads inevitably to sorrow; this is a chastisement from God which can only become meritorious if it is offered up in expiation.
“The end of joy may be sorrow,” says the Book of Proverbs (14:13)
For this reason, let us seek spiritual joys, not those which lead to sin, nor those, which are the result of sin.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, franciscan OFM, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 14 August – St Maximillian Kolbe

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Quote/s of the Day – 14 August – The Memorial of Blessed St Maximillian Kolbe OFM Conv (1894 -1941)

“If angels could be jealous of men,
they would be so, for one reason:
HOLY COMMUNION.”

if angels could be jealous of men - st max 14 aug 2020

“Let us remember,
that love lives through sacrifice
and is nourished by giving.
Without sacrifice, there is no love.”

let us remember that love lives through sacrifice - st max 14 aug 2020STD

“When we dedicate ourselves to Mary,
we become instruments in her hands,
just as she is an instrument in God’s hands.
Let us then be guided by her,
for she will provide for the needs
of body and soul and overcome
all difficulties and anxieties.”

when we dedicate ourselves to mary - st max 14 aug 2020

“Jesus honoured her before all ages
and will honour her for all ages.
No-one comes to Him,
nor even near Him,
no-one is saved or sanctified,
if he too will not honour her.
This is the lot of Angels and of men.”

jesus honoured her - st max 14 aug 2020

“Modern times are dominated by Satan
and will be more so in the future.
The conflict with hell cannot be engaged by men,
even the most clever.
The Immaculata alone, has from God,
the promise of victory over Satan.
However, assumed into Heaven,
the Mother of God now requires our co-operation.
She seeks souls, who will consecrate themselves entirely to her,
who will become in her hands effective instruments
for the defeat of Satan
and the spreading of God’s kingdom upon earth.”

More here:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/14/quote-s-of-the-day-14-august-st-maximillian-kolbe/

St Maximillian Kolbe (1894 -1941)

modern times are dominated by satan - st max 14 aug 2020

Posted in CONFESSION, CONFESSION/PENANCE, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 August – ‘… The medicine of confession’

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One Minute Reflection – 12 August – Wednesday of the Nineteenth week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22, Psalms 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, Matthew 18:15-20 and the Memorial of St Jane Frances de Chantal VHM (1572-1641)

“Whatever you bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.” … Matthew 18:18

REFLECTION – “For our well-being and salvation, all the Holy Scriptures warn us constantly and humbly, to confess our sins, not only before God but also before a holy and godfearing man.   This is what the Holy Spirit advises us to do through the mouth of James the apostle: “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed” (5:16) … and the psalmist says: “I confess my faults to the Lord and you took away the guilt of my sin” (Ps 32[31]:5).

We are always wounded by our sins and, in the same way, we should always have recourse to the medicine of confession.   For indeed, if God wants us to confess our sins, it is not because He would be unable to know what they are but, because the devil wants to find something of which to accuse us before the judgement seat of the eternal Judge.  That is why he would rather we thought more about excusing them than accusing ourselves of them.   Our God, to the contrary, being good and merciful, wants us to confess them in this world, so that we may not be ashamed because of them in the next.   So if we confess them then He, on His part, shows Himself to be merciful;  if we acknowledge them then He forgives …   As for ourselves, my brethren, we are really your spiritual physicians, seeking with all concern to heal your souls.” … St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Bishop and Monk – Sermons to the laity, no. 59matthew 18 18 whatever you bind on earth - our god being good and merciful- 12 aug 2020 st caesarius of arles

PRAYER – Lord, You chose St Jane Frances to serve You, both in marriage and in religious life.   By her prayers help us to be faithful in our vocation and always to work against our perverse inclinations. Only in You and with You and through You may we attain perfection. Lead us Lord!   We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.   St Jane de Chantal, pray for us, amen.st jane fances de chantal pray for us 12 aug 2020

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The LAST THINGS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 July – ‘So from now on, run well …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 28 July – “Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Tuesday of the Seventeenth week in Ordinary Time, year A, Readings: Jeremiah 14:17-22, Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13, Matthew 13:36-43

“The Son of Man will send his angels and they will gather out of his kingdom, all causers of sin and all law-breakers and throw them into the fiery furnace.   In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.   Then the righteous shall shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.   He who has ears, let him hear.” … Matthew 13:41-43matthew 13 40-43 the sone of man will send his angels 28 july 2020

REFLECTION – “In your imagination see our Lord Jesus Christ seated on a throne of glory;   beside Him stand the seraphim, cherubim and each angelic order, serving Him with fear and trembling.   Then those who will have finished the combat, without allowing themselves to be drawn by any worldly pleasures or seduced by the attractions of this vain world, will hear the blessed voice of the Master.   “Then, he says, the righteous will shine like the sun” (Mt 13:43) when they have come from east and west, north and south to take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (cf. Mt 8:11) in an indescribable joy (cf. 1 Pt 1:8), when our King and Lord, will distribute gifts according to their merits.   Ah! my brothers and children. ah! how great and beautiful is the glory which the thrice blessed will enjoy and the saints who practised asceticism!   Yes, most certainly, each will receive the blessings promised, according to the degree to which they have pleased God. …

So from now on, run well (cf. Gal 5:7) and may the devil not bewitch you (cf. Gal 3:1) nor hinder you! …   May mercy, peace, charity, freedom from envy, from jealousy and ostentation come upon you, docility, friendly speech, solidarity, compassion towards each other, humility.   Live like this, act like this, praying, too, with all your heart for my humble self that I may not be thrown into the eternal fire.   May we all escape it, having been judged worthy of the kingdom of heaven, in Christ Himself, our God, to whom belongs all glory, honour, adoration, magnificence, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and always, world without end.   Amen.” … St Theodore the Studite (759-826) Monk and Theologian – Catechesis 42

so from now on run well and may the devil - st theodore the studite 28 july 2020

PRAYER – All-powerful and ever-living God, splendour of true light and never-ending day, chase away the night of sin and fill our minds with the glory of Your coming.   Take away our heart of stone and give us a heart of flesh, help us in our battle with sin and the devil.   By our prayers, Your holy Sacraments and the strength of the Holy Spirit, may we be ever vigilant of the evil one.   By our Baptism in Your Son, we are Your children, grant us Your protection.   Kindly listen to the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints and angels, whose prayers we beg, through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God for all eternity, amen.

bl virgin mother pray for us 28 july 2020

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MYSTICS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on The SOUL, SPEAKING of ....., The LAST THINGS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 19 July – Hell

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 19 July – “Month of the Most Precious Blood” – The Sixteenth Sunday of the Year in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19, Psalm 86:5-6,9-10, 15-16, Romans 8:26-27, Matthew 13:24-43

Hell

“Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire,
so will it be at the end of the age.
The Son of Man will send his angels
and they will gather out of his kingdom,
all causers of sin and all law-breakers
and throw them into the fiery furnace.
In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Jesus
Matthew 13:40-42

matthew 13 40-42 just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire - 19 july 2020

“Every man will receive the eternal punishment,
or reward which his actions deserve.
Indeed, if all men recognised this,
no-one would choose evil even for a short time,
knowing that he would incur the eternal sentence of fire.
On the contrary, he would take every means
to control himself and to adorn himself in virtue,
so that he might obtain the good gifts of God
and escape the punishments.”

St Justin Marytr (100-165)
Father of the Church and Martyr

everyma will receive the eternal - st justin martyr 19 july 2020

“Then shall those, already in the midst of the torments,
cry out with pleading voices
and there will be no-one to speak for them to the Lord
and they shall not be heard.”

St Ephrem (306-373)
Father and Doctor of the Church

the shall those already in the midst - st ephrem 19 july 2020

“I am filled with fear and trembling
and all my bones are shaken,
at the thought of that unhappy country
of the damned.”

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

i am filled with fear and trembling - st bernard 19 july 2020

“So then, I am speaking to you who live in the habit of mortal sin,
in hatred, in the mire of the vice of impurity
and who are getting closer to hell each day.
Stop! and turn around;
it is Jesus who calls you and who,
with His wounds, as with so many eloquent voices,
cries to you, “My son, if you are damned,
you have only yourself to blame:
‘Thy damnation comes from thee.’
Lift up your eyes and see all the graces
with which I have enriched you
to insure your eternal salvation.'”

St Leonard of Port Maurice (1676-1751)

so then i am speaking to you who live in the habit of mortal sin st leonard of port maurice 19 july 2020

“Poor Judas!
Above [2000] years have elapsed
since he has been in Hell
and his Hell is still only beginning.”

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

poor judas - st alphonsus 19 july 2020

“Meditate on the horrors of Hell,
which will last for eternity
because of one easily-committed mortal sin.
Try hard to be among the few who are chosen.
Think of the eternal flames of Hell
and how few there are that are saved.”

meditate-on-the-horrors-of-hell-st-benedict-joseph-labre-16-april-2020 and 19 july 2020

“I was watching souls
going down into the abyss,
as thick and fast as snowflakes,
falling in the winter mist.”

St Benedict Joseph Labre (1748-1783)

i was watching souls going down - st benedict joseph labre 19 july 2020

“I tremble when I see so many souls lost these days.
See, they fall into Hell,
as leaves fall from the trees
at the approach of winter.”

St John Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859)

i tremble when i see so many souls lost - st john vianney 19 july 2020

“The natural fire that we see during this life
has great power to burn and torment.
Yet this is not even a shadow of the fire of Hell.”

St Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870)

the natural fire we see ....yet this is not even a shadow - st anthony mary claret 19 july 2020

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, GOD the FATHER, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on HUMAN DIGNITY, QUOTES on NATURE - GOD'S CREATION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUTH, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 15 July – St Bonaventure

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 15 July – The Memorial of St Bonaventure (1221-1274) Doctor of the Church

“Bonaventure so united holiness and theological knowledge that he rose to the heights of mysticism, while remaining a very active preacher and teacher, one beloved by all who met him.  To know him was to love him; to read him is still for us today to meet a true Franciscan and a gentleman.”

“If you learn everything, except Christ, you learn nothing.
If you learn nothing, except Christ, you learn everything.”

if you learn everything except christ you learn nothing - st bonaventure 15 july 29020

“When we pray,
the voice of the heart must be heard,
more than the proceedings,
from the mouth.”

when we pray - st bonaventure 15 july 2020

“Men do not fear a powerful hostile army,
as the powers of hell,
fear the name and protection of Mary.”

men do not fear a powerful hostile army - st bonaventure 15 july 2020

“If you do not know
your own dignity and condition,
you cannot value anything
at its proper worth.”

if you do not know your own dignity - st bonaventure - 15 july 2020

“In everything,
whether it is a thing sensed,
or a thing known,
God Himself is hidden within.”

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

More here:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/15/quote-s-of-the-day-15-july-the-wisdom-of-st-bonaventure/

in everything whether it is a thing sensed - st bonaventure 15 july 2020