Category: QUOTES on THE WORLD

Posted in "Follow Me", 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 HEAVEN, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 February – ‘Prefer nothing to Christ’

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One Minute Reflection – 18 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879) Virgin, The Visionary of Lourdes – James 1:12-18; Luke 14:26-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“So likewise, everyone of you, who does not renounce all he possesses, cannot be My disciple.” – Luke 14:33

REFLECTION – “Our Lord Jesus Christ said to all, on many occasions and while giving many demonstrations of it: “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me,” (cf Lk 9:23) and again: “anyone of you who does not renounce all that he possesses cannot be My disciple.” Thus, He seems to demand of us the most entire renunciation… “Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be,” He says elsewhere (Mt 6:21). So if we keep back for ourselves any earthly goods or any perishable supplies, our minds will remain sunk in them as though in mud. Then, inevitably, our souls will become unable to contemplate God and will be unmoved by desire for the splendours of Heaven and for the good things promised us. We shall only be able to acquire those good things, if we ask for them unceasingly, with a burning desire that will, besides, make easy the effort needed to gain them.

To renounce ourselves, means to undo the bonds which bind us to this earthly passing life and free ourselves from human contingencies, so that we may become more equal to walking along the way which leads to God. It is to free ourselves from all hindrances, so as to possess and use, the goods that are “far more precious than gold and silver,” (Ps 118:72). And, to sum up, to renounce oneself, is to lift the human heart into the life of Heaven, so as to be able to say: “Our citizenship is in Heaven,” (Phil 3:20). Above all, it is to begin to grow like Christ, Who for our sake, became poor although he was rich (2 Cor 8:9). We need to become like Him, if we wish to live according to the Gospel.” – St Basil the Great (329-379)Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Father and Doctor of the Church (Greater Monastic Rules Q.8).

PRAYER – Almighty and eternal God, Who has dominion over both the living and the dead and has mercy upon all, whom Thou foreknow will be Thine own by faith and good works; we humbly beseech Thee that all, for whom we have resolved to make supplication, whether the present world still holds them in the flesh, or the world to come holds them out of the body, may, through the intercession of St Bedrnadette and all Thy Saints, obtain of Thine goodness and clemency, pardon for all their sins.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VICE, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 February – ‘… True faith knows no delay. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 7 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Romuald (c951-1027) Abbot – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6; – Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And everyone who has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.” – Matthew 19:29

REFLECTION – “Jesus said to them, ‘Come after Me; I will make you fishers of men.’” Happy transformation of fishing! Simon and Andrew are what Jesus caught fishing … These men are made similar to fish, caught by Christ, before going themselves to catch other people. “They immediately abandoned their nets and became His followers.” True faith knows no delay. As soon as they heard Him, they believed, they followed Him and they became fishers. “They immediately abandoned their nets.” I think that with those nets, they abandoned all the vices of the life of this world …

“Proceeding a little farther along, He caught sight of James, Zebedee’s son and his brother, John … He summoned them on the spot. They abandoned their father Zebedee, who was in the boat with the hired men and went off in His company.” You will tell me — faith is daring. What indication did they have, what sublime characteristic had they noted which made them follow Him, as soon as He called them? We realise that evidently something Divine came forth from Jesus’ gaze, from the expression on His Face which incited those who looked at Jesus to turn towards Him … Why am I saying all this? It is to show you that the Lord’s Word was active and, that through the least of His Words, He was working on His task: “He commanded and they were made.” (Ps 148:5) With the same simplicity, He called and they followed … “Hear, O daughter and see; turn your ear, forget your people and your father’s house. So shall the king desire your beauty.” (Ps 45:11-12)

Listen well, brother and follow the path of the Apostles; listen to the Saviour’s Voice, ignore your father according to the flesh and see the true Father of your soul and your mind … The Apostles left their father, left their boat, left all their riches of that time; they abandoned the world and its countless riches; they renounced all that they owned. However, God does not consider the mass of riches but rather, the soul of the person who renounces them. Those people who left only a few things would also have renounced a large fortune, if the need had arisen.” – St Jerome (347-420) Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on the Gospel of Mark).

RAYER – May the intercession of the Blessed Abbot Romuald, commend us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, so that what we do not deserve by any merits of our own, we may obtain by his patronage. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 February – ‘… We are greedy for present things but do not take into account the coming judgement. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 1 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinitys” – St Ignatius of Antioch (c35–107) Martyr, Bishop of Antioch, Apostolic Father of the Church. – Romans 8:35-39; John 12:24-26 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“He who loves his life, loses it and he who hates his life in this world, keeps it unto life everlasting. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me and where I Am ,there also shall My servant be.” – John 12:25-26

REFLECTION – “… We are being towed along by a world which passes away, forgetting the world to come. We are greedy for present things but do not take into account the coming judgement. We will not run to meet the Lord as He Comes …

Let us turn back, brethren, let us turn back… By the very fact of His delay, of His still waiting, our Lord proves His desire to see us come back to Him, His desire that we should not perish. In His great goodness, He continues addressing these words to us: “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked but would rather he would change his ways and live ”(Ez 33,11). So let us turn back to Him, brethren, not fearing that time is running short. The time that belongs to time’s Author cannot be shortened. The proof of it lies in the criminal in the Gospel, who, at the moment of dying on the cross, got away with his pardon, grabbed hold of life and, breaking into paradise like a burglar, managed to make his way into the Kingdom (cf. Lk 23,43)!” – St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and “Doctor of Sermons” of the Church (Excerpt from Sermon 167).

PRAYER – Be mindful of our weakness, O aAmighty God and since the burden of our deeds is grievous to us, grant that the glorious intercession of blessed Ignatius Thy Martyr and Bishop, may protect us. 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 CONFESSION/PENANCE, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, SELF-DISTRUST, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HEART

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

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

“Be brave and try to detach your heart
from worldly things.
Do your utmost to banish darkness
from your mind and come to understand
what true, selfless piety is.
Through confession, endeavour
to purify your heart of anything
which may still taint it.
Enliven your faith which is essential
to understand and achieve piety.”

“If one is to do good,
he must have a little courage,
be ready for sacrifice,
deal affably with all
and never slight anybody.
By following this method,
I have always had significant success,
in fact, marvellous success!”

“Your mortification should be
your diligence in doing your duties
and in putting up with
the annoyances of others.”

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St John Bosco (1815-1888)

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MODESTY, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The BEATITUDES, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 January – Salt and Light – St John Chrysostom

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One Minute Reflection – 27 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop, Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church “Golden Mouthed” – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Jesus said to His disciples: “You are the salt of the earth.
… You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:13, 14

REFLECTION – “You are the salt of the earth. It is not for your own sake, He says but for the world’s sake that the word is entrusted to you. I am not sending you into two cities only or ten or twenty, not to a single nation, as I sent the Prophets of old but across land and sea, to the whole world. And that world is in a miserable state. For when He says: You are the salt of the earth, He is indicating, that all mankind had lost its savour and had been corrupted by sin. Therefore, He requires of these men, those virtues which are especially useful and even necessary, if they are to bear the burdens of many. For the man who is kindly, modest, merciful and just ,will not keep his good works to himself but will see to it, that these admirable fountains send out their streams, for the good of others. Again, the man who is clean of heart, a peacemaker and ardent for truth, will order his life so as to contribute to the common good. …

Then He passes onto a more exalted comparison – You are the light of the world. Once again, “of the world,” not of one nation or twenty cities but of the whole world. The light He means, is an intelligible light, far superior to the rays of the sun we see, just as the salt is a spiritual salt. First salt, then light, so that you may learn how profitable sharp words may be and how useful, serious doctrine. Such teaching holds in check and prevents, dissipation, it leads to virtue and sharpens the mind’s eye. A City set on a hill cannot be hidden, nor do men light a lamp and put it under a basket. Here again, He is urging them to a careful manner of life and teaching them, to be watchful, for they live under the eyes of all and have the whole world for the arena of their struggles.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Archbishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from his Homily on Matthew).

PRAYER – May heavenly grace, we beseech Thee, O Lord, prosper Thy Church, which Thou mercifully enlightened by the blessed virtues and teachings of glorious and blessed John Chrysostom, Thy Confessor and Bishop. 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 AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, St PAUL!, The LAMB of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 25 January – ‘… At the very moment he no longer saw anything of this world, he saw Jesus! … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 25 January – The Feast of the Conversion of St Paul, Apostle – Acts 9:1-22, Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“He fell to the ground and heard a Voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” – Acts 9:4.

REFLECTION – “From Heaven’s height Christ’s Voice overturned Saul. He received a command to carry out his persecutions no more and fell face downwards to the ground. He had first to be knocked down and afterwards raised up – first struck, then healed. For Christ would never have come to live in him, if Saul had not died to his former life of sin. Cast down to the earth in this way, what was it he heard? “Saul, Saul, why are thou persecuting Me? It is hard for thou to kick against the goad” (Acts 9:4-5). And he replied: “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Voice from on high continued: “I am Jesus of Nazareth, Whom thou art persecuting.” The members are still on the ground, while the Head cries out, from the heights of Heaven. He is not saying: “Why art thou persecuting My servants?” but “Why art thou persecuting Me!?”

And Paul, who had put all his energy into his persecutions, is already preparing to obey: “What do Thou want me to do?” The persecutor is already transformed into the preacher, the wolf has become a sheep, the enemy, a defender. Paul learns what he is to do – if he has become blind, if this world’s light is held back from him for a while, it is so as to make the light within shine in his heart. Light is taken away from the persecutor, so that it may be given to the preacher; at the very moment he no longer saw anything of this world, he saw Jesus! This symbolises the believer – those who believe in Christ, must fix the eyes of their soul on Him, without paying attention to outward things…

So Saul was led to Ananias – the ravaging wolf is led to the sheep. But the Shepherd, Who guides everything from Heaven above, reassures him… “Do not fear, I will show him what he will have to suffer, for My Name’s sake” (Acts 9:16). What wonder is this! The wolf is led, a captive, to the sheep… The Lamb who died for the sheep, teaches it not to be afraid any more!” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Father and Doctor of Grace of the Church (Sermon 279).

PRAYER – O God, Who taught the whole world by the preaching of Thy blessed Apostle Paul, grant, we beseech Thee that we, who today celebrate his conversion, may draw closer to Thee, by way of hia example.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, ONE Minute REFLECTION, OUR Cross, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The REDEMPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 January – ‘ … Keep going, persevere, bear and accept this delay and you have carried His Cross!’ … – (Matthew 25:10)

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One Minute Reflection – 21 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – St Agnes (c 291- c 304) Virgin and Martyr – Ecclesiasticus 51:1-8, 12; 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 which 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, eternal God, Thou Who choose the weak things of the world to confound the strong, mercifully grant that we, who are celebrating the feast of blessed Agnes, Thy Virgin and Martyr, may reap the benefit ofher patronal intercession with Thee. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in Holy Name PRAYERS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, PRAYERS of PETITION, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY NAME, Thomas a Kempis

Our Morning Offering – 21 January – The Love of Thy Name

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Our Morning Offering – 21 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family”

The Love of Thy Name
By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
The Imitation of Christ
(Book 3 Ch 26:1-4)

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

Posted in QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HERESY, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE WORLD, SAINT of the DAY

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

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

“Do not have a single thing to do
with schismatics and absolutely
nothing with heretics …”

“Men are often incorrectly called intelligent.
Intelligent men are not those who are erudite
in the sayings and books of the wise men of old
but those, who have an intelligent soul
and can discriminate between good and evil.
They avoid what is sinful and harms the soul
and, with deep gratitude to God,
they resolutely adhere, by dint of practice,
to what is good and benefits the soul.
These men alone, should truly,
be called intelligent.”

“Whoever has not experienced temptation
cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Without temptations, no-one can be saved!”

MORE:
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St Anthony Abbot (251-356)

Posted in CONTEMPLATIVE Prayer, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LUST, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, QUOTES on WATCHING, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY

One Minute Reflection – 17 January – Watching

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One Minute Reflection – 17 January – “The Month of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Holy Family” – St Anthony Abbot (251-356) – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6; Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Blessed are those servants, whom the Master, on His return, shall find watching.” – Luke 12:37

REFLECTION – “The end of every Monk and the perfection of his heart, directs him to constant and uninterrupted perseverance in prayer. As much as human frailty allows, it strives after an unchanging and continual tranquillity of mind and perpetual purity. On its account, we tirelessly pursue and ceaselessly apply ourselves to every bodily labour and also, to contrition of spirit …

Therefore, so that prayer may be made with the fervour and purity, it deserves, the following should be observed in every respect.

Firstly, anxiety about fleshly matters should be completely eradicated. Then, not only the concern for but in fact, even the memory of affairs and business, should be refused all entry whatsoever; detraction, idle speech, talkativeness and buffoonery, should also be removed; the disturbance of anger, in particular and of sadness, should be entirely destroyed and the harmful shoot of fleshly lust and of avarice, should be uprooted …

And thus, when… there has taken place a cleansing purgation such as we have spoken of which is perfected in the purity of simplicity and innocence, the unshakable foundations of deep humility should be laid which, can support a tower, which will penetrate the heavens. Then, the spiritual structure of the virtues must be raised above it and the mind must be restrained from all dangerous wandering and straying, so that thus, it might gradually begin to be elevated to the contemplation of God and to spiritual vision.” – St John Cassian (c360-435) Priest, Monk, Theologian, Writer, Founder, Father. Disciple of St John Chrysostom (Conferences 9 1&3).

PRAYER – May the intercession of the Blessed Abbot Anthony, commend us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, so that what we do not deserve by any merits of our own, we may obtain by his patronage. Through tJesus 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 CHRISTMASTIDE!, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The HOLY INFANCY

Thought for the Day – 8 January –“Their Journey”

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Thought for the Day – 8 January – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Christmastide
“The Holy Infancy”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Their Journey”

+1. The journey of the Magi from their own Country to Palestine, just because a Star appeared in a certain quarter of the heavens, was very like a fool’s errand. Was a mere floating tradition a sufficient ground for undertaking a long, arduous and costly journey? Were not their duties at home of more importance and had they not a greater claim than this strange apparition which tempted them away? What is folly to man is often wisdom to God.
How often have similar arguments been used to deter Protestants from making their submission to the Church and, to dissuade Catholics, from Consecrating themselves to God! Perhaps I may sometimes have followed the dictates of mere worldly wisdom, neglecting supernatural grace?

+2. The Star led the Magi on until they arrived in Jerusalem and then, it disappeared. In the bustle of the City, no Star. In the Palace of Herod, no Star. The busy hum of the crowd seems to be a hindrance to God’s holy inspirations.

+3. Did the Magi , under these circumstances, accept the situation and devote their time to the sights and wonders of the Holy City? No! nothing would satisfy them, except the fulfilment of their mission.
What a lesson to us who are so easily diverted by worldly things from seeking after God!

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MEEKNESS, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the FAMILY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, The DIVINE INFANT, The HOLY FAMILY, THE HOLY FAMILY - FAMILIAE SANCTAE

Thought for the Day – 29 December – The Holy Family – Jesus

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

As Fr Clarke has left us in the lurch for the last 3 days of December, I am revisiting dear Cardinal Bacci to come to our aid. I pray you, like myself, never tire of his wisdom.

The Holy Family – Jesus

“We have in the Holy Family, the highest possible models of perfection – Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
As God, Jesus is essentially holy.
By means of the Hypostatic Union, this sanctity is transmitted also to His human nature.
The holiness of Jesus was only gradually revealed as He grew older because He wished to be like us in everything, save in sin.
As the Gospel says, He “advanced in wisdom and age and grace before God and men” (Lk 2:52).
Jesus gave us an example of holiness which we should find easier to imitate because it was eternally increasing all the time.
He offered us, as an example, the kind of sanctity which has its beginning and foundation in utter humility and detachment from worldly goods.
“Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29).

Socrates advised his followers to have few desires and to desire these as little as possible, in order to remain content, for the man who is full of desires is always uneasy and restless.
This human counsel is very true but, it is incomplete.
It recommends detachment from earthly things but fails to teach the ardent and practical desire for supernatural things.
Jesus Christ teaches us both.
After He has urged us to become gentle and humble like Himself, after He has told us not to worry about the future and not to fret about what to wear and what to eat, He points out the way in which Providence clothes the lilies of the filed and feeds the birds of the air.
Then He adds: “Seek the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be given you besides” (Cf Lk.12:22-31).

We must limit and moderate our desire for earthly goods, therefore but, should ardently yearn to love God, to serve and obey Him in this life and to enjoy Him forever in Heaven.
This is what the Infant Jesus wishes to teach us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in ADVENT REFLECTIONS, GOD ALONE!, Meditations for ADVENT, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on Will (Sensual or Inferior), The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 13 December – Hope

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Thought for the Day – 13 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Advent
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Hope

+1. Advent is essentially a time of hope. It is not, in itself, a time of joy, except as far as hope of joy to come, brings with it a present gladness. It is an exact representation of our life on earth.
We are in a place of exile and a vale of tears but yet, our hope amid all the darkness, should be aglow with light and rendered joyous, by the prospect of future joy. The motto of our life is our Lord’s farewell words to His disciples : “You indeed shall have sorrow but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.”
This must be my consolation in all sorrow. I must try to forget my present troubles in the happy thought of joy to come.

+2. Why have we so little hope?
Generally because, we seek to have our happiness here and so
forfeit the right to it hereafter, or at least, forfeit the right to look forward to it with confidence and joy. We cannot eat our cake and keep it. If I seek my satisfaction in money, or comforts , or praise, or applause, or affection of others, I have my reward here and cannot expect to receive any reward hereafter. I have no Crown of Justice to hope for, if already I have had the
crown of satisfied ambition, or pockets filled with money, or a tickled palate, or the buzzing applause of a crowd!

+3. Our hope is also marred, by our self-will which prevents our will from being in complete conformity with the Will of God . We are conscious of a barrier between ourselves and Him which sadly interferes with our hope. We have assumed an independence of God which renders it impossible for Him to pour into our hearts that hope which is in exact proportion
to our conformity to His Will. If I were humble and more resigned in all things, I should be more full of hope.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUTH, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 December – The Treasure and The Pearl

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One Minute Reflection – 2 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Bibiana (Died c 361) Virgin Martyr – Sirach 51:13-17; Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Jesus said in parables: The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure, hidden in a field. … Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant seeking good pearls. ”- Matthew 13:44 and 45

REFLECTION – “The two parables of the treasure and the pearl, both teach us the same thing – we should prefer the Gospel before all earthly treasures. … However, there is something even more praiseworthy than this – we should delight to give it preference, joyfully, unhesitatingly. Let us never forget this, to abandon all else, so as to follow God, is to gain more, than one loses. The preaching of the Gospel is hidden in this world like a hidden treasure, a treasure without price.

To gain this treasure … two conditions are required – the forsaking of this world’s goods and a firm determination. For, it is a question “of a merchant searching for fine pearls, when he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.” This one pearl is Truth and Truth is One, it is not divided. Do you possess a pearl? Then you know your wealth, it is clenched in the palm of your hand, no-one is aware of your fortune.

So it is with the Gospel, if you embrace it with faith, if it remains enclosed in your heart, what a treasure you have You alone know it is there. Unbelievers, who know neither what it is, nor what value it has, have no idea of your incredible wealth!” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on Saint Matthew’s Gospel No 47:2).

PRAYER – O God, giver of all good gifts, Thou Who in Thy servant, Bibiana, joined the flower of virginity with the palm of Martyrdom, by her intercession unite our hearts to Thee in charity, so that, saved from all dangers, we may obtain the rewards of eternal life. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 December – … Know that the Kingdom of God is near. – Luke 21:29-31

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One Minute Reflection – 1 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The First Sunday of Advent – Romans 13:11-14; Luke 21:25-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Look at the fig tree and all the trees, when they produce their fruit you know that summer is near. So too, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.” – Luke 21:29-31

REFLECTION – “Look at the fig tree and all the trees, when they produce their fruit you know that summer is near. So too, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.” He means that just as the coming of summer is recognised by the fruit on the trees, so is the nearness of the Kingdom of God recognised by the destruction of the world. These words show that the fruit of the world is destruction – it increases only to fall, it produces, only to destroy by its disasters whatever it produces. The Kingdom of God is aptly compared to summer because, it is then that the clouds of our sorrow pass away and the days of life shine with the brightness of the Eternal Sun. …

“Heaven and earth will pass away but My words will not pass away.” Nothing among material realities is more lasting than the heavens and the earth and nothing among realities, passes away, as quickly as an utterance. … Therefore, the Lord declares: “Heaven and earth will pass away but My words will not pass away.” He means: “Nothing that is lasting in your world lasts for eternity without change and everything that in Me, is perceived as passing away, is kept firm, without passing away. My utterance, which passes away, expresses thoughts that endure without change.” …

Therefore, my friends, do not love what you see cannot long exist. Keep in mind the Apostle John’s precept, in which he counsels us not “to love the world or the things in the world because, if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 Jn 2:15). – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermons on the Gospels No 1 )

PRAYER – O God, Who, by the message of an Angel, willed to take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant we, Thou suppliants, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, maybe aided by her intercession with Thee. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 November – ‘ … Rejoice, ardent travellers …’

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One Minute Reflection – 7 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Within the All Saints Octave and the Feast of all the Dominican Saints – Apocalypse 7:2-12, Matthew 5:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in Heaven.” – Matthew 5:12

REFLECTION – “Rejoice in the Lord without ceasing (cf Phil 4:4), my dear children. I beg you rejoice, citizens of Heaven but exiles on earth, inhabitants of the Jerusalem on high (cf Gal 4:26) but banished from affairs here below, inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven but disinherited from taking any part at all, in earthly pleasures! Rejoice, ardent travellers, at undergoing exile and maltreatment in a foreign land in the name of the commandment of God! Rejoice, you who are last in this world but lords of blessings which exceed our understanding (cf Phil 4:7).

Rejoice, noble company, brought together by God, assembly united in heart and soul, who give life to filial and fraternal love, a replica on earth of the Host of Angels! … Rejoice, God’s workers, apostolic men. … Rejoice, you who set your joy in each other, each making his own the reputation of his brother, you in whom is found neither jealousy, rivalry nor envy but, in their place, peace and charity and life in common. In truth, I do not say that we are not attacked – indeed, who is crowned if not the one who struggles and fights, who exchanges thrusts and wounds with his assailants? – but, I say, we should not let ourselves be brought down by the machinations of Satan.

Yes, my children, assembly of God, nourish yourselves with the food of the Spirit and drink the water given by the Lord; whoever comes to possess this water will never thirst again but it will become, in Him, a spring of living water welling up to eternal life (cf Jn 4:14). … Yet a little while and we shall have vanquished. And blessed shall we be; blessed also, it shall be said, are the places, family and countries which have borne you (cf Lk 11:27-28).” – St Theodore the Studite (759-826) – (Catechesis 47 – The Great Catecheses)

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Who granted us to honour the merits of all Thy Saints in a single solemn festival, bestow on us, we beseech Thee, through their manifold intercession, that abundance of Thy mercy for which we yearn. 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 CATECHESIS, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, St Francis de Sales, The BEATITUDES, The HEART, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 5 November – The Blessedness of the Pure of Heart

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Quote/s of the Day – 5 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Within the Octave of All Saints and the Feast of the Holy Relics – Apocalypse 7:2-12; 4:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

The Blessedness of the Pure of Heart

“As mountain hares become white in winter
because they neither see. nor eat
anything but snow,
so, by adoring and feeding on
beauty, purity and goodness itself
in the Eucharist,
you will become altogether
beautiful, pure and good.”

“I often speak with my Teacher, Jesus,
in the Blessed Sacrament
because I learn from Him.
Jesus is the Teacher of the science of holiness.
I go to Him because I would like to learn,
from Him, how to become a Saint.
Of what use to me is all knowledge
and education, if I do not become holy?”

“Whatever riches and all other transitory things
you may possess, you must keep your heart
free from the slightest affection for them.
Your heart may be surrounded by riches;
however, riches must never master your heart!
… Do not let that mind which is the likeness of God,
cleave to mere earthly goods;
let it always be raised above them,
not sunk in them.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

“The pure of heart will see God.
… All the wonders of creation
are rays of the Eternal Beauty of God.
Creatures, therefore, should form, for us,
a material ladder which leads us to God.
We should never become entangled
with transient worldly goods
but, should see and love God in them all.
The Saints were pure of heart
and could see God more clearly
than the most learned scholar.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, St Francis de Sales, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY NAME of MARY, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 3 November – Why are you fearful ..?

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Quote/s of the Day – 3 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Within the Octave of All Saints – Pentecost XXIV – Romans 13:8-10; Matthew 8:23-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Why are you fearful,
O you of little faith?
Then He arose
and rebuked the wind and the sea
and there came a great calm.”

Matthew 8:26

“Let not your hearts be troubled,
neither let them be afraid.”

John 14:27

“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.”

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

“If thou art bound down by sickness,
if sorrows weary thee,
if thou art trembling with fear,
invoke the Name of Jesus!”

St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1456)

“ … Let the fine point of your spirit
always turn towards God, its north.
Your are about to take to the high seas
of the world, do not, on this account,
alter dial or mast, sail or anchor or wind.
Keep Jesus Christ
as your dial, at all times,
His Cross for mast,
on which to hoist
your resolutions, as a sail.
Let your anchor be,
profound trust in Him
and set out early!”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 October – ‘ … Let us fight the good fight with brave hearts and solid faith!’

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One Minute Reflection – 28 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles – Ephesians 4:7-13, John 15:17-25 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“If you had been of the world, the world would love its own but because, you are not of the world, I have chosen you out of the world, therefore, the world hateth you.” – John 15:19

REFLECTION – “Our Lord’s Will is that we should rejoice and leap for joy when we are persecuted (Mt 5:12) because, when persecutions come, it is the, crowns are given for faith (cf Jas 1:12), it is then, Christ’s soldiers prove themselves, then the heavens open to their witness. We are not employed in God’s force only to think of quiet, running away from service when the Teacher of humility, patience and suffering, has Himself provided the same service before us. What He taught, He first of all, carried out and if He exhorts us to stand firm, it is because He Himself suffered before us and on our behalf.

If we are to take part in competitions in the stadium we exercise and train ourselves and think ourselves highly honoured if, before the eyes of the crowd, we have the happiness of receiving the prize. But here is a trial which is both noble and outstanding in another way, in which God watches us – His children – take part in the combat and Himself gives us a heavenly crown ( 1 Cor 9:25). The Angels watch us too and Christ comes to our aid. So let us arm ourselves with all our might; let us fight the good fight with brave hearts and solid faith!” – St Cyprian (200-258) Bishop of Carthage, Martyr, Father of the Church (Letter 56).

PRAYER – O God, Who has given us a way of coming to know Thy Name through Thy blessed Apostles Simon and Jude, grant us to honour their everlasting glory, by becoming more holy and to become more holy by honouring it. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 October – “For My yoke is sweet and My burden light.” – Matthew 11:30

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One Minute Reflection – 17 Octoberber – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) Virgin – Ephesians 3:8-9, 14-19, Matthew 11:25-30 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For My yoke is sweet and My burden light.” – Matthew 11:30

REFLECTION – “People who complain about the roughness of the Lord’s yoke have possibly not completely rejected, the heavy load of the lusts of the world, or, if they did reject them, they have enslaved themselves to them again, to their greater shame! Outwardly, they carry the yoke of the Lord but inwardly, they submit their shoulders to the burden of the world’s cares. They set on the balance of the Lord’s yoke, the hardships and difficulties which they inflict on themselves… As for the yoke of the Lord – it is “sweet and its burden light”.

Indeed, what is sweeter, what more glorious, than to see oneself lifted up above the world by the scorn one shows it and, seated at the summit of a conscience at peace, to have the whole world at one’s feet? Then, one sees nothing to desire, nothing to fear, nothing to envy, nothing of one’s own which might be taken away, no evil which might be caused one, by another. The eyes of the heart turn towards “an inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled and unfading which is kept for us in Heaven” (1 Pt 1:4). With a sort of greatness of soul, one gives little importance to this world’s goods – they pass away; to the pleasures of the flesh – they are contaminated; to the world’s pomp – it fades and, in one’s joy, one repeats the words of the Prophet: “All mankind is grass and all its glory like the flower of the field; the grass withers, the flower fades but the Word of the Lord remains forever” (Is 40:6-8)… In charity – and nowhere but in charity – dwells true tranquillity and true sweetness, for, it is the yoke of the Lord!” – St Aelred of Rievaulx (1110-1167) Cistercian Monk (The Mirror of charity I:30-31).

PRAYER – O Lord Jesus Christ, Who wondrously revealed the unsearchable riches of Thy Heart to blessed Margaret Mary, the Virgin, grant us, by her merits and through imitating her, to love Thee, in all things and above all things, so that we may be found worthy to possess a lasting dwelling place in Thou Heart itself. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, GOD ALONE!, HOLY COMMUNION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TIME, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, SAINT of the DAY, The HEART, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 16 October – St Gerard Majella

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Quote/s of the Day – 16 October – St Gerard Majella CSsR (1726-1755) Religious Lay Brother of the Redemptorists

“The Most Blessed Sacrament
is Christ made visible.
The poor sick person
is Christ again made visible.”

“Who except God can give you peace?
Has the world ever been able
to satisfy the heart?”

“Consider the shortness of time,
the length of eternity
and reflect, how everything here below
comes to an end and passes by.
Of what use is it then, to lean upon that
which cannot give support?”

St Gerard Majella (1726-1755)

Posted in JESUIT SJ, PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VANITY

Thought for the Day – 15 October – CONSIDERATION XIII, The Vanity of the World

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Thought for the Day – 15 October – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

As Advent is approaching quickly and I am desirous of posting specific “Advent Thoughts,” I am curtailing this Series and will only post the First Point in each “Consideration” – we will revisit the Second and Third Points in the future, should Our Lord allow us the time.
Please comment below if you have any ideas, either for or against this plan.
The last Post before my break was on 30 September: https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/30/thought-for-the-day-30-september-consideration-xii-the-importance-of-salvation/

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XIII

The Vanity of the World
“What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul. ”
(Matt xvi: 26)

FIRST POINT:
A CERTAIN ancient philosopher, named Aristippus, was shipwrecked on a voyage and lost all his goods but he reached the shore. Being much renowned for his knowledge, he was provided with all that he had lost by the inhabitants of the place; whence he wrote to his friends in his own country, who following his example that they should care to provide themselves with those things only which could not perish in shipwreck!

So precisely do our parents and friends who are in eternity speak to us, bidding us provide only in life, such good things as death cannot destroy. The day of death is called “the day of destruction” (Deut xxxii: 35). For in that day all earthly goods, honours, riches, pleasures – all will be destroyed. Hence, St Ambrose says: “They are not our own possessions which we are not able to take away with us; our virtue alone accompanies us!”
What serves it then, says Jesus Christ, to gain the whole world, if losing the soul in death, we lose all.
“What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”

Ah, this mighty truth! how many young men has it bidden to seek the cloister; how many hermits to live in deserts; how many martyrs to give their lives for Jesus Christ!
St Ignatius de Loyola, by this truth, drew many souls to God, especially the beautiful soul of St Francis Xavier who, living in Paris, gave himself up to the world. St Ignatius said to him one day: “Remember, the world is a traitor, it promises but it does not fulfil: if it should perform what it promises, it is
not able to fill thy heart. But let us suppose that it could satisfy it, how long would this, thy happiness endure ? Can it last longer than thy life? and, in short, what canst thou carry into eternity?
Is there perchance any rich’ man who has carried thither either a piece of money or a servant for his convenience? Is there any king who has carried a thread of the purple through his love of it ?”
On hearing these words, t. Francis left the world; he followed St Ignatius and he became a great Saint.!

“Vanity of vanities,” so Solomon called all the goods of this world, although he had not denied himself one pleasure of all those which are in the world, as he himself acknowledges. “Whatsoever mine eyes desired, I kept not from them; I withheld not my heart from any joy.” (Eccles ii: 10).
Sister Margaret of St Anne, of the Barefooted-Carmelites, daughter of the Emperor Rudolph II, said: “ Of what use are kingdoms at the hour of death.”

How wonderful! the Saints tremble when they think upon- their eternal salvation. Father Segneri trembled, in great terror, demanding of his confessor: “What say you, Father, shall I be saved?”
St Andrew Avellino trembled and wept, saying: “Who knows whether I shall be saved?”
St Louis Bertrand was so tormented by this thought even,so terrified in the night, he sprang out of bed, saying:
“And who knows but I shall be damned ?”
And sinners live condemned and sleep and jes, and laugh!

Affections andPrayers

O Jesus, my Redeemer, I thank Thee that Thou hast made me to know my folly and the sin which I have committed in turning away from Thee, Who hast shed Thy Blood and Thy life for me. No, Thou hast not deserved to be treated by me as I have treated Thee.
Behold, if death should come to me now, what should I find in myself, except sins and remorse of conscience which would cause me to die in great disquiet ?
I confess, my Saviour, I have sinned, I have erred in leaving Thee, my Highest Good, for the miserable pleasures of this world; I repent with my whole heart.
Alas ! by that grief which slew Thee on the Cross, give me such sorrow for my sins as may cause me to weep during all that remains of my life for the wrongs I have done Thee.
My Jesus, my Jesus, pardon me and I promise never more to offend Thee and ever to love Thee.

I am no longer worthy of Thy love since I have so despised it in
the past but Thou hast said: “I love them who love Me.”
(Prov viii: 17) I love Thee, do Thou also love me; I will no longer live in Thy disgrace. If Thou wilt love me, I renounce all the pomps and pleasures of the world. Hear me, my Lord, for the love of Jesus Christ. I pray that Thou wouldst not banish me from Thy heart.

I consecrate myself to Thee wholly; my life, my inclinations, my senses, my mind, my body, my will and my liberty. Receive me; do not reject me as I deserve, for having so often rejected Thy friendship.
“Cast me not away from Thy presence.” (Ps xxi:11).

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 27 September – Reward?

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

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

Luke 6:23

“The great wealth of Christians
is found in the needs of the poor,
provided we grasp how to put our
possessions to good use.
The poor are always before us;
if we entrust our wealth to them,
we shall not lose it.”

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

“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! ”

“One day, I started thinking about
what the last office can be in the world.
And, I discovered that the last place,
is at the feet of the traitor, Judas.
And I wanted to place myself there
but I could not because there,
I found Jesus Christ kneeling,
washing Judas’ feet!
Since then, my appreciation for
and understanding of humility, has grown.”

St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572)

“LOVE
is the only way
to HEAVEN.”

St Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648)

Posted in PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 26 September – CONSIDERATION X, Third Point – How We Must Prepare for Death – Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

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Thought for the Day – 26 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION X

How We Must Prepare for Death
“Prepare to meet thy God.”
(Amos iv.:12)

THIRD POINT
It is, moreover, necessary to endeavour each hour we live, to be in such a frame of mind, as we should like to be when dying:
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.” (Apoc xiv: 13).

St Ambrose observes, those persons die a happy death who, when the hour of death arrives, are found already dead to the world, even to those things from which death will come to sever them by force.
So that we must, from this hour, accept the spoiling of our inheritances, separations from our relatives and from all the things of this world. If we do not do this willingly in life, we shall have to do it of necessity, in death but then, with great grief and peril to our eternal salvation.
And for this cause, St Augustine warns us that, in order to die in peace, it is necessary to settle our worldly interests during life and now to dispose, in a proper way, of those earthly goods we shall have to leave, so that, in death, our time may be given to the uniting of ourselves to God. At that time, our thoughts should be of God and Paradise only. Those last moments are too precious to be wasted upon the things of earth. The crown of the elect is perfected in death, for perchance, it is then that we merit most, the crown, by embracing those pains and that death, with resignation and love.

But he will never have these holy feelings in death, who has not practiced them in life. Some devout persons make a practice
(and with great profit to themselves) of renewing every month,
a certain desire for death, imagining themselves to be on their
deathbed, placing themselves, as if in the presence of death.
That which is not done during life, is very difficult to be done
in death.
Sister Catherine of St Albert, who was a faithful servant of God, when dying, said: “I do not sigh because I fear death – for twenty five years I have been expecting it but, I sigh because, I see many deceive themselves by leading a life of sin and thus, delay making their peace with God until the hour of death is come, when, I feel as if I can hardly pronounce the Name of Jesus!”

Therefore, examine yourself, my brother and see whether your
heart is fond of anything which is of the earth – that person, that honour, that house, that money, that conversation, those amusements and reflect – you are not immortal! Some day you will have to leave all these things and perhaps, very soon. Why then are you so fond of them? and thus run the risk of dying a miserable death?
From this hour offer everything to God, being ready to give up all when it shall please Him.
If you wish to die submissive, you must resign yourself to all that may befall you and divest yourself of every earthly affection.
Reflect upon the moment of death and as you would then despise all things, do so now immediatley!
St Jerome observes: “He easily despises all things, who ever regards himself as one about to die.”

If you have not yet decided upon what life you shall lead, make choice of that which you will wish you had chosen at the moment of death and that which will make you die a happy death. If you have already chosen it, do what you will wish you had done in that particular life. Act as if each day were the last of your life, each action were the last, each prayer the last, each Confession the last and each Communion the last. Act as if each hour were your last and stretched upon a bed, you heard this intimated: “Depart out of this world.”
This thought, Oh! how greatly will it help you to walk through life and to separate yourself from this world.
“Blessed is that servant, whom when his Lord cometh, He shall find so doing.” (St Matt xxiv: 26).
He who expects death at every hour, even though he should die suddenly, will not fail to die well!

Affections and Prayers

Every Christian ought to be prepared to say, when death shall
be announced to him:
Since, therefore, my God but so few hours remain to me, I would love Thee as much as it is possible for me to do … so that I may love Thee more in the life to come.

But little remains for me to offer Thee, therefore, I will offer these my pains to Thee and the sacrifice of my life, together with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, made for me upon the Cross. O Lord, the pains I am suffering are but few and very slight compared with what I deserve to suffer. Such as they are, I embrace in token of the love I have for Thee. I yield myself to every punishment it may please Thee to send me. If only I may love Thee in eternity, punish me as Thou wilt but do not deprive me of Thy Love. I know that I do not deserve to love Thee any longer because, I have so often despised Thy love but Thou wilt not spurn a repentant soul. I repent, O my Sovereign Good, for having offended Thee. I love Thee with all my heart, and entrust everything to Thee. Thy death, O my Redeemer, is my hope.

Into Thy wounded Hands I commend my soul.
“Into Thy Hands I commend my spirit, for Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, Thou God of truth.” (Ps xxxi: 6).
O my Jesus, Thou Who hast given Thy Blood to save me, do Thou never allow me to be separated from Thee.
I love Thee, O Eternal God and I hope to love Thee in eternity.

Posted in ACT of LOVE, ACT of REPARATION, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, franciscan OFM, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, QUOTES on WISDOM, The BEATITUDES, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 20 September – Humility

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Quote/s of the Day – 20 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Vigil of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist – Wisdom 5:16-20; Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

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

Luke 6:20

“If thou wouldst see well, pluck out thine eyes and be blind;
if thou wouldst hear well, be deaf
and if thou wouldst speak well, become dumb;
if thou wouldst advance, stand still
and advance with thy mind;
if thou wouldst work well, cut off thy hands
and work with thy heart;
if thou wouldst love much, hate thyself;
if thou wouldst live well, mortify thyself;
if thou wouldst gain much and be rich,
first lose all and become poor
and if thou wouldst enjoy peace, afflict thyself
and be ever in fear and suspect thine own self;
if thou wouldst be exalted and have great honour,
humble and abase thyself;
if thou wouldst be held in great reverence, despise thyself
and do reverence to him who reviles thee;
if thou wouldst that it should be well with thee,
suffer all evil things and if thou wouldst be blessed,
desire that all should speak ill of thee
and if thou wouldst have true and eternal rest,
then toil and suffer and desire to have every temporal affliction.
O what great wisdom it is to know how to do
and to work out these things.”

Blessed Giles of Assisi (c1190-1262)

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

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

“We must make many acts of humility
before we can attain any proficiency in the virtue.
Our acts of humility must consist,
not merely in protesting to Almighty God
that we are vile and worthless ,in His sight
and in humbling ourselves before Him
by reason of our many sins.
Our acts of humility must be practiced
towards others by being very gentle
towards those who provoke us,
by bearing contradictions with patience,
by accepting disappointments with patience
and rebuffs without complaint.
All this is a gradual process
and we must not expect proficiency in humility
until we have long practiced these means to attain it.”

Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

(The Attainment of Humility)
https://anastpaul.com/2024/06/09/thought-for-the-day-9-june-the-attainment-of-humility/

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SIMPLICITY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 September – “But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved.” – Matthew 24:13

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One Minute Reflection – 19 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Januarius of Naples (Died c304) Confessor, Bishop, Martyr and his Martyred Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38; Matthew 24:3-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But he, who shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved.” – Matthew 24:13

REFLECTION – “He who is mocked by his neighbour, as I am, will call upon God and He will answer him …” (Job 12:4 Vg) … But sometimes, the soul perseveres in good works with a constant heart and yet, is pushed violently by the scoffing of men; it does admirable deeds and receives only abuse and he, who might have been encouraged, to come out of himself by commendation, is repulsed by insults and returns back again into himself. He establishes himself the more firmly in God, as he finds no place elsewhere he may rest in peace – for all his hope is fixed in his Creator. Amidst ridicule and abuse, he implores only the interior Witness. His soul in distress, becomes God’s neighbour, in proportion, as he is a stranger to the favour of man’s esteem. So, he pours himself out in prayer and, hard-pressed from without, is refined with a more perfect purity, to enter more deeply into all that is interior. Therefore, it is well said at this time, “He who is mocked by his neighbour, as I am, will call upon God and He will answer him …” And while the soul of the good strengthens itself, with compunction, in prayer, it is united within itself, in the hearing of the most High, in the very act which severs it, from the approval of men, outside itself. ..

“For the upright man’s simplicity is laughed to scorn” (Job 12:4) It is the wisdom of this world to conceal one’s feelings with pretence, to veil the sense with words; to show things which are false, as true and, to present as fallacious that which is true. But, on the other hand, it is the wisdom of the righteous, to pretend nothing, … to discover the meaning, by words; to love the truth as it is, to avoid falsehood; to set forth good deeds freely, to bear evil more gladly than to do it; to seek no revenge for a wrong, to count ill repute as a gain, for the truth’s sake. But this simplicity of the righteous, is laughed to scorn because the goodness of purity, is taken for folly, by the wise men of this world. For doubtless, everything which is done from innocence, is counted foolish by them and, whatever truth sanctions in practice, sounds weak to carnal wisdom!” – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (A commentary on the Book of Job 10:47-48).

PRAYER – O God, Who gladdens us by the annual festival of Thy Martyrs Januarius and Companions, grant that we, may be inspired by the example of those, in whose merits we rejoice.Through tJesus 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 LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CONFESSORS, EVENING and NIGHT Prayers, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, St PETER!, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 September – St Cyprian of Carthage

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Quote/s of the Day – 16 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of Saint Corneliu, Pope & Martyr and Saint Cyprian, Bishop & Martyr

“It is written, ‘God is not mocked.’ (Gal vi: 7)
Indeed, God cannot be mocked,
nor circumvented, nor deluded
by any man’s astute deceit. …
Let each of you, then, I beg you, brethren,
confess his fault while the sinner is yet in this world,
while Confession is still possible,
while the satisfaction and remission
granted by the Priests,
is still acceptable to God!”

“God is One and Christ is One,
His Church is One,
His See is One,
founded by the Voice of the Lord on Peter.
No other Altar can be set up,
no other Priesthood instituted
apart from that One Altar and that One Priesthood.
Who so gathers elsewhere, scatters!”

“She did not leave the temple,
serving with fastings and prayers,
night and day.”
Luke 2:37

“If, in holy Scripture,
Christ is the true Sun and the true Day,
there is no hour when Christians
should not adore God frequently and constantly,
so that we, who are in Christ, that is,
in the true Sun and true Day,
should be persevering, throughout the whole day,
in our petitions and prayer.
And when, in the course of time,
the revolving night returns,
there can be no harm from the nocturnal shades,
for those who pray because, to the sons of Light (1 Thes 5:5),
even in the night, there is day!
For when is he without light who has Light in his heart?
Or when does he not have sun and day
to whom Christ is Sun and Day?”

“Why then do we pray
for the Kingdom of Heaven to come,
if this earthly bondage pleases us?
WHAT IS THE POINT of praying so often
for its early arrival,
if we would rather serve the devil here
than reign with Christ!?”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/16/quote-s-of-the-day-16-september-saint-cyprian-of-carthage-martyr/

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

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TIME, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 September – ‘ … Grab hold of Life! …’

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One Minute Reflection – 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/

“He who loves his life, loses it and he who hates his life in this world, keeps it unto life everlasting. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me and where I Am ,there also shall My servant be.” – John 12:25-26

REFLECTION – “… We are being towed along by a world which passes away, forgetting the world to come. We are greedy for present things but, do not take into account, the coming judgement. We will not run to meet the Lord as He comes!…

Let us turn back, brethren, let us turn back… By the very fact of His delay, of His still waiting, our Lord proves His desire to see us come back to Him, His desire that we should not perish. In His great goodness, He continues addressing these words to us: “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked but, would rather, he would change his ways and live ”(Ez 33:11). So let us turn back to Him, brethren, not fearing that time is running short. The time which belongs to Time’s Author cannot be shortened. The proof of it lies in the criminal in the Gospel, who, at the moment of dying on the cross, got away with his pardon, grabbed hold of Life and, breaking into paradise like a burglar, managed to make his way into the Kingdom (cf. Lk 23:43)!” – St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and “Doctor of Sermons” of the Church (Excerpt from Sermon 167).

PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us this day by the annual feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, grant, we beseech Thee, that we, who know on earth, the mysteries of Christ, may be found worthy to obtain, in heaven, the rewards of His Redemption. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 4 September – CONSIDERATION III: Second Point “For what is your life?”

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Thought for the Day – 4 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION III

“For what is your life?
It is even a vapour which appeareth for a little time.”
(St James iv: 14)

SECOND POINT.
King Hezekiah wept and said:
“I have cut my life off like a weaver;
. . . from day even to night,
wilt Thou make an end of me.” (Isa xxxviii: 12)

Oh! how many who are busy weaving, that is, planning and executing their worldly designs, which they have undertaken with such care, are overtaken by death which cuts off all. At the hour of death, all the glory of everything which is worldly, vanishes away, applause, amusements, pomps and grandeur.

Great secret of death! which makes us see that which the lovers of the world do not see. Fortunes which have been envied, the grandest dignities, the proudest triumphs, lose all their splendour, when they are reviewed from the bed of death!

The notions of certain false happiness which we have formed in our own minds, these are changed into exceeding great indignation against our own folly. The black and gloomy shadow of death covers and obscures all dignities even though they be Royal.
Our passions now, make the things of this earth appear different from what they really are – death unveils them and makes us see, what in truth they are, nothing but smoke, dust, vanity and misery. O my God! of what avail are riches, possessions and kingdoms, in death, when nothing is needed but a coffin and a simple robe to cover the body?
Of what avail are honours, when nothing remains of them but a funeral train and a pompous burial which will assist the soul in no way if it be lost?
Of what avail is beauty, if nothing remains of it but worms, corruption and horror, even before death and afterwards, nothing but a little foul dust?
“He hath made me also a byword of the people.” (Job xvii: 6).
That rich man dies, that minister, that captain and then, he will be spoken of everywhere ; if he has led a wicked life, he will
become a byword of the people and he will serve as a warning to others, being an example of the vanity of the world and also, an example of Divine justice. In the grave, his ashes will be mingled with the ashes of the poor.
“The small and great are there.” (Job iii: 19).
Of what use has the beautiful form of his body been to him, if now he is only a mass of corruption? What has the authority he possessed availed him, if his body is now thrown into a grave to corrupt and his soul has been cast into hell to burn? Oli ! what misery to be the object of these sad reflections to others, instead of making them for his own profit.

Let us, therefore, be persuaded that the proper time for satisfying the stings of a remorseful conscience, is during the time of life and not at the hour of death.
Let us hasten now to do that which, at that time we shall not be able to do.
“The time is short.”
All things quickly pass away and end, therefore, let us so act, that all we do, may serve towards obtaining our eternal salvation.

Affections andPrayers:

O God of my soul, O Infinite Goodness, have mercy upon me, who have so often offended Thee. I did indeed know that by sinning I should lose Thy grace and, I did not mind losing it but teach me what I can do to regain it.
If Thou desirest that I should repent of my sins, I do repent with my whole heart; I would even like to die of grief at having once sinned.
If it is Thy wish that I should hope for pardon from Thee, I do truly hope for it, through the merits of Thy Blood.
If Thou desirest that I should love Thee above all things, I will leave all; I will renounce all the joys and the riches which the world can give me and I will love Thee above all other things, O my most adorable Saviour.
If Thou wiliest that I should demand graces of Thee, I ask for these too that Thou wilt never let me offend Thee anymore and that, Thou wilt make me to love Thee and then do with me whatsoever Thou wilt!

Posted in QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on THE WORLD, St Alphonsus de Liguori,

Thought for the Day – 3 September – CONSIDERATION III: First Point “For what is your life?”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 3 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION III

“For what is your life?
It is even a vapour which appeareth for a little time.”
(St James iv: 14)

FIRST POINT:
WHAT is your life?
It is like unto a vapour which is dispersed by a breath of wind and is no more.
All know they must die but, the mistake so many make, is, they imagine that death is so far off, it will never overtake them.
But no! for Job warns us that the life of man is short:
“ Man is of few days. …. He cometh forth like a flower and is cut down.” (Job xiv: i, 2.)
The Lord commanded Isaiah to preach this same truth:
“Cry,” He said to him,
“All flesh is grass. ….
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth.” (Isa xl: 6, 7)
The life of man is like the life of a blade of grass; death comes, the blade is dried up and behold, life is finished and the flower of all grandeur and of all earthly possessions, is cut down.
“My days are swifter than a post.” (Job ix: 25).
Death comes to meet us more quickly than a messenger and we, at every moment, run towards death. At every step we take, at every breath we draw, we approach death.

“During the time I write,” observes St Jerome, “I am approaching death.”
“For we must needs die and are as water spilt on the ground which cannot be gathered up again.” (2 Sam xiv: 14).
Thou’seest how that stream flows to the sea and these running waters, they will never return again, thus, my brother, do thy days pass and thou drawest near to death, so do thy pleasures pass thy amusements, pomps, praises, acclamations and what remains?
“The graves are ready for me.” (Job xvii: I).
We shall be cast into a grave and there we shall have to lie deprived of everything. At the moment of death the remembrance of all the delights enjoyed in life, of all the honours we have acquired, will only serve to increase the grief and the mistrust which we shall feel as to obtaining eternal salvation. The miserable wordly one will then exclaim, ‘Alas! my house, my gardens, that furniture, those paintings, those garments, within a short time will no longer be mine!’
“The graves are ready for me.”

Alas! for at that time no earthly possession will be regarded, except with sorrow, by him who has loved it with such devotedness.
And this grief will only serve to place the salvation of the soul in greater danger; for we know that those who are so fond of the world, at the time of death, will only permit their infirmities, the physicians who are to be called in and the remedies which may relieve them, to be discussed and when the condition of their souls is spoken of, they immediately grow weary and desire that they maybe left to repose because they have a headache and they cannot bear the noise of conversation and when, sometimes they answer, they become confused, neither do they know what to say. Even so, do those die who think but little upon death.

Affections andPrayers

Ah, my God and Lord of Infinite greatness, I blush to appear before Thee. How often have I esteemed Thy friendship of less moment than a base pleasure, a passion of anger, a vain whim, a vapour?

I adore and kiss Thy holy Wounds which I, nevertheless, have inflicted on Thee by my sins but, through which, however, I hope for pardon and salvation.
Make me to feel, O my Jesus, the grievous wrong I have done Thee in leaving Thee, Thou Who art the Fountain of all good, to drink of waters which are putrid and poisonous. What do I now feel because of all my many offences against Thee, except remorse of conscience and fruits for hell?

“Father, …. lam unworthy to be called Thy son.” (St Luke xv: 21).
My Father, do not cast me from Thee. It is true I do not
deserve Thy Love, that I may become Thy son but Thou hast died to give me pardon. Thou hast said, “Turn ye unto Me, . . . and I will turn unto you.” (Zach i: 3) .
I leave every gratification, I renounce all the pleasures the world can give me and I turn to Thee.
Pardon me through that Blood which Thou hast shed for me, for I repent with all my heart, for all the offences which I have committed against Thee. I repent, for I love Thee beyond all other things. I am not worthy to love Thee but Thou art indeed worthy to be loved, let me love Thee, do
not turn from me, let this heart which once neglected Thee, now love Thee.
Thou didst not leave me to die, when I was living in sin, in order that I might come to love Thee yes, I do indeed desire to love Thee during the remainder of my life and, I would love none but Thee. Help me, give me holy perseverance and Thy most holy Love.