Category: QUOTES on VANITY

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on VANITY, QUOTES on VICE

Quote/s of the Day – 5 April – St Vincent Ferrer

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Quote/s of the Day – 5 April – St Vincent Ferrer OP (1350-1419) Confessor, called “The Angel of the Apocalypse” and of “The Last Judgement” and the “Mouthpiece of God.”

“Christ, the Master of humility,
manifests His Truth only to the humble
and hides Himself from the proud.”

“Charity is certainly greater than any Rule.
Moreover, all Rules, must lead to charity.”

“Once humility is acquired,
charity will come to life;
a burning flame devouring
the corruption of vice
and filling the heart so full,
there is no place for vanity.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/05/quote-s-of-the-day-5-april-st-vincent-ferrer-3/

St Vincent Ferrer OP (1350-1419)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LENT, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on MEEKNESS, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VANITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 March – The temptation of the Lord

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One Minute Reflection – 9 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” – St Frances of Rome Obl.S.B. (1384-1440) Widow – The First Sunday in Lent – 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 – Matthew 4:1-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

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

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

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

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

PRAYER – O God, Who along with other gifts of Thy grace honoured blessed Frances, Thy handmaid, with the close companionship of an angel, grant, we beseech Thee, that by the help of her intercession we may be made worthy to attain the companionship of Angels in Heaven. 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 APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD is LOVE, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, PAPAL PRAYERS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on VANITY, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The RESURRECTION

Quote/s of the Day – 23 November – St Clement I

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Quote/s of the Day – 23 November – St Clement I – Papacy (c88–c101) Pope Martyr, Apostolic Father.

“Who can describe the bond of God’s Love?
Who is able to explain the majesty of its beauty?
The height to which love leads is indescribable.
… In Love the Master received us,
Jesus Christ our Lord, in accordance
with God’s Will, gave His Blood for us
and His Flesh for our flesh
and His Life for our lives.”

“How blessed and amazing are God’s Gifts, dear friends!
Life with immortality,
splendour with righteousness,
truth with confidence,
faith with assurance,
self-control with holiness!
And all these things are
within our comprehension.”

“God hates those
who praise themselves.”

In The Name Of The Whole
Christian People
The Universal Prayer of St Clement I (c88–c101)
Pope and Martyr,
Apostolic Father of the Church

We beg Thee, Master,
be our help and strength.
Save those among us who are oppressed,
have pity on the lowly
and lift up the fallen.
Heal the sick,
bring back the straying
and feed the hungry.
Release those in prison,
steady those who falter
and strengthen the fainthearted.
Let all nations come to know Thee,
the One God, with Thy Son Jesus Christ
and ourselves, Thy people
and the sheep of Thy pasture.
Do not keep count of the sins of Thy servants
but purify them, through the bath of Thine Truth
and direct our steps.
Help us to walk in holiness of heart
and to do what is good and pleasing in Thine eyes
and in the eyes of our rulers.
Master, let Thine face shine on us
to grant us every good in peace,
protect us by Thine powerful Hand,
deliver us from every evil, by the might of Thine Arm.
Grant us and all who dwell on this earth,
peace and harmony, O Lord.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/23/quote-s-of-the-day-23-november-st-pope-clement-i-2/

St Pope Clement I – Papacy (c88 – c101)

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the KING Prayers, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on VANITY, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 October – “My Kingdom is not of this world.”

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One Minute Reflection – 27 Octoberber – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” –The Feast of Christ the King – Pentecost XXIII – Colossians 1:12-20; John 18:33-37– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Pilate, therefore, said to Him, Thou are then a King?” – John 18:37

REFLECTION – “What a stupendous thing it was for the King of the ages to become King of men! For Christ did not become King of Israel to exact tribute, to equip armies with swords, to subdue visible foes. He became King of Israel that He might rule over men’s souls, counsel them about eternity that, He might lead to the Kingdom of Heaven, those, who would believe in Him, hope in Him and love Him. Accordingly, it was not to increase His power–it was condescension on His part which made Him,, the Son of God, co-equal with the Father, the Word by Whom all things were made–wish to become King of Israel. It was an indication of His mercy; it did not augment His power. He, Who on earth was called King of the Jews, in Heaven is called, Lord of the Angels. But is Christ King of the Jews only and not King of the Gentiles, too? When, in prophecy He said, “But I have established My Kingdom upon Sion, My holy mountain. I will make known the decree of the Lord,” He added immediately, so that the mention of Mount Sion, might not lead men to believe He had been anointed King of the Jews, solely: “The Lord has said to Me – Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee. Ask of Me and I will give Thee the Gentiles for Thy inheritance and the ends of the earth, for Thy possessions.”

Jesus answered – “My Kingdom is not of this world. If My Kingdom were of this world, My followers would have fought, that I might not be delivered to the Jews. But as it is, My Kingdom is not from here.” This is what the good Master wished us to know. First, we had to learn, how vain was the notion of His Kingdom that it should be hostile, either to the Romans or to the Jews. When the Roman governor asked Jesus “Art thou King of the Jews?” the Lord could have answered: “My Kingdom is not of this world.” But Christ asked in His turn, ”Dost thou say this of thyself, or have others told thee of Me?” because, He wished to show, from Pilate’s answer, that He, Jesus, had been charged with this, as a crime by the Jews, before Pilate. Thus He laid bare to us the thoughts of men which He knew and which were vain. After the reply of Pilate, Jesus replied to them, to both Jews and Gentiles, more fittingly and more opportunely, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon on Christ the King) Roman Breviary

PRAYER – Almighty and eternal God, Who willed to restore all things in Thy beloved Son, the King of the Universe, graciously grant that the peoples of the earth torn asunder by the wound of sin, may submit to His most gentle rule.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 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 CHARITY - Fr Richard Clarke SJ, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HUMAN DIGNITY, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on VANITY, SELF-DISTRUST

Thought for the Day – 7 August – The Lowliness of Charity“ – Charity is not puffed up”

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Thought for the Day – 7 August – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

CHARITY
Meditations for a Month

The Lowliness of Charity
“Charity is not puffed up”

One of the great dangers of prosperity is that it so often produces a fatal exaltation of self. We are flattered by others and we begin to think that we are persons of importance.
Those around give way to us, listen to us when we speak, respect our opinion. From this, in our folly, we fancy ourselves distinguished and eminent and expect to be treated accordingly.
This temper, if it exists in us, shows that we are very deficient in true charity, for charity is never puffed up with a high estimate of self.

How does charity prevent this self-conceited pride and arrogance? Humility seems to be the proper virtue by which it is to be met. Humility is, indeed more obviously its opposite but charity, is equally a remedy for pride and arrogance. For charity is an emptying-out of self to give place to God alone.
True charity ignores self, despises self and is, therefore, quite incompatible with the temper which is nothing else than a magnifying of self and an ignoring of God. Which of the two tendencies is the stronger in my heart?

We are not likely to arrive at a true estimate of ourselves, unless others treat us as we deserve. How are we to know what our deserts may be? Our idea of our own deserts will be regulated by the degree of our charity. Those who esteem God the most and esteem themselves the least, consider themselves worthy only to be trampled underfoot and spat upon.
How should I appreciate such treatment? Would my charity enable me to rejoice in it, as suitable indeed for one like myself?

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS of PETITION, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on VANITY, QUOTES on WATCHING, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Our Morning Offering – 29 July – Grant Me, My God By St Thomas Aquinas

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Our Morning Offering – 29 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”

Grant Me, My God
By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Angelic Doctor, Common Doctor

Make my heart watchful, O God,
so that no vain thoughts may distract it from Thee.
Make it noble,
so that it may never be seduced by any base affection.
Make it steadfast,
so that troubles may not dismay it.
Make it free,
so that it may not yield to the onslaughts of passion.
Grant me, my God,
the intelligence, to understand Thee,
the love, to seek Thee,
the wisdom, to find Thee,
words, to please Thee,
the perseverance, to wait faithfully for Thee
and, the hope of embracing Thee, at last.
Grant that I, a repentant sinner,
may bear Thy chastisements with resignation.
Poor pilgrim which I am,
may I draw on the treasury of Thine grace
and may I one day,
be eternally happy with Thee in Heavenly glory!
Amen.

Posted in GOD ALONE!, HUMILITY-Fr Richard Clarke, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on VANITY, SELF-DISTRUST

Thought for the Day – 18 July – Humility in Success

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Thought for the Day – 18 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

HUMILITY
Meditations for a Month

Humility in Success

When Saint Peter and his companions had, at this word of Jesus, cast their nets and enclosed the miraculous draught of fishes, Saint Peter’s first impulse was to throw himself at Jesus’ feet and humbly cry,
“Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
Success, instead of puffing him up, made him recognise his own sinfulness and unworthiness of the favours which God had done him. This should be the effect of success on us — to humble ourselves and declare ourselves unworthy of such benefits as God has bestowed upon us.

Yet success is meant to encourage us. We cannot help being conscious of having done well and given satisfaction and it would be foolish and ungrateful to ignore the fact. But, our spirit must be that of Saint Bernard, who did not deny the marvels God had wrought through him. Instead, he expressed his astonishment that God could make use of such an instrument! So, we should regard it as fresh proof of God’s power and love, that He should work the marvels of His grace through us.

Thus, to humble ourselves amid the approval and applause of others, is no easy task. It is very possible to cry out, “Not unto us, O Lord but to Thy Name be the praise” and, all the time, to be puffed up with pride. The real test is whether we pray at such moments,

“Humble me, O Lord.
Teach me my own nothingness,
make me continually depend on Thee
and in my heart attribute to Thee all the glory
and to myself nothing.”
Such a prayer, if it comes from our heart, is a certain safeguard for our humility.

Posted in HUMILITY-Fr Richard Clarke, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VANITY, SELF-DISTRUST

Thought for the Day – 5 July – Certain Temptations Against Humility

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Thought for the Day – 5 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

HUMILITY
Meditations for a Month

Certain Temptations Against Humility

It is not easy to be humble when we are praised and flattered. Our self-love swallows, with eagerness, the words of compliment. We think they must be partly true, or at least, we are tempted to exult in the high opinion which others profess of us. Such occasions are very perilous to humility.
We should do well to think of Herod when the people listened to his oration and shouted out, “It is the voice of a god and not of a man.” We read that, because he took the glory to himself instead of giving it to God, he was smitten down by the Angel of the Lord and died miserably (Acts 12).

Yet we cannot help being pleased when others speak kindly of us and we ought to be pleased when our superiors commend us but, we must observe certain precautions.

  • We must take care to rejoice rather in the kindness of others than in their praise.
  • We must strive to forget ourselves, raise our hearts to God and offer Him our success.
  • We must make an act of humility at the thought that, if those who praise us saw us as God sees us, they would despise, not honour us.

If we find we are puffed up by praise, this is fresh proof of our imperfection. The Saints disliked and dreaded praise and, when they were blamed unjustly, thanked God and took it as a mark of His love and favour. Father Lancicius used to consider unjust reproaches as pure gains because they had no drawback of self-reproach or regret.
Which do I accept most gladly, undue praise or undeserved blame?

Posted in GOD ALONE!, HUMILITY-Fr Richard Clarke, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on VANITY, SELF-DISTRUST

Thought for the Day – 4 July – The Presentation of Humility

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Thought for the Day – 4 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

HUMILITY
Meditations for a Month

The Presentation of Humility

When God gives us consolation and peace of soul, we are in danger of losing our sense of dependence and our humility, unless, we bear in mind that:
+ All this happiness is a gift of God which, at any moment, He might take from us and, if He does but turn His Face from us, our joy will be turned to sorrow and heaviness.
+ We live continually on the edge of a precipice and, without a humble reliance upon God, we shall be sure to plunge over it!
+ Prayer to God is necessary to keep us humble and to keep us from attributing to ourselves, His good gifts.

However great may be the graces given us and, however, high the degree of virtue we may attain, we are never safe, unless we remember that we have, in ourselves, an inextinguishable fount of sin and weakness, of concupiscence and rebellion against God, otherwise, our very graces, may prove our ruin. We must cry out to God each morning as Saint Philip did,
“Watch me, O Lord, this day –
for, abandoned to myself,
I shall surely betray Thee!”
‘Guard me against myself and the traitor within my heart which makes me so often unfaithful to Thee. Heal my soul, which abounds with that, which is displeasing to Thee.‘

Those who have great natural talents are in especial danger unless they cultivate constant dependence upon God. Their very ability, is a danger to them and makes them plume themselves, upon what they are able to effect. Nabuchodonosor did this and for a time God took from him his reason until he recognised his own nothingness. Beware of priding yourself on anything you do, lest God take away that talent which has been the cause of so great an evil!

Posted in GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on VANITY, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 13 May – Concerning the Four Assaults of the Enemy at the Hour of Death.The Third Assault of Temptation to Vainglory.

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Thought for the Day – 13 May – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

LXV:… Concerning the Four Assaults of the Enemy
at the Hour of Death.
The Third Assault of Temptation to Vainglory.

“The Third Assault is that of vainglory and presumption.
Dread nothing as much as yielding, in the least way, to an exalted
opinion of your person, or your good works.
Take no glory but in the Lord and acknowledge that all that you are or ever hope to be, is to be attributed to the merits of the Life and Death of Jesus Christ.
Until the very evensong of life, hear nothing within your heart but the refrain of your own nothingness.
Let your humility deepen as self-love fades and unceasingly thank God, the Author of all your greatness.
Stand ever in a holy and prudent fear and confirm simply that all your endeavours are vain, unless God, in Whom is all your hope, crowns them with success.

If you will follow this advice, never shall your enemy prevail against you, your road will be open before you and you may pass on joyfully to the heavenly Jerusalem!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on VANITY, SELF-DISTRUST, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 8 May – Concerning the Examination of Conscience

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Thought for the Day – 8 May – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

LX: … Concerning the Examination of Conscience

“In the Examination of Conscience, consider three things:

  1. The faults committed on the particular day.
  2. The occasions of these faults.
  3. Your need of alacrity in amending those faults and acquiring the contrary virtues.

With regard to the faults committed each day, recall the commendations of Chapter Twenty Six (XXVI: See Links below) which treats of the mode of behaviour to be adopted by one who has fallen into sin.

It goes without saying that you must strive, with the greatest caution and circumspection, to avoid the occasions of these faults.
And as to the amendment of these faults and the acquisition of the
requisite virtues, you must fortify your will by a firm confidence in God, Who will aid you in remedying the evil habits.
If, however, you find that you have triumphed in the struggle over self or excelled in the performance of a good work, beware of vainglory. Even the memory of such victories should not be too much in your thoughts, lest presumption and vanity steal quietly and insidiously, into your heart.
Leave, therefore, your good works, whatever they maybe, to the mercy of God and, forgetting the triumphs of the past, fortify yourself for the struggles of the future.

As to your thanksgiving for the gifts and favours which the Lord has bestowed upon you in the course of the day, humbly acknowledge Him to be the Author of all good and your Protector against myriad unseen foes.
Thank Him for having inspired you with good thoughts and for having given you the opportunities of practicing virtue.
And finally, thank Him for all His unknown gifts of which you will never know!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Chapter Twenty Six (XXVI):

XXVI: … What Are We To Do When Wounded?
(Part One) XXVI: … What Are We To Do When Wounded?
(Part Two)

Posted in ACT of CONTRITION, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, QUOTES on VANITY, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 14 March – The Last Artifice of the Devil –Making even Virtue, an Occasion of Sin! (Part Three)

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Thought for the Day – 14 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXII: … The Last Artifice of the Devil –
Making even Virtue, an Occasion of Sin!
(Part Three)

“Consider next, that not only do all the works which you have done. fall short of the Light which has been given you to know them and the grace to execute them but too, that in themselves, they are very imperfect and are deficient of that pure intention and due diligence and fervour, with which they should be performed and which should always accompany them.

If, then, you will well consider this, you will see reason, rather for shame, than for vain complacency because, it is but too true that the graces which we receive pure and perfect from God, are sullied in their use, by our imperfections.

Again, compare your works with those of the Saints and other servants of God — for by such comparison, you will find that your best and greatest, are of base alloy and of little worth.
Next, measure them by those which Christ wrought for you in the Mystery of His life and of His continual Cross and setting aside the consideration of His Divinity, view His works in themselves alone — considering both the fervour and the purity of the love with which they were wrought and, you will see that all your works are indeed, as nothing.

And lastly, if you will raise your thoughts to the Divinity and the boundless Majesty of your God and the service which He deserves at your hands, you will plainly see that your works should excite in you not vanity but fear!

Therefore, in all your ways, in all your works, however holy they maybe, you must cry unto your Lord with all your heart, saying:
“God be merciful to me a sinner!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/12/thought-for-the-day-12-march-the-last-artifice-of-the-devil-making-even-virtue-an-occasion-of-sin-part-one/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/13/thought-for-the-day-13-march-the-last-artifice-of-the-devil-making-even-virtue-an-occasion-of-sin-part-two/

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VANITY, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 13 March – The Last Artifice of the Devil –Making even Virtue, an Occasion of Sin! (Part Two)

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Thought for the Day – 13 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXII: … The Last Artifice of the Devil –
Making even Virtue, an Occasion of Sin!
(Part Two)

“Again, in the life of grace and the performance of good works, what good or meritorious deed, could your nature perform by itself, if deprived of Divine assistance?

For, considering, on the other hand, the multitude of your past transgressions and moreover, the multitude of other sins from which, God’s compassionate Hand, has alone withheld you, you will find that your iniquities, being multiplied, not only by days and years but, by acts and habits of sin, (one evil habit drawing another after it), would have swelled to an almost infinite amount and so, have made of you, another infernal Lucifer!

Hence, if you would not rob God of the praise of His goodness but cleave faithfully to Him, you must learn, day-by-day, to think more humbly of yourself.
And be very careful to deal justly in this judgement of yourself, or it may do you no little injury.
For, if in the knowledge of your own iniquity, you surpass a man who, in his blindness, accounts himself to be something, you will lose exceedingly and fall far below him in the action of the will, if you desire to be esteemed and regarded by men, for that which you know yourself, not to be.

If, then, you desire that the consciousness of your vileness and sinfulness should protect you from your enemies and make you dear to God, you must not only despise yourself, as unworthy of any good and deserving of every evil but, you must love to be despised by others, detesting honours, rejoicing in shame and
stooping on all occasions to offices which others hold in contempt.
You must make no account at all of their judgement, lest you be, thereby, deterred from this holy exercise.
But take care that the end in view be solely your own humiliation and
self-discipline, lest you be in any degree influenced by a certain lurking pride and spirit of presumption which, under some specious pretext or other, often causes us to make little or no account of the opinions of others.

And should you perchance come to be loved, esteemed, or praised by others for any good gift bestowed upon you by God, be not moved, a single step, thereby but, collect yourself steadily within the stronghold of this true and just judgement of yourself, first turning to God and saying to Him with all your heart :

“O Lord, never let me rob Thee of Thy honour
and the glory of Thy grace.
To Thee be praise and honour and glory,
to me, confusion of face.”

And then say mentally of him who praises you:

“Whence is it that he accounts me good,
since truly, my God and His works, are alone good?”

For by thus, giving back to the Lord that which is His own, you will keep your enemies afar off and prepare yourself to receive greater gifts and favours from your God.

And if the remembrance of good works exposes you to any risk of vanity, view them instantly, not as your own but as God’s and say to them :

“I know not how you did appear and originate in my mind,
for you derived not your being from me
but the good God and His grace created, nourished and preserved you.
Him alone, then, will I acknowledge as your true
and first Parent, Him will I thank
and to Him, will I return all the praise.
Amen!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/12/thought-for-the-day-12-march-the-last-artifice-of-the-devil-making-even-virtue-an-occasion-of-sin-part-one/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on VANITY, QUOTES on VIRTUE, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 12 March – The Last Artifice of the Devil –Making even Virtue, an Occasion of Sin! (Part One)

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Thought for the Day – 12 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXII: … The Last Artifice of the Devil –
Making even Virtue, an Occasion of Sin!
(Part One)

“The cunning and malicious serpent never fails to tempt us, by his artifices, even by means of the very virtues we have acquired, thus, leading us to regard them and ourselves with complacency, they may become our ruin, exalting us on high, that we may fall into the sin of pride and vainglory!

To preserve yourself from this danger, choose for your battlefield, the safe and level ground of a true and deep conviction of your own nothingness – that you are nothing, that you know nothing, that you can do nothing and have nothing but misery and sin and deserve nothing but eternal damnation.

Entrench yourself firmly within the limits of this truth and suffer not yourself to be enticed, so much as a hair’s breadth therefrom, by any evil thought, or anything else which may befall you; knowing well that there are so many enemies, who would slay or wound you, should you fall into their hands.

In order to acquit yourself well in this exercise of the true knowledge of your own nothingness, observe the following rule:

“As often as you reflect upon yourself
and your own works and worth,
consider always what you are of yourself
and not what you are by the aid of God’s grace
and so, esteem yourself,
as you shall thus find yourself to be.”

Consider first the time before you were in existence and you will see yourself to have been, during all that abyss of eternity, a mere nothing and, that you did nothing and could have done nothing, towards giving yourself an existence!

Next, consider the time since you did receive a being from the sole bounty of God.
And here, also, if you leave to Him that which is His own, (His continual care of you which sustains you every moment of your life), what are you of yourself but still a mere nothing?!

For, undoubtedly, were He to leave you for one moment to yourself, you would instantly return to that first nothingness from whence you were drawn by His Almighty Hand.
It is plain that, in the order of nature and viewed in yourself alone, you have no reason to esteem yourself, or to desire the esteem of others!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on VANITY, SELF-DISTRUST, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 11 March – Of the Devil’s Artifices, In Order to Draw Us Away, From the Path of Holiness (Part Three)

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Thought for the Day – 11 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXI: … Of the Devil’s Artifices, In Order
to Draw Us Away, From the Path of Holiness
(Part Three)

“Lastly, I would here warn you of a hidden deceit of our self-love which is wont, on certain occasions, to cover and justify our faults.
For instance, a sick man who has but little patience with his sickness, conceals his impatience under the cover of zeal for some apparent good — saying, that his vexation arises, not really from impatience under his sufferings but, is a reasonable sorrow because he has incurred it by his own fault, or else because others are harassed or wearied by the trouble he gives them, or by some other cause.

In like manner, the ambitious man, who frets after some unattained honour, does not attribute his discontent to his own pride and vanity but to some other cause, which he knows, fullwell, would give him no concern did it not touch himself.

So neither would the sick man care, if they, whose fatigue and trouble on his account seems to give him so much vexation, should have the same care and trouble on account of the sickness of another.
A plain proof that the root of such men’s sorrow is not concern for others, or anything else but an abhorrence of everything which crosses their own will!

Therefore, to avoid this and other errors, bear patiently, as I have told you, every trial and every sorrow, from whatever cause arising.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/09/thought-for-the-day-9-march-of-the-devils-artifices-in-order-to-draw-us-away-from-the-path-of-holiness-part-one/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/10/thought-for-the-day-10-march-of-the-devils-artifices-in-order-to-draw-us-away-from-the-path-of-holiness-part-two/

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on PRESUMPTION, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on VANITY, SELF-DISTRUST, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 27 February – Of the Ways to Rule the Tongue

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Thought for the Day – 27 February – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXIV: … Of the Ways to Rule the Tongue

“It is very necessary that the tongue be well bridled and regulated, as we are all much inclined, to let it run wildly on, upon those things which are most pleasing to the senses.

MUCH SPEAKING springs, ordinarily, from pride.
We persuade ourselves that we know a great deal; we take delight in our own conceits and endeavour, by needless repetitions, to impress them upon the minds of other, that we may exercise a mastery over them, as though they needed instruction from us.
It is not possible, in a few words, to express, the many evils which arise from overmuch speaking.
TALKATIVENESS is the mother of sloth, the sign of ignorance and folly, the door of slander ,the minister of falsehood, the destroyer of fervent devotion.
A multitude of words adds strength to evil passions, by which, again, the tongue is the more easily led to indiscreet speech.
Do not indulge in long conversations with those who are unwilling to hear you, lest you weary them; nor with those who love to listen to you, lest you exceed the bounds of modesty.

AVOID LOUD and assertive speaking, which is not only odious in itself but, is also a sign of presumption and vanity.

NEVER SPEAK OF YOURSELF or your doings, nor of your kindred, except in case of absolute necessity and then, with all possible brevity and reserve.
If others seem to speak overmuch of themselves, try to put a favourable construction upon their conduct but, do not imitate it, even though, their words seem to tend to self-humiliation and self-accusation.

SPEAK AS LITTLE as maybe possible, of your neighbour, or of anything concerning him, unless an occasion occurs to say something in his praise.

SPEAK WILLINGLY OF GOD and especially, of His Love and Goodness but with fear and caution, lest even here, you fall into error.
Rather, take pleasure in listening, while others speak of Him, treasuring their words in the depth of your heart.

LET THE SOUND of men’s voices strike only upon your ear – meanwhile, you should lift up your heart to God and, if you must, listen to their discourse, in order to understand and reply to it, yet neglect not to cast your eye in thought to Heaven, where God dwells and, contemplate His loftiness, as He ever beholds your vileness.

CONSIDER WELL the things your heart suggests to you, before they pass onto your tongue – for you will perceive that many of them would be better suppressed altogether and never reach the ears of anyone!
Nay, I can still further assure you that not a few, even of those which you will then think it expedient to pronounce aloud, would be far better buried in silence and so, you will perceive, upon reflection, when the opportunity for speaking is past.

SILENCE IS A STRONG FORTRESS, in the spiritual combat and a sure pledge of victory.

SILENCE IS THE FRIEND, of him who distrusts himself and trusts in
God; it is the guard of holy prayer and a wonderful aid in the practice of virtue.
In order to acquire the practice of silence, consider frequently
the great benefits which arise therefrom and, the evils and dangers of verbosity
Love this virtue and in order to acquire the habit of it, keep silence occasionally, even at times when you might lawfully speak, provided this be not to your own prejudice, or to that of others.
And you will be greatly helped to achieve this virtue, by withdrawing from the society of men; for, in the place of this, you will have the society of Angels, Saints and of God Himself!

Lastly, remember the combat which you have in hand that, seeing you have so much to do, you may the more willingly refrain from all superfluous words.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in CATECHESIS, GOD ALONE!, LENT 2024, LENTEN THOUGHTS, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on VANITY, St Francis de Sales

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 24 February – Fasting … you should make all the members of your body and the powers of your soul fast …’

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Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 24 February – Ember Saturday – Acts 1:15-26, Matthew 11:25-30 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ Lord, Thou hast proved me
and known me:
Thou hast known my sitting down
and my rising up.”
Psalm 138:1-2

“Take My yoke upon you
and learn from Me,
for I Am meek and humble of heart
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For My yoke is easy and My burden light.”
Matthew 11:29-30

ON FASTING
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

This is all I wish to tell you regarding fasting and what must be observed in order to fast well.
The first thing is that your fast should be entire and universal – that is that you should make all the members of your body and the powers of your soul fast – keeping your eyes lowered … mortifying the hearing and the tongue, so that you will no longer hear or speak of anything vain or useless; … the memory, in filling it with the remembrance of bitter and sorrowful things and avoiding joyous and gracious thoughts; keeping your will in check and your spirit at the foot of the Crucifix, with some holy and sorrowful thought.
If you do this, your fast will be universal, interior and exterior, for you will mortify both your body and your spirit.
The second condition is that you do not observe your fast or perform your works, for the eyes of others and the third, is that you do all your actions and consequently, your fasting, to please God alone, to Whom be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen.” – (Excerpt from the Sermon given for Ash Wednesday on 9 February 1622).

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FREEDOM, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on VANITY, QUOTES on WATCHING, QUOTES on Will (Sensual or Inferior), QUOTES on WISDOM, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Our Morning Offering – 15 February – Grant Me, My God By St Thomas Aquinas

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Our Morning Offering – 15 February – Ash Thursday

Grant Me, My God
By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Angelic Doctor, Common Doctor

Make my heart watchful, O God,
so that no vain thoughts may distract it from Thee.
Make it noble,
so that it may never be seduced by any base affection.
Make it steadfast,
so that troubles may not dismay it.
Make it free,
so that it may not yield to the onslaughts of passion.
Grant me, my God,
the intelligence, to understand Thee,
the love, to seek Thee,
the wisdom, to find Thee,
words, to please Thee,
the perseverance, to wait faithfully for Thee
and, the hope of embracing Thee, at last.
Grant that I, a repentant sinner,
may bear Thy chastisements with resignation.
Poor pilgrim which I am,
may I draw on the treasury of Thine grace
and may I one day,
be eternally happy with Thee in Heavenly glory!
Amen.

Posted in QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JUDGING, QUOTES on LUST, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SLOTH, QUOTES on VANITY

Thought for the Day – 13 February – Of the Way to Resist the Sins of the Flesh (Part Two of Section I)

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Thought for the Day – 13 February – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XIX: … Of the Way to Resist the Sins of the Flesh
(I) Before the Temptation
(Part Two)

“Once more I say to you, Fly! for you are as stubble!
Trust not to being bathed and filled with the water of a good and strong purpose and resolve and ready to die rather than offend God; for, inflamed by frequent stirring, the heat of the fire will gradually consume and evaporate the water of thy good resolution and, when you are least on your guard, it will so enkindle you that you will respect, neither friends nor kindred, nor fear God, nor regard life or honour, nor all the pains of hell!
Therefore fly, fly, unless you would be overtaken, captured and slain!

Secondly, avoid idleness and be awake and vigilant and busied with the thoughts and deeds which befit your state of life.

Thirdly, never resist the will of your superiors but show them a ready obedience, promptly fulfilling all their commands and most willingly — such as humble you most and are most opposed to your natural will and inclination.

Fourthly, beware of forming rash judgements of your neighbour, especially with regard to this vice and if he has manifestly fallen, have pity on him; be not bitter against him, nor hold him in contempt but rather gather from his fall, the fruit of humility and self-knowledge, confessing yourself to be but dust and ashes, drawing nearer unto God in prayer and shunning more carefully, than ever, all connections wherein there may be even the shadow of danger.
For if you are quick to judge and despise others, God will correct you to your cost and suffer you to fall into the same fault, in order to convince you of your own weakness that, by such a humiliation, both sins may be cured.
And even if you should escape this sin, yet, unless you lay aside your uncharitable judgement of others, your state will be very insecure.

Fifthly and lastly, beware, lest, finding yourself favoured with some enjoyment of spiritual delights, you feel a certain vain complacency therein and imagine yourself to be something special and, that your enemies are now no longer able to assault you because you seem to yourself to regard them with disgust, horror and detestation.
If you are incautious in this matter, you will easily fall.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/12/thought-for-the-day-11-february-of-the-way-to-resist-the-sins-of-the-flesh-part-one/

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT QUOTES, ADVENT REFLECTIONS, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, EVENING and NIGHT Prayers, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MERIT, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on VANITY, QUOTES on WATCHING, QUOTES on WISDOM, The BEATITUDES, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HEART, The SECOND COMING

Quote/s of the Day – 19 January – ‘In the hours of the night, think always on Christ …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 19 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – St Marius and Family of Persia, (Died c 270) Martyrs – Hebrews 10:32-38, Matthew 24:3-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Tell us when shall these things be?
and what shall be the sign of Thy Coming
and of the consummation of the world? ”

Matthew 24:3

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

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

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

“… In fact, according to the merit
and fervour of each one,
there is a frequent and familiar advent of the Lord
that, in this intermediary period,
between His First and Last Coming,
models us on one and prepares us to the other.
The Lord comes to us now,
so that His First Coming to us, may not be in vain
and that the Last One, may not be that of wrath.
Through His Present Coming, in fact,
He works at reforming our pride,
in the image of the humility of His first advent,
to then remodel our humble body,
in the image of the glorified body He will show us,
when He will return. This is why we should desire
and fervently ask this personal coming –
which gives us the grace of this first advent
and promises us the glory of the last. …”

Bl Guerric of Igny (c1080-1157)
Cistercian Abbot

(2nd sermon for Advent, 2-4)

Grant Me, My God
By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Angelic Doctor, Common Doctor

Make my heart watchful, O God,
so that no vain thoughts may distract it from Thee.
Make it noble,
so that it may never be seduced by any base affection.
Make it steadfast,
so that troubles may not dismay it.
Make it free,
so that it may not yield to the onslaughts of passion.
Grant me, my God,
the intelligence, to understand Thee,
the love, to seek Thee,
the wisdom, to find Thee,
words, to please Thee,
the perseverance, to wait faithfully for Thee
and, the hope of embracing Thee, at last.
Grant that I, a repentant sinner,
may bear Thy chastisements with resignation.
Poor pilgrim which I am,
may I draw on the treasury of Thine grace
and may I one day,
be eternally happy with Thee in Heavnely glory!
Amen.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, QUOTES on VANITY, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 15 January – Of Spiritual Exercises, the Third Weapon

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Thought for the Day – 15 January – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

The Third Weapon
of the Spiritual Combat

VII: … Of Spiritual Exercises
(and the first of the Exercise of the Understanding (Reason) — which must be kept guarded
against ignorance and curiosity).

“If in this warfare, we are provided with no weapons except self-distrust and trust in God, needful as both these are, we shall not only fail to gain the victory over ourselves but, shall fall into many evils.
To these, therefore, we must add the use of Spiritual Exercises, the Third Weapon named above.
And these relate chiefly to the Understanding (Reason) and the Will.

As regards the Understanding, we must guard against two things which are apt to obscure it.
One is ignorance which darkens it and impedes it in acquiring the knowledge of truth, the proper object of the understanding.
Therefore, it must be made clear and bright, by exercise that so it may be able to see and discern plainly, all that is needful to purify the soul from disorderly passions and to adorn it with saintly virtues.

This light may be obtained in two ways:
The first and most important is prayer, imploring the Holy Ghost to pour it into our hearts.
This He will not fail to do, if we, in truth seek God alone and the fullment of His holy will and, if in all things, we submit our judgement to that of our spiritual father.
The other is, to exercise ourselves continually in a true and deep consideration of all things, to discover whether they be good or evil, according to the teaching of the Holy Ghost and not, according to their outward appearance, as they impress the senses or are judged of by the world.

This consideration, if rightly exercised, will teach us to regard, as falsehood and vanity, all which the blind and corrupt world, in so many various ways, loves, desires and seeks after.
It will show us plainly that the honours and pleasures of earth are but vanity and vexation of spirit; that injury and infamy inflicted on us by the world, bring true glory and tribulations, contentment; that to pardon our enemies and to do them good, is true magnanimity and an act, which likens us most nearly to God; that to despise the world is better than to rule it; that voluntary obedience, for the love of God to the meanest of His creatures, is greater and nobler, than to command mighty princes and, that the mortication and subjugation of our most trying appetite, is more glorious than the reduction of strong cities, the defeat of mighty armies, the working of miracles, or the raising of the dead!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in QUOTES on JUDGING, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on VANITY, The HEART, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 5 January – Of the Essence of Christian Perfection, Part Two

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Thought for the Day – 5 January – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

Introduction
I: Of the Essence of Christian Perfection –
Of the Struggle Requisite for its Attainment –
And of the Four Things Needful in this Conflict

Of the Essence of Christian Perfection, Part Two:

“ Such persons leave their hearts unguarded to the mercy of their own inclinations and exposed to the lurking deceits of the devil, who, seeing them out of the direct road, not only lets them continue these exercises, with satisfaction but leads them, in their own vain imagination, to expound on the delights of paradise and to fancy themselves to be borne aloft amidst the Angelic Choir and to feel God within them.
Sometimes, they find themselves absorbed in high, or mysterious and
ecstatic meditations and, forgetful of the world and of all that it contains, they believe themselves to be caught up to the Third Heaven.

But the life and conversation of such persons, prove the depth of the delusion in which they are held and their great distance from the perfection after which we are inquiring; for in all things, great and small, they desire to be preferred and placed above others; they are wedded to their own opinion and obstinate in their own will and blind to their own faults, they are busy and diligent observers and critics of the deeds and words of others.
But touch only with a finger their point of honour, a certain vain estimation in which they hold themselves and would have others to hold them, interrupt their devotions and they are disturbed and offended beyond measure.

And if, to bring them back to the true knowledge of themselves and of the way of perfection, Almighty God should send them sickness, or sorrow, or persecution (that touchstone of His servants’ loyalty which never befalls them without His permission or command), then, is the unstable foundation of their spiritual edifice discovered and its interior laid bare, all corroded and defaced by pride …

Hence, it is most certain that such persons are in serious danger – for, the inward eye being darkened, wherewith they contemplate themselves and these their external good works, they attribute to themselves a very high degree of perfection and thus puffed up with pride, they pass judgement upon others, while a very extraordinary degree of God’s assisting grace is needed to convert themselves.
For the open sinner is more easily converted and restored to God, than the man who shrouds himself under the cloak of seeming virtue!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Of the Essence of Christian Perfection, Part One:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/01/04/thought-for-the-day-4-january-of-the-essence-of-christian-perfection/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on The SOUL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VANITY, The HEART

Thought for the Day – 14 December – Consolation from God

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

Consolation from God

“Even men and other creatures, have some power to comfort and console us.
The comfort which we receive from them, however, cannot completely satisfy our hearts which were made for God alone.
Such consolations, as they can give are short-lived and vanish like snow beneath the sun.

What can men or other worldly creatures give us?
They can give us material wealth but this often turns out to be troublesome and vexatious and is too much inferior to the greatness of the human soul, to be able to satisfy it.
Worldly honour can intoxicate our pride and self-conceit for a little while but this state of inebriation cannot last very long.
We know too well that we are what we are in the sight of God and nothing more.
The praise and flattery of other men adds nothing to our statue and only serves as an incentive to idle vanity.
Then, there are worldly pleasures, some of which are healthy and commendable but how long do thy last?
They are like flowers which open there petals to the morning air and fold them again in the evening.
There are unhealthy pleasures too; not only are these passing and perishable like all created things but, they leave behind a sense of nausea and remorse!

Let us seek, before all other joys, the consolation of God.
These do not decrease as life goes on but, last forever and are completed in the next life.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in ADVENT REFLECTIONS, CONFESSION/PENANCE, GOD ALONE!, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on VANITY, St Francis de Sales, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 December – Since our Divine Saviour is so near, what are we to do to prepare ourselves for His coming ?

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One Minute Reflection – 10 December – The Second Sunday of Advent, Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God – Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 11:2-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Behold I send My Angel before My face, who shall prepare Thy way before Thee.” – Matthew 11:10

REFLECTION – “Since our Divine Saviour is so near, what are we to do to prepare ourselves for His coming ? Saint John the Baptist teaches us : “Repent!” he says, “bring low those mountains of pride, fill those valleys of laziness and pusillanimity, for salvation is near at hand.” The ‘valleys’ are nothing other than fear which, when it becomes too great, leads to discouragement. The sight of the great sins we have committed, brings with them, a shock and fear which strikes the heart. These are the valleys we have to fill, with trust and hope for the coming of our Lord.

“Bring low mountains and hills:”what are these but presumption, pride and self-esteem, which is a very great hindrance to our Lord’s coming, Who is accustomed to humble and bring low the proud, for He penetrates right to the bottom of our hearts to uncover the pride hidden within them. “Level the highways, the crooked ways make straight to make them a plain.” This is as though He were to say: “Put right all those doubtful intentions, so that you may have none but that of pleasing God, by doing penance, this being the goal to which we should all aim.”

Make straight the path, smooth down your feelings by the mortification of your passions, inclinations and aversions. Oh, what a desirable thing it is, this equanimity of mind and feeling; how faithfully we ought to work to acquire it! For, we are more changing and inconstant, than can be told. People are to be found, who at one moment, being in a good temper, will be of a pleasant and joyful conversation; yet look on the other side and you will find them sad and restless –in sum, the winding and uneven ways, are to be made straight for the coming of our Lord!” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva, Doctor of the Church (Sermon for the 4th Sunday of Advent).

PRAYER – O God, Who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, prepared a worthy dwelling for Thy Son,and Who, by Thy Son’s death, foreseen by Thee, preserved her from all taint, grant, we beseech Thee, through her intercession, that we too may come to Thee unstained by sin.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, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on VANITY, QUOTES on WISDOM

Thought for the Day – 7 December –

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Thought for the Day – 7 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

TRUE WISDOM

“Today, unfortunately, there is too much emphasis set on material science considered in itself and apart from God.
Many people do not regard earthly things as steps which enable them to climb towards God but, as objects desirable in themselves which possess the power to satisfy them, both intellectually and sensibly.
In fact, they fail to appease their vanity for very long and, if they become attached to them, lead them towards spiritual ruin.

A century ago, the French writer de Maistre, prophesied incalculable evil, if men did not return to the ancient values and subordinate knowledge to goodness once more.
Because of science, he said, men would become more barbarous than the barbarians.
His words have come true in the past few decades.
Unbridled science has brought us two world wars and the weapons which threaten destruction of all!

Let us seek to avert catastrophe in our own individual lives, at least.
Knowledge is desirable but only after goodness and humility.
Let us remember the words of St Paul in his letter to the Corinthians:
“All things are yours and you are Christ’s and Christ is God’s” (1 Cor 3:22-23).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/30/thought-for-the-day-30-april-true-wisdom/

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CREATION, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VANITY, The BEATITUDES, The HOLY CROSS

Thought for the Day – 23 November – The Blessedness of Those Who Mourn

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Thought for the Day – 23 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Blessedness of Those Who Mourn

“Finally, the Christian will sometimes shed tears of joy.
There are some people who are not easily moved.
Rigid and inflexible, they proceed in all things, with mathematical precision and cannot be swayed by the promptings of the heart.
They are incapable of shedding a tear.

If we love God sincerely, however, we shall have what is called by the Fathers, ‘the gift of tears.’
It is because we know God so little that we love Him so little.
If we loved Him fervently, the contemplation of His infinite goodness and mercy, would move us to tears of love and of joy!
So it was with the Saints, especially in the presence of the Crucifix and of the Blessed Sacrament and in the presence of the marvels of creation.

We are incapable of shedding tears of love and of joy because we know and love God so little.
“Our love and knowledge of God are imperfect” (Summa Theologae I-II q 68 a2), writes St Thomas Aquinas.
We are too absorbed in worldly vanities to be capable of such heartfelt joy and love.

Let us meditate more often and love God more fervently and He will grant us ‘the gift of tears!‘”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/30/thought-for-the-day-30-november-the-blessedness-of-those-who-mourn/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/23/thought-for-the-day-23-november-the-blessedness-of-those-who-mourn/

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on VANITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 October – “Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak”

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One Minute Reflection – 21 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Saint Ursula and Companions (Died c 238) Virgin Martyrs – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6, Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.” – Luke 11:28

REFLECTION – “Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak” (Jas 1;19). Yes, brethren, I tell you frankly… I, who frequently address you at your own request, it is undiluted joy for me, when I take my place in the audience; my happiness is unalloyed, when I listen, rather than speak. Then, it is that I savour the Word in all confidence; my satisfaction is unthreatened by vainglory. When you sit on the solid rock of Truth, how can you fear the precipice of pride? “I will give ear,” says the psalmist, “and you will fill me with joy and gladness” (cf Ps 50:10). So, I am never more delighted, than when I am listening – our position as hearers, is that which keeps us in an attitude of humility.

To the contrary, if we speak … we need to have a certain restraint. Even if I do not give in to pride, I am always afraid I might still do so! If I listen, on the other hand, no-one can take my joy away from me, (Jn 16:22) since no-one witnesses it. This is truly the joy of the Bridegroom, of Whom Saint John says: “He stands and listens” (Jn 3:29). He stands because he listens. The first man, too, was standing because he was listening to God, as soon as he listened to the serpent, he fell. The friend of the bridegroom, then, is “overcome with joy at the Bridegroom’s Voice.” What makes him joyful is not his own voice, as preacher and prophet but the Voice of the Bridegroom Himself.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace [Attri] (Cf Discourse on Ps 139:15 – Treatises on St John’s Gospel No 57)

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God that we may never cease devoutly, to venerate the triumphs of Thy holy Virgins and Martyrs, Ursula and her companions that, as we cannot worthily shew forth their praises, yet we may continually honour them, with lowly service. 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 WORD and WISDOM, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on VANITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 August – “Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Vigil of the Assumption – Ecclesiasticus 24:23-31, Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.” – Luke 11:28

REFLECTION – “Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak” (Jas 1;19). Yes, brethren, I tell you frankly… I, who frequently address you at your own request, it is undiluted joy for me, when I take my place in the audience; my happiness is unalloyed, when I listen, rather than speak. Then, it is that I savour the Word in all confidence; my satisfaction is unthreatened by vainglory. When you sit on the solid rock of Truth, how can you fear the precipice of pride? “I will give ear,” says the psalmist, “and you will fill me with joy and gladness” (cf Ps 50:10). So, I am never more delighted, than when I am listening – our position as hearers, is that which keeps us in an attitude of humility.

To the contrary, if we speak … we need to have a certain restraint. Even if I do not give in to pride, I am always afraid I might still do so! If I listen, on the other hand, no-one can take my joy away from me, (Jn 16:22) since no-one witnesses it. This is truly the joy of the Bridegroom, of Whom Saint John says: “He stands and listens” (Jn 3:29). He stands because he listens. The first man, too, was standing because he was listening to God, as soon as he listened to the serpent, he fell. The friend of the bridegroom, then, is “overcome with joy at the Bridegroom’s Voice.” What makes him joyful is not his own voice, as preacher and prophet but the Voice of the Bridegroom Himself.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace [Attri] (Cf Discourse on Ps 139:15 – Treatises on St John’s Gospel No 57)

PRAYER – O God, Who chose for Thy dwelling the virginal womb of the blessed Mary, grant, we beseech Thee that, with the help of her protection, we may with joy, take part in her festival.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the KING, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on INDIFFERENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VANITY

Thought for the Day – 12 August – Renouncing All Things

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

Renouncing All Things

“Self-renunciation involves too, the surrender of other attachments, such as the love of worldly honours, ambitions, the desire for success and many other affections which would binder us from living the life of Gof.

When we have arrived at a state of indifference to illness or health, wealth ot powers, life or death, we shall be able to say that we have completely renounced self because God alone will reign within us.

When we have stripped ourselves of all alien affections, God will be our absolute Sovereign and we shall be really immensely rich!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/16/thought-for-the-day-16-august-renouncing-all-things/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/12/thought-for-the-day-12-august-renouncing-all-things/