Category: QUOTES on WISDOM

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on WISDOM, ST FRANCIS de SALES, St JOSEPH, The HOLY FAMILY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 April – ‘ … There is no doubt at all, that Saint Joseph was braver than David and wiser that Solomon …’

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One Minute Reflection – 24 April – The Octave Day of the Patronage of St Joseph – St Fidelis of Sigmaringen OFM Cap (1577-1622) Martyr – Genesis 49:22-26; Luke 3:21-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And Jesus, Himself, was beginning about the age of thirty years, being – (as it was supposed) – the son of Joseph … ” – Luke 3:23

REFLECTION – “How faithful in humility was the great Saint we are celebrating! That cannot be said in all its perfection for, in spite of what he was, in what poverty and lowliness he lived all the days of his life, a poverty and lowliness beneath which he kept hidden and concealed his great virtues and dignity!… Truly, I have no doubt at all, that the angels came, beside themselves with admiration, rank upon rank, to behold and wonder at his humility, while he sheltered that dearest Child, in the poor workshop where he worked at his employment, so as to feed the little Boy and the mother entrusted to him.

There is no doubt at all, that Saint Joseph was braver than David and wiser that Solomon, [who were his ancestors]. Nevertheless, seeing him reduced to the exercise of carpentry, who could have discerned this, unless they were enlightened by a heavenly light, so hidden did he keep the remarkable gifts, with which God had favoured him?

And what wisdom did he not have? For God gave him, His most glorious Son to care for… the universal Prince of heaven and earth… Nevertheless, you can see how low and humbled he was brought, more than can be said or imagined… he went to his own country and town of Bethlehem and none but he, was turned away from all those inns…

Notice how the Angel turns him about with both hands. He tells him he has to go to Egypt and he goes, he orders him to return and he returns. God wants him to be always poor… and he submits to it with love and not only for a while, for he was poor his whole life long.”- St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church – Conferences, no. 19

PRAYER – God, Who didst vouchsafe to enkindle in blessed Fidelis, the fire of Thy Seraphim and to glorify his toil, to give men a true knowledge of Thee, didst by the Palm-branch of Martyrdom and by great signs and wonders, be entreated, we beseech Thee, for his sake and by his prayers and so, establish us in the knowledge and love of thee, that we also, like him, may be found faithful even unto death, in serving of 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 CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, Lady POVERTY, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on WISDOM, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR, ST FRANCIS de SALES, St JOSEPH, The HOLY FAMILY, THE HOLY FAMILY - FAMILIAE SANCTAE, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 April– ‘… God gave him his most glorious Son to care for …’

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One Minute Reflection – 19 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – Within the Octave of the Solemnity of the Patronage of St Joseph – Genesis 49:22-26; Luke 3:21-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And Jesus, Himself, was beginning about the age of thirty years, being – (as it was supposed) – the son of Joseph … ” – Luke 3:23

REFLECTION – “How faithful in humility was the great Saint we are celebrating! That cannot be said in all its perfection for, in spite of what he was, in what poverty and lowliness he lived, all the days of his life – a poverty and lowliness beneath which. he kept hidden and concealed, his great virtues and dignity! … Truly, I am free of doubt that the Angels came, beside themselves with admiration, rank upon rank, to behold and wonder at his humility, while he sheltered that dearest Child in the poor workshop where he worked at his employment, so as to feed the little Boy and the Mother entrusted to him.

There is no doubt at all that St Joseph was braver than David and wiser that Solomon [who were his ancestors]. Nevertheless, seeing him reduced to the exercise of carpentry, who could have discerned this, unless they were enlightened by a heavenly light, so hidden did he keep the remarkable gifts with which God had favoured him? And what wisdom did he not have? For God gave him his most glorious Son to care for … the universal Prince of Heaven and earth … Nevertheless, you can see how low and humbled he was brought, more than can be said or imagined … he went to his own Country and Town of Bethlehem and none but he was turned away from all those inns … Notice how the Angel turns him about with both hands. He tells him he has to go to Egypt and he goes; he orders him to return and he returns. God wants him to be always poor … and he submits to it with love and, not only for a while, for he was poor his whole life long!” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church (Conferences No 20)

PRAYER – O God, Who in Thine unspeakable foreknowledge didst choose Thy blessed servant Joseph to be the husband of Thine Own most holy Mother; mercifully grant that now that he is in heaven with Thee, we ,who on earth, do reverence him for our Defender, may worthily be assisted by the succour of his prayers to Thee on our behalf. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect)

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), GOD ALONE!, GUARDIAN ANGELS - Prayers etc, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on WATCHING, QUOTES on WISDOM, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Quote/s of the Day – 17 March – St Patrick

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Quote/s of the Day – 17 March – St Patrick (c386-461) “The Apostle of Ireland,” Bishop, Confessor

Excerpt from St Patrick’s Breastplate
(also known as “The Deer Cry”)

I bind unto myself today
the power of God to hold and lead,
His Eye to watch, His Might to stay,
His Ear to hearken to my need;
the Wisdom of my God to teach,
His Hand to guide, His shield to ward;
the Word of God to give me speech,
His Heavenly Host to be my guard.
Against the demon snares of sin,
the vice which gives temptation force,
the natural lusts which war within,
the hostile men who mar my course;
of few or many, far or nigh,
in every place and in all hours
against their fierce hostility, …….
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all who love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
I bind unto myself the Name,
the strong Name of the Trinity,
by invocation of the same,
the Three in One and One in Three,
of Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word.
Praise to the Lord of my salvation:
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, LENT 2024, LENTEN THOUGHTS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on WISDOM, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 7 March – Exercise your Soul

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Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 7 March – Wisdom 7:7-14; Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For she is an infinite treasure to men!
which they that use,
become the friends of God”
Wisdom 7:14

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

Exercise Your Soul

St Clement of Alexandria (c150-c215)
Father of the Church

“A well, when pumped regularly, produces purer water.
If neglected and no-one uses it, it changes into a source of pollution.
Use keeps metal brighter but disuse produces rust.

For, in a word, exercise produces a healthy condition, both in souls and bodies.

So “No-one lights a candle and puts it under a bushel but upon a candlestick that it may give light.”

For of what use is wisdom, if it fails to make those who hear it wise?” (Stromateis 1)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SLOTH, QUOTES on WISDOM, The HEART, The KINGDOM of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 March –  ‘ … And, the greater their purity, the more they will see!’

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One Minute Reflection – 6 March – “The Month of St Joseph” – Wednesday of the Third Week in Lent Sts Perpetua and Felicity (Died c203) Martyrs  – Ecclesiasticus Sirach 51:13-17; Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field.” – Matthew 13:44

REFLECTION – “Some of the brethren think that they are excluded from the Holy Ghost’s gifts of grace. Because they neglect to practise the commandments, they do not know that he who has an unadulterated faith in Christ, has within himself, the sum total of all the Divine gifts. Since, through our laziness, we are far from having an active love for Him — a love which shows us the Divine Treasures within us — we naturally think that we are excluded from these gifts.

If, as St Paul says: “Christ dwells in our hearts through faith” (Eph 3:17) and, “all the treasures of wisdom and spiritual knowledge are hidden in Him” (Col 2:3), then, all the treasures of wisdom and spiritual knowledge are hidden in our hearts! They are revealed to the heart, in proportion to our purification by means of the commandments. This is the treasure, hidden in the field of your heart which you have not yet found because of your laziness. Had you found it, you would have sold everything and bought that field. But now, you have abandoned that field and give all your attention to the land nearby, where there is nothing but thorns and thistles! It is for this reason that the Saviour says: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Mt 5:8) for He is hidden in the hearts of those who believe in Him. They shall see Him and the riches that are in Him, when they have purified themselves, through love and self-control. And, the greater their purity, the more they will see!” – St Maximus the Confessor (c580-662) Abbot and Theologian (Centuries of love 4:69).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, that we may venerate with unceasing devotion Thy holy Martyrs Perpetua and Felicitas and, although we cannot pay them the honour that is their due, may we at least present to them, our humble homage. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CONFESSION/PENANCE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, LENT 2024, LENTEN THOUGHTS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on WISDOM, The WORD

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 2 March – a Robe, a Ring and Sandals …

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Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 2 March – Saturday of the Second Week in Lent – Ferial Day – Genesis 27:6-40; Luke 15:11-32 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ It is good to give praise to the Lord
and to sing to Thy Name, O most High.
To shew forth Thy mercy in the morning
and Thy truth in the night.”
Psalm 91:2-3

“I shall arise and shall go to my Father”
Luke 15:18

A Robe, a Ring and Sandals
“Awake, O Sleeper and Rise from the Dead”
(Ephesians 5:14)

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

“I shall go to my father and say: ‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you.’” Such is our first confession to our Creator, our merciful Lord, the Judge of our sins. For although He knows all things, God is waiting for an expression of our confession. For “if you confess with your mouth… you will be saved” (Rm 10:10)…

This is how the younger son spoke to himself. But it is not enough just to speak, unless you come to the Father. Where are we to look for Him? Where will we find Him? “He got up.” Get up first of all, you who have hitherto been sitting down asleep. This is what the Apostle Paul says: “Awake, O sleeper and rise from the dead” (Eph 5:14) … Up you get, then and hurry along to the Church — there is the Father, there the Son, there the Holy Ghost. He, Who hears you speaking in the intimate depths of your soul, is coming to meet you and, when you are still far off, He sees you and starts running. He sees your heart; he runs up lest anyone delay you and embraces you … He flings His arms around your neck to raise you up, you who were prostrate, burdened with sins, face to the ground. He turns you over to face Heaven, so that you can seek your Creator there. Christ flings His Arms around you, so as to free your neck from slavery’s yoke and set His gentle yoke upon you… He is embracing you when He says: “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you” (Mt 11:28). Such is His manner of embrace if you repent.

He causes a Robe, a Ring and Sandals to be brought. The Robe is the garment of wisdom… spiritual clothing — the wedding garment. What is the Ring if not the seal of a genuine faith and the imprint of truth? And as for the Sandals — these are the preaching of the Gospel.” – (Commentary on Saint Luke’s Gospel VII).

Posted in GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on WISDOM, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 20 February – Of the Proper Use of the Exterior Senses: Contemplation of the Divinity (Part Two)

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Thought for the Day – 20 February – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

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

XXI: … Of The Proper Use of the Exterior Senses:
Contemplation of the Divinity
(Part Two)

“And if attracted by the beauty of the creature, separate that which you see, from the Spirit which you see not and consider that all that exterior beauty, is solely derived from the invisible Spirit which is its source and joyfully say:
“Behold, these are streamlets
from the uncreated Fountain;
behold, these are drops
from the Infinite Ocean of all good.
O, how does my inmost heart rejoice
at the thought of that eternal Infinite Beauty
which is the Source and Origin of all created beauty!”

And, on the discovery, in other men of goodness, wisdom, justice or similar virtues, make the same mental separation and say to God:
“O most rich Treasure-house of all virtues,
how greatly do I rejoice that from Thee
and through Thee alone,
flows all goodness and, that all in comparison
with Thy Divine perfections, is as nothing!
I thank Thee, Lord, for this
and every good gift which Thou hast vouchsafed
to my neighbour; remember, Lord,
my poverty, and my great need of this very virtue.”

When you stretch out your hand to do anything, reflect that God is the first cause of that action and you but His living instrument and raising your thoughts to Him, say thus:
“How great, O supreme Lord of all,
is my interior joy, that without Thee
I can do nothing and that Thou,
art in truth, the first and chief Worker of all things!”

When eating or drinking, consider that it is God who gives its relish to your food. Delighting yourself, therefore, in Him alone, say:
“Rejoice, O my soul,
hat as there is no true contentment but in God,
so in Him alone, may you, in all things content yourself.”

When your senses are gratified by some sweet odour, rest not in this enjoyment but let your thoughts pass onto the Lord, from Whom this sweetness is derived and, inwardly consoled, by this thought, say:
“Grant, O Lord, that as I rejoice
because all sweetness flows from Thee,
so may my soul, pure and free from all earthly pleasure,
ascend on high as a sweet savour,
acceptable unto Thee.”

When you listen to the harmony of sweet sounds, let your heart turn to God, saying:
“How do I rejoice, my Lord and God,
in Thine Infinite perfections
which, not only make a super-celestial
harmony within Thyself,
but also, unite the Angels in Heaven
and all created beings,
in one marvellous harmonious concert!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/19/thought-for-the-day-19-february-of-the-proper-use-of-the-exterior-senses-contemplation-of-the-divinity-part-one/

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 "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 CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WISDOM, St PAUL!, The DIVINE INFANT, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The EPIPHANY Prayers, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 January – ‘ … Mad? Yes, they have become so in order to be wise. …’ St Bernard

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One Minute Reflection – 8 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Within the Octave of The Epiphany –Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Falling down they adored Him” – Matthew 2:11

REFLECTION – “God’s intention was not only to come down to earth but to become known there; not only to be born but to be recognised. In fact, it is with this recognition in mind that we hold this celebration of the Epiphany, the great day of His manifestation. For it was today that the Magi came from the East in search of the Sun of Justice at its rising (Mal 3:20), He of Whom we read: “Behold a Man Whose name is the Orient,” (Zec 6:12 Vul.). Today they have adored the Virgin’s newborn Child, following the guidance of a New Star. What great cause for joy do we not find here, my brethren, as also in those words of the Apostle Paul: “The kindness and generous love of God our Saviour have appeared,” (Tit 3:4)…

What is this you are doing, you Magi? What is this you are doing? Are you adoring an Infant at the breast in a wretched hovel, wrapped in miserable rags? Can a Child such as this really be God? Yet, “The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in Heaven.” (Ps 11:4) while you are looking for Him in a common stable, held in His Mother’s arms! Whatever are you doing? Why are you offering Him gold? Could such a One as this be King? Where, then, is His Royal Court, His Throne, His crowd of courtiers? Can a stable be a palace, a crib a throne, Mary and Joseph members of His Court? How on earth could wise men be so foolish as to adore a Baby, as contemptible by reason of His age, as for the poverty of His Family?

Mad? Yes, they have become so in order to be wise. The Holy Spirit has taught them already what the Apostle Paul would later proclaim: “Whoever would be wise, let him become a fool. For since the world, in all its wisdom, did not come to know God in His Wisdom, it has pleased God to save those who believe, through the foolishness of the Gospel we proclaim, (Cf 1 Cor 1:21)… And so, they prostrate themselves before this poor Child; they do Him homage as to a King; they adore Him as a God. He Who outwardly guided them by a Star, has cast His Light into the interior of their hearts!” – St Bernard (1091-1153) Cistercian Monk, Father and Doctor of the Church (1st Sermon for the Epiphany).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. 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 SUN of JUSTICE, CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, QUOTES for the NEW YEAR, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, QUOTES on WISDOM, REDEMPTIVE Suffering, The HOLY NAME

Quote/s of the Day – 1 January – “His Name was called Jesus”

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Quote/s of the Day – 1 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – The Octave Day of the Nativity and the Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord – Titus 2:11-15, Luke 2:21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“His Name was called Jesus”

Luke 2:21

“Born as a Son,
led forth as a Lamb,
sacrificed as a sheep,
buried as a man,
He rose from the dead as a God,
for He was by nature God and man.

He is all things –
He judges and so, He is Law.
He teaches and so, He is Wisdom.
He saves and so, He is Grace.
He begets and so, He is Father.
He is begotten,and so, He is Son.
He suffers and so, He is Sacrifice.
He is buried and so, He is Man.
He rises again and so, He is God.
This is Jesus Christ,
to Whom belongs glory for all ages.”

St Melito of Sardis (Died c180)
Bishop, Early Church Father

“If we would God discern
The world we must despise,
His love and hate must learn,
See all things with His eyes.
And we must self forgo
If God we would attain,
His grace must in us grow
And ease us from all pain.
So shall we sing His praise
And be at one with Him,
In peace our voices raise
In the celestial hymn,
That with quadruple harmony
And all mellifluous melody,
In Heaven resounds eternally.”

Blessed Jan van Ruusbroec (1293-1381)

Mary of Christmas
Unknown Author

I know not how, dear Lady love,
To offer you my praise,
I cannot fashion as I wish
The words that I would raise.
You stand afar, celestial Queen,
The stars are in your crown,
They spangle at each gesture’s path
And dust upon your gown.
Perhaps I might recall the night
You knelt beside the crib,
The night when doors and casements shut
And left a mountain’s rib,
Alone, exposed, to hoard you close
Beside the new-born Child
And seek in Joseph’s kindly eyes
For something worldly-mild.
To counteract such mundane chill
I hereby set my heart,
Dim mirror of an Infant’s warmth,
Its flaming but a part,
A small, sad part of Endless Love
That came on Christmas day
To show a mother wonder-bright
To guide us on our way.
Amen.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, Lady POVERTY, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on WISDOM, ST FRANCIS de SALES, St JOSEPH, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 December – ‘… God gave him his most glorious Son to care for …’

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One Minute Reflection – 24 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ – Romans 1:1-6, Matthew 1:18-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Behold, the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep …” – Matthew 1:20

REFLECTION – “How faithful in humility was the great Saint we are celebrating! That cannot be said in all its perfection for, in spite of what he was, in what poverty and lowliness he lived, all the days of his life – a poverty and lowliness beneath which. he kept hidden and concealed, his great virtues and dignity! … Truly, I am free of doubt that the Angels came, beside themselves with admiration, rank upon rank, to behold and wonder at his humility, while he sheltered that dearest Child in the poor workshop where he worked at his employment, so as to feed the little Boy and the mother entrusted to him.

There is no doubt at all that St Joseph was braver than David and wiser that Solomon [who were his ancestors]. Nevertheless, seeing him reduced to the exercise of carpentry, who could have discerned this, unless they were enlightened by a heavenly light, so hidden did he keep the remarkable gifts with which God had favoured him? And what wisdom did he not have? For God gave him his most glorious Son to care for … the universal Prince of Heaven and earth … Nevertheless, you can see how low and humbled he was brought, more than can be said or imagined … he went to his own Country and Town of Bethlehem and none but he was turned away from all those inns … Notice how the Angel turns him about with both hands. He tells him he has to go to Egypt and he goes; he orders him to return and he returns. God wants him to be always poor … and he submits to it with love and, not only for a while, for he was poor his whole life long!” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church (Conferences No 20)

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who gladden us, year after year, with the expectation of our redemption, grant that we, who now welcome with joy Thy Only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also gaze upon Him without fear when He comes as our Judge, our Lord Jesus Christ. 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 7 GIFTS of the HOLY SPIRIT, DOCTORS of the Church, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, QUOTES on WISDOM, ST FRANCIS de SALES

Quote/s of the Day –29 May – The 7 Gifts

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Quote/s of the Day –29 May – Pentecost Monday

“These Gifts are not only inseparable from charity
but they are, the principal virtues,
properties and qualities of charity.

WISDOM
is nothing else, than the love
which relishes, tastes and experiences,
how sweet and gentle God is.

UNDERSTANDING
is nothing else, than love attentive to consider
and penetrate the beauty of the truths of faith.

KNOWLEDGE
is simply the same love
keeping us attentive to know ourselves
and creatures, to obtain a more perfect knowledge
of the service we owe to God.

COUNSEL
is also love, as it renders us careful,
attentive and skilled
in choosing the means proper
to serve God in a holy manner.

FORTITUDE
is love which encourages and animates the heart,
so as to carry out, that which Counsel
has determined must be done.

PIETY
is the love which sweetens labour
and makes us, with good heart,
gratitude and filial affection,
do works that please God our Father.

FEAR
is simply love as it causes us to fly
and shun what is displeasing to God’s majesty.”
(Treatise on the Love of God, Book 11, Chapter 15)

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

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, QUOTES on VANITY, QUOTES on WISDOM, The HOLY FACE

Quote/s of the Day – 27 May – St Bede the Venerable

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Quote/s of the Day – 27 May – The Feast of St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church

“Christ is the Morning Star,
Who, when the night of this world is past,
gives to His saints, the promise of the Light of Life
and opens everlasting day.”

“We abide in God
insofar as we do not sin.”

“All the ways of this world
are as fickle and unstable
as a sudden storm at sea.”

“If one of us has a conscience
polluted by the stain of avarice,
conceit, vain-glory, indignation,
irascibility, or envy and the other vices,
he has “a daughter badly troubled by a demon”
like the Canaanite woman.”

“Those who refuse to be humble cannot be saved.
They cannot say with the prophet:
See, God comes to my aid;
the Lord is the helper of my soul.
But anyone who makes himself humble,
like a little child,
is greater in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

“And I pray Thee, loving Jesus
that as Thou hast graciously given me
to drink in with delight,
the words of Thy knowledge,
so Thou wouldst mercifully grant me
to attain one day to Thee,
the Fountain of all Wisdom
and to appear forever before Thy Face.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/27/quote-s-of-the-day-27-may-st-bede-the-venerable/

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

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY SPIRIT, NOVENAS, PENTECOST, QUOTES on WISDOM, The HOLY SPIRIT

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts – EIGHTH DAY 

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Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts

EIGHTH DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE : Foreword

Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps which go astray!

Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues,
Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts.
Of Wisdom it is written:
“all good things come to me with her
and innumerable riches through her hands.”
It is the gift of Wisdom which strengthens our faith,
fortifies hope, perfects charity and promotes the practice of virtue
in the highest degree.
Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things Divine,
in the appreciation of which, earthly joys lose their savour,
whilst the Cross of Christ, yields a Divine sweetness,
according to the words of the Saviour:
“Take up thy cross and follow Me,
for My Yoke is sweet and My Burden light.”

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom
and reveal to my soul,
the Mysteries of heavenly things,
their exceeding greatness,
power and beauty.
Teach me to love them above
and beyond all the passing joys
and satisfactions of earth.
Help me to attain them
and possess them forever.
Amen

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Thy Purity,
the unerring keenness of Thy Justice
and the might of Thy Love.
Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul.
In Thee, I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve Thee
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against Thee.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Thy Light,
listen to Thine Voice
and follow Thy gracious inspirations.
I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee,
by Thy compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore Thee, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity,
to keep me in Thy grace
that I may never sin against Thee.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and of the Son,
to say to Thee, always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Thine servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on VANITY, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), QUOTES on WISDOM, The HEART, The HOLY SPIRIT

Thought for the Day – 30 April – TRUE WISDOM

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

TRUE WISDOM

“According to Christian teaching, both knowledge and wisdom, properly understood, are gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Only the Light and Grace of the Holy Spirit, can enable us to comprehend the Truth which, in its plenitude, is God Himself and to appreciate the vanity of human things, as long as they are not ordained to their final end which is God and the everlasting life of happiness.

St Thomas Aquinas holds that human and earthly things are the proper object of science, insofar however, as they ought to be directed towards God.
“The man who has a correct approach to science, regards creatures as ordained to God, does not value them for more than they are worth and does not permit them to constitute the purpose of his life” (Summa Theologiae II-II q9 a4).
“All creatures are ordained to God and to His glory,” he writes elsewhere, “in that they manifest the Divine Goodness in themselves; they are, moreover, the means to everlasting happiness” (Quaestiones disputate, De Caritate q1 a7).

Nature maybe said to be a sacrament which enables us to gain experience of God (Summa Theologiae III q60 a2 ad1).
This is how knowledge becomes wisdom which is not content merely to have a proper estimation of human objects but, proceeds to penetrate, with the assistance of Revelation and of Grace, into the transcendent Mysteries of the Divinity.
Wisdom, moreover, guides the will and the heart, as well as the intellect.
It is practical, as well as speculative, for it directs our actions, as well as our thoughts towards God.
Like the Saints, we should be guided entirely by this true intellectual and practical wisdom.
“Grant me, O Lord, celestial wisdom,” we should pray with the Author of The Imitation of Christ, “that I may learn, above all things, to seek Tbee and to find Thee; above all things, to relish Thee and to love Thee and to understand, all other things, as they are, according to the order of Thy Wisdom!” (Bk III c27).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on VANITY, QUOTES on WISDOM

Thought for the Day – 29 April – Knowledge and Learning

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

Knowledge and Learning

“What is the purpose of our studies and our quest for knowledge?
It is interesting to read what St Bernard has to say on this subject.

“There are those who wish to learn for learning’s sake – these are simply curious and come to no serious conclusions.
There are those, moreover, who study in order to be better known – these are vain men.
Others acquire knowledge in order to sell it and to make money, or in order to gain honours – these are merchants of science and culture.
There are others, however, who cultivate science as an instrument to be used in the service of their neighbour – such men are motivated by charity.
There are also some, who study in order to sanctify themselves – and this is true WISDOM!” (Serm 35).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, QUOTES on WISDOM, The GOOD SHEPHERD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 March – Hear and Obey

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Quote/s of the Day – 29 March –Wednesday in Passion Week – Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-19, 25, John 10:22-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“My sheep hear My Voice;
I know them and they follow Me.”

John 10:27

“Peace in us is the result
of two kinds of necessary obedience,
the obedience to right reason
of the lower faculties
and the obedience of right reason
to God, our Creator.
“This is the peace which God
gives on earth to men of goodwill;
this is the most perfect wisdom,”

St Augustine (356-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

“Do all through love,
nothing through constraint.
Love obedience more
than you fear disobedience.”
(Letter to Madame de Chantal)

“To find the Saviour
outside obedience’
is to lose Him altogether!”
(Letters to Persons in Religion, VI, 22)

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on WATCHING, QUOTES on WISDOM, QUOTES on ZEAL, The HEART

Our Morning Offering – 8 February – Grant Us This Day, O Lord By St Thomas Aquinas

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Our Morning Offering – 8 February – Septuagesima Week – Help us Lord!

Grant Us This Day, O Lord
By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor Angelicus
Doctor Communis

Grant us this day, O Lord
a vigilant heart,
that no alien thought
can lure away from Thee,
a pure heart.
that no unworthy love can soil,
an upright heart,
that no crooked intentions
can lead astray.
And give us Lord,
understanding to know Thee,
zeal to seek Thee,
wisdom to find Thee
and a hope,
that will one day
take hold of Thee.
Amen

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, Hail MARY!, MARIAN QUOTES, MARY, MATER ECCLESIAE, MOTHER of GOD, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on WISDOM, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The INCARNATION, The REDEMPTION

Quote/s of the Day – 9 December – ‘ … Through a woman, [Mary] there returned to the earth,a blessing!’

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Quote/s of the Day – 9 December – Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception

“Mary, having merited to give flesh
to the Divine Word
and thus, supply the price
of our redemption
that we might be delivered
from eternal death, therefore,
she is more powerful
than all others,
to help us gain eternal life.”

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

“Through a woman, [Eve]
a curse fell upon the earth;
through a woman, [Mary]
there returned to the earth,
a blessing!”

St Peter Damian (1007-1072)
Doctor of the Church

“O daughter of King David
and Mother of God,
the universal King.
O Divine and living object
whose beauty has charmed God the Creator;
your whole soul is completely open
to God’s action and attentive to God alone.
… Your womb will be the abode
of the one whom no place can contain.
Your milk will provide nourishment for God,
in the little Infant Jesus.
Your hands will carry God
and your knees will serve
as a throne for Him
that is more noble
than the throne of the Cherubim.
… You are the temple of the Holy Spirit,
the city of the living God,
made joyous by abundant flowers,
the sacred flowers of Divine grace.
You are all-beautiful
and very close to God,
above the Cherubim
and higher than the Seraphim,
right near God Himself!
Amen”

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

The Purity and Holiness of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“The One Who is the Wisdom of the Father,
put His arms around her neck,
the One Who is the strength,
which gives movement to everything,
sat in her arms.
He, Who is the rest of souls, (Mt 11:29)
rested on her motherly breast.
… Filled with the Holy Spirit,
she held Him close to her heart …
She never had enough
of seeing Him or of hearing Him …
Thus Mary, grew evermore in love
and her mind was unceasingly attached,
to Divine contemplation.”

St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159)

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/15/quote-s-of-the-day-15-december-the-immaculate-conception-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/08/quote-s-of-the-day-8-december-on-the-immaculate-conception/

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on WISDOM, The FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES

Thought for the Day – 28 September – Prudence and Simplicity

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

Prudence and Simplicity

“Prudence is one of the Cardinal Virtues frequently recommended in the Sacred Scriptures.
“If you receive My words and treasure My commands,” the Holy Spirit tells us in the Book of Proverbs, “turning your ear to wisdom, inclining your heart to understanding… if you seek her like silver and like hidden treasures, search her out, then you will understand the fear of the Lord, the knowledge of God you will find” (Prov 2:2-61).
Then, He promises, God will counsel and protect you, “for wisdom will enter your heart, knowledge will please your soul, discretio will watch over you, understanding will guard you; saving you from the way of evil men” (Cf Prov 2:2-12).

The word ‘prudence,‘ as St Thomas Aquinas explains, is derived from the word ‘providence‘ and it consists in ordering everything correctly towards its proper end (Summa Theologiae II-II, q 49, a 6).
From that we can see how necessary this virtue is.
A man who can order everything correctly, towards its own end, does everything as it ought to be done.
He will have achieved true wisdom, which is the foundation of sanctity.

To speak when we should speak; to be silent when we should be silent; never to leave unsaid what ought to be said but, to know when we should speak and how much; to pay attention mainly to necessary things, that is, to God and to the supernatural; to avoid every thought which would separate us from God and endanger our salvation; to love God more than anything else and more than ourselves because, He is the supreme good and our supreme happiness; to love other things only in God and for Him; solely to direct all our actions proportionately towards God, towards our neighbour and, towards ourselves and, to avoid every act which would alienate us from God, which would be contrary to His precepts, or which would endanger our eternal salvation.

And this is true prudence, which is founded on divine wisdom and must be continually nourished by the grace of God an inspired by charity.
Since this virtue pervades and embraces all the others, a man who achieves perfection in it, has reached the peak of holiness.

But perhaps we are too preoccupied with worldly interests and so, stray from the straight path which leads to God and to sanctity? ”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on WISDOM, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 August – ‘But, it depends on us, if He does not always enter or always remain.’ – St Ambrose

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One Minute Reflection – 17 August – St Hyacinth OP (1185-1257) ) Confessor – Sirach 31:8-11, Luke 12:35-40

“Let your loins be girt about and your lamps burning and you yourselves ,like men waiting for their master’s return from the wedding; so that when he comes and knocks, they may straightaway open to him. Blessed are those servants whom the master, on his return, shall find watching.” – Luke 12:35-37

REFLECTION – “God, the Word, stirs up the lazy and arouses the sleeper. For indeed, someone who comes knocking at the door is always wanting to come in. But, it depends on us, if He does not always enter or always remain. May your door be open to Him Who comes; open your soul, enlarge your spiritual capacities, that you may discover the riches of simplicity, the treasures of peace and sweetness of grace. Expand your heart, run to meet the Sun of that Eternal Light that “enlightens everyone” (Jn 1,9). It is certain, that this true Light shines for all but, if anyone shuts their windows, then they themselves shut themselves off from this Eternal Light.

So even Christ remains outside, if you shut the door of your soul. It is true that He could enter but He does not want to use force, He does not put those who refuse under pressure. Descended from the Virgin, born from her womb, He shines throughout the universe to give light to all. Those who long to receive the Light, that shines with an everlasting brightness, open up to Him. No night comes to intervene. Indeed, the sun we see each day gives way to night’s darkness but the Sun of justice (Mal 3,20) knows no setting, for Wisdom is not overcome by evil.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan and Father and Doctor of the Church – (12th Sermon on Psalm 118).

PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us with the annual feast of blessed Hyacinth, Thy Confessor, mercifully grant that, while honouring the anniversary of his death, we may also imitate his deeds. 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", DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ON the SAINTS, OUR Cross, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WISDOM, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 8 August – Let us become Saints!

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Quote/s of the Day – 8 August – The Memorial of the Fourteen Holy Helpers – On the Saints

“Let listening to worldly news
be BITTER FOOD for you
and let the words of
Saintly men
be as combs
filled with honey.”

St Basil the Great (329-379)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Instead of speaking saintly words,
we must act them.”

St Jerome (343-420)
“The Man of the Sacred Scripture”
Father and Doctor of the Church

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

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

“All a person’s holiness,
perfection and profit
lies in doing God’s will perfectly….
Happy are we, if we succeed
in pouring out our heart into God’s,
in uniting our desires
and our will to His,
to the point,
that one heart and one will are formed,
wanting, what God wants,
wanting, in the way,
in the time
and in the circumstances,
what He desires
and willing it all,
for no other reason,
than that God wills it.”

St Joseph Cafasso (1811-1860)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on WISDOM, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 July – ‘ … It is a greater and more perfect work. ,,,’

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One Minute Reflection – 29 July – “The Month of the Precious Blood” – St Martha, Sister of Saint Lazarus and Saint Mary of Bethany – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18; 11:1-2, Luke 10:38-42

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things and yet ,only one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the best part and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:41-42

REFLECTION – “Virtue does not have a single form. In the example of Martha and Mary, there is added the busy devotion of the one and the pious attention of the other, to the Word of God, which, if it agrees with faith, is preferred, even to the very works, as it is written: “Mary has chosen the best portion, which shall not be taken away from her.”

So let us also strive to have what no-one can take away from us, so that not careless but diligent hearing, may be granted to us. For even the seeds of the heavenly Word itself, are likely to be taken away, if they are sowed by the wayside. Let the desire for wisdom lead you, as it did Mary . It is a greater and more perfect work. Do not let service divert the knowledge of the heavenly Word. Nor is Martha rebuked in her good serving but Mary is preferred because she has chosen the better part for herself, for Jesus abounds with many blessings and bestows many gifts. And, therefore, the wiser chooses what she perceives as foremost.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Archbishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (Exposition of the Gospel of Luke, 7).

PRAYER – Graciously hear us, God our Saviour, that as we rejoice in the festival of blessed Martha, Thy Virgin, so may we be nourished by the food of her heavenly teaching as to be enlightened by the fervour of her dedicated holiness.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 LIGHT, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, MIRACLES, PENTECOST, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on WISDOM, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HOLY SPIRIT

Thought for the Day – 5 June – The Feast of Pentecost

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

The Feast of Pentecost

“What kind of men were the Apostles before the Miracle of Pentecost?”
They were rough men of the people, generous and fond of Jesus perhaps but ignorant, timid and ambitious.
They were hoping for personal glory in an earthly kingdom.
Then came the catasrophe of Calvary.
Their simple trust disappeared and left their hearts filled with regret.
“Then all the disciples left Him and fled” (Mt 25:56).
It seemed to them that Jesus had failed, so they deserted Him!

The Miracle of the Resurrection restored their faith.
But, they were still lacking in courage and enterprise.

They gathered together in the Cenacle to pray and shut themselves up there, for fear of the Jews.
But before He had ascended into Heaven, Jesus had promised that He would send the Holy Spirit, to enlighten them concerning His teaching and to give them the courage and ability to spread it, throughout the world.
Now this promise was fulfilled.
On the feast of Pentecost, which was fifty days after that of the Passover, there was a sudden sound from Heaven, “as of a violent wind blowing.”
Then there appeared “tongues of fire, which settled upon each of them” (Acts 2:1).

From the moment when they received the Holy Spirit, the Apostles were utterly transformed!
Their intellects were filled with a supernatural light, their hearts were overflowing with love and their wills received the Divine strength to withstand human opposition.
They left the Cenacle and began to preach openly, the doctrine of Jesus Christ.
Their words sounded in the ears of each listener as if they were spoken in his own language, so that the Light of the Gospel, was given to all.
Nor did the men show the slightest fear when they had to face the anger of the Synagogue and of the Jewish people.
Like peaceful conquerors, without any human weapons but backed by by the power of God, they divided the world amongst themselves, so that they might win it for Christ!

The Roman Empire was small to them.
They travelled, moreover, to the distant shores of Ethiopia and India, where the Eagle of Rome had never found its way!

Surely, this is the most extraordinary Miracle of history?!

The Holy Spirit accomplished that which human armies had never been able to do, save in part or for a limited period of time.
In this achievement, He used the weakest possible human means, namely, twelve poor fishermen!

The earthly Empire of Rome, passed away but the Spiritual domain of Christ still remains, with its centre at Rome, as the only true Light, the only unfailing hope and the only pledge of salvation for individuals and nations.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/23/thought-for-the-day-22-june-the-feast-of-pentecost/

Posted in "Follow Me", 7 GIFTS of the HOLY SPIRIT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, NOVENAS, OUR Cross, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on WISDOM, The HOLY SPIRIT

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts – EIGHTH DAY – 3 June

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts

EIGHTH DAY

Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray!

THE GIFT OF WISDOM

Embodying all the other gifts,
as charity embraces all the other virtues,
Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts.
Of Wisdom it is written
“all good things come to me with her
and innumerable riches through her hands.”
It is the gift of Wisdom
which strengthens our faith,
fortifies hope, perfects charity
and promotes the practice of virtue
in the highest degree.
Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern
and relish things Divine,
in the appreciation of which,
earthly joys lose their savour,
whilst the Cross of Christ,
yields a Divine sweetness,
according to the words of the Saviour:
“Take up thy cross and follow me,
for my yoke is sweet and my burden light.”

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom
and reveal to my soul,
the mysteries of heavenly things,
their exceeding greatness,
power and beauty.
Teach me to love them above
and beyond all the passing joys
and satisfactions of earth.
Help me to attain them
and possess them forever.
Amen

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Your purity,
the unerring keenness of Your justice
and the might of Your love.
You are the Strength and Light of my soul.
In You I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve You
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against You.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Your light,
listen to Your Voice
and follow Your gracious inspirations.
I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You,
by Your compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore You, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity, t
o keep me in Your grace,
that I may never sin against You.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and the Son,
to say to You always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Your servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on WISDOM

Thought for the Day – 8 March – Knowledge and Goodness

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Knowledge and Goodness

“The supremacy of goodness over knowledge, has to be admitted in practice, as well as in theory.
It is useless and even harmful, for us to be courageous, if we not also good.
Very often, knowledge is like a weapon in the hands of a child.
If the child is naughty or careless, he can do a great deal of damage with his weapon.
Before everything else, we must be good.
We must have that Christian goodness which embraces all the virtues and culminates in the love of God and of our neighbour.
Once we have acquired this goodness, science will benefit by it.
It will become a powerful means of enlightenment, rather than of destruction.
It will no longer be mere knowledge; it will be wisdom.
In will teach us how to live and show us our proper destination.
In short, it will become an instrument of virtue, which will contribute enormously to the welfare of the human race.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/14/thought-for-the-day-14-july-knowledge-and-goodness/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on WISDOM, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The HEART, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 20 February – Good ground

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Quote/s of the Day – 20 February – Sexagesima Sunday – 2 Cor. 11:19-33; 12:1-9, Luke 8:4-15

“And as for that in the good ground
they are those who, hearing the word,
hold it fast in an honest and good heart
and bring forth fruit with patience.”

Luke 8:15

“Those who are my sheep
hear my voice
and follow me”

John 10:27

“… Scripture, as a whole,
is God’s one perfect and complete instrument,
giving forth, to those who wish to learn …
It is one Saving Music…”

Origen (c 185-253)
Theologian, Father of the Church

“He is the origin of all wisdom.
The Word of God in the heights,
is the source of wisdom.
Christ is the source of all true knowledge,
for He is “the way, the truth and the life.” (Jn 14:6). …
As way, Christ is the teacher
and origin of knowledge …
Without this Light,
which is Christ,
no-one can penetrate
the secrets of faith.”

St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor

“Not content with sending His servants,
He came Himself,
He marked out the way we should take,
He came to make known His holy Word.
… Brethren, it is absolutely impossible
to love and please God,
unless we are fed by this divine Word.”

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

“Cultivate your vineyard
together with Jesus.
To you the task of removing stones
and pulling up brambles.
To Jesus, that of sowing, planting,
cultivating and watering.
But even in your work,
it is still He who acts.
Because, without Christ,
you could do nothing at all.”

St Pio of Pietrelcina
“Padre Pio” (1887-1968)

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on WATCHING, QUOTES on WISDOM, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 February – ‘But, it depends on us, if He does not always enter or always remain.’ – St Ambrose

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One Minute Reflection – 8 February – The Memorial of St John of Matha (1160-1213) Confessor – Sirach 31:8-11, Matthew 12:35-40

“Let your loins be girt about and your lamps burning and you yourselves ,like men waiting for their master’s return from the wedding; so that when he comes and knocks, they may straightaway open to him. Blessed are those servants whom the master, on his return, shall find watching.” – Luke 12:35-37

REFLECTION – “God, the Word, stirs up the lazy and arouses the sleeper. For indeed, someone who comes knocking at the door is always wanting to come in. But, it depends on us, if He does not always enter or always remain. May your door be open to Him Who comes; open your soul, enlarge your spiritual capacities, that you may discover the riches of simplicity, the treasures of peace and sweetness of grace. Expand your heart, run to meet the Sun of that Eternal Light that “enlightens everyone” (Jn 1,9). It is certain, that this true Light shines for all but, if anyone shuts their windows, then they themselves shut themselves off from this Eternal Light.

So even Christ remains outside, if you shut the door of your soul. It is true that He could enter but He does not want to use force, He does not put those who refuse under pressure. Descended from the Virgin, born from her womb, He shines throughout the universe to give light to all. Those who long to receive the Light, that shines with an everlasting brightness, open up to Him. No night comes to intervene. Indeed, the sun we see each day gives way to night’s darkness but the Sun of justice (Mal 3,20) knows no setting, for Wisdom is not overcome by evil.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan and Father and Doctor of the Church – (12th Sermon on Psalm 118).

PRAYER – All-powerful, eternal God and Father, grant us the grace of Your Spirit and fill us with the light of understanding and love. May we learn to truly pray and by our prayers to entreat You to bless us in Your goodness and lead us to true faith in Your eternal light and Word sent to redeem us. May we always be waiting and prepared to open the door of our hearts to Jesus Christ our Lord, who comes in light, love and peace. Grant that by the prayers of blessed Saint John of Matha we may be strengthened. Holy Mother, be our protection and our guide. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, God now and forever, amen.