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Quote/s of the Day – 18 April – “It is I, Myself.”

Quote/s of the Day – 18 April – The Third Suday of Easter, Readings: First: Acts 3: 13-15, 17-19,salm: Psalms 4: 2, 4, 7-8, 9 (7a), Second: First John 2: 1-5a
Gospel: Luke 24: 35-48

“It is I, Myself.”

Luke 24:39

“Elizabeth says:
‘Blessed are you because you have believed.’
You also are blessed,
because you have heard and believed.
A soul that believes,
both conceives and brings forth
the Word of God
and acknowledges His works.”

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

“Have faith and the One
you cannot see,
is with you.”

“The Lord is near
do not be anxious
about anything.”

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

“Jesus is happy to come with us,
as Truth is happy to be spoken,
as Life to be lived,
as Light to be lit,
as Love is to be loved,
as Joy to be given,
as Peace to be spread.”

St Francis of Assisi (1181/2–1226)

“Only by faith is He known to be present…
He removed His visible presence
and left but a memorial of Himself.
He vanished from sight,
that He might be present in the Sacrament
and in order to connect
His visible presence
with His presence invisible … ”

St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

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Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 17 April – The Storms of Life

Thought for the Day – 17 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Storms of Life

“The Evangelist describes how Jesus got nto a boat one day, alog with His Apostles and and set out across the lake of Genesareth.
Suddenly a great storm arose, so furious, that the waves covered the tiny vessel and threatened to submerge it.
The Apostles were terrified and turned to Jesus but, He was asleep.
They woke Him, crying out: “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
He sat up and said to them: “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?”
Then, He rebuked the wind and the sea and immediately all was calm again.
His followers were astonished.
“What manner of man is this,” they asked one another, “that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mt 8:23-26; Mk 4:36-49; Lk 8:22-25).

We also are often subjected to the tempests of life.
Sometimes, these storms, are purely interior, as when our lower impulses threaten to overcome our good resolutions and to submerge our purity of soul.
In these serious crises, we should turn humbly and fervently to Jesus for help.
Sometimes perhaps, Jesus will seem to be asleep and deaf to our anguished entreaties.
But it is never so!
He simply wishes to test us, as He tested His Apostles on the lake of Genesareth.

We must persevere.
We must tell Him that we do not wish to lose His grace, that we do not wish to fall into sin but desire to go on loving Him.
If our prayers are humble and insistent, we may rest assured, that after our moment of trial, Jesus Christ will speak to us.
At the sound of His Voice, the tempest will be stilled and there will come, a great calm.
Then, we shall experience the peace, which only God can give.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 4 February– Confidence in the Providence of God

Thought for the Day – 4 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Confidence in the
Providence of God

“An excessive pre-occupation with worldly affairs may often be responsible for our lack of perfect confidence in God.
We worry about tomorrow and about our many material need.
But Jesus has warned us about this.
“Do not be anxious for your life,” He said, “what you shall eat, nor yet for your body, what you shall wear … Look at the birds of the air – they do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of much more value than they? …
Consider how the lilies of the field grow, they neither toil nor spon, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory, was arrayed like one of these.
But, if God so clothes the grass of the field, which flourishes today but tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more you, O you of little faith!
Therefore, do not be anxious …
But seek first the kingdom of God and his justice and all these things shall be given ou besides.
Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow; for tomorrow will have anxieties of its own.
Sufficient for the day is its own trouble”
(Cf Mt 6:25-34).

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?
And yet, not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s leave.
But, as for you, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Therefore, do not be afraid!”
(Cf Mt 10:29-31).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/20/thought-for-the-day-20-august-confidence-in-the-providence-of-god/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY

Thought for the Day – 31 January – Seeing God in All Things

Thought for the Day – 31 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Seeing God in All Things

“Sometimes we fail to see God in all the events of life because we lack faith and absolute confidence in the Lord.
We must try to increase this faith and live always in the presence of God and, we must regard the honour and glory of this world as worth absolutely nothing without God.
“What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world but suffer the loss of his own soul?” (Mt 16:26).

We often attach too much importance to the things of this world, which, viewed in the light of eternity are worth very little.
When we find ourselves at the point of death and think back over the events of life, how small these things will seem to us!
Then, we shall marvel at our folly and regret that we worried so much about them, while we allowed ourselves to forget the only being really necessary to us, God Himself!
St Francis de Sales said, that when we arrive at the end of life, the affairs with which we have been preoccupied, will seem about as important, as the sand-castles we built as children, castles which cost us a lot of trouble to build and a great deal of sorrow afterwards, when they had been destroyed!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Part One here:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/27/thought-for-the-day-27-september-seeing-god-in-all-things/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, The KINGDOM of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 January – The Mustard Seed – Lord, May Your kingdom Come Into My Heart

Quote/s of the Day – 29 January – The Mustard Seed – Lord, May Your kingdom Come Into My Heart

“To what shall we compare
the kingdom of God, …
It is like a mustard seed,
which, when sown on the ground,
is the smallest of all the seeds on earth,
yet when it is sown, it grows up
and becomes larger than all the garden plants
and puts out large branches,
so that the birds of the air
can make nests in its shade.”

Mark 4:30-32

“He Himself will help us
and lead us
to what He has promised.”

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

“You first loved us
so that we might love You—
not because You needed our love
but because, we could not be
what You created us to be,
except by loving You.”

William of Saint Thierry (c 1075-1148)

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

St Jerome Emiliani (1486-1537)

“As for me, my God,
I am so convinced,
that You watch over those who hope in You
and, that one cannot lack for anything,
when one expects everything from You,
that I have resolved,
to live in future,
without any anxiety
and to unload all my worries onto You …”

St Claude de la Colombiere (1641-1682)

Lord, May Your kingdom Come Into My Heart
By Fr Jean Pierre de Caussade (1675-1751)

Lord, may Your kingdom come into my heart
to sanctify me, nourish me and purify me.
How insignificant is the passing moment,
to the eye without faith!
But how important each moment is,
to the eye enlightened by faith!
How can we deem insignificant anything
which has been caused by You?
Every moment and every event is guided by You
and so contains Your infinite greatness.
So, Lord, I glorify You in everything
that happens to me.
In whatever manner You make me live and die,
I am content.
Events please me for their own sake,
regardless of their consequences
because Your action lies behind them.
Everything is heaven to me
because all my moments,
manifest Your love.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY

Quote/s of the Day – 8 January – “Trust”

Quote/s of the Day – 8 January – The Third Day within the Octave of Epiphany

“Trust”

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

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

“The Lord is near,
do not be anxious
about anything!”

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

“Rest is in Him alone.
Man knows no peace in the world
but he has no disturbance
when he is with God.”

St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor

“He who trusts in God
can do all things.”

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

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

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

“Oh! My God,
how much Your Hand was upon me
and yet how little I was aware of it!
How good You are! How good You are!
How You protected me!
How you covered me with Your wings,
when I did not even believe in Your existence!”

Bl Charles of Jesus de Foucauld (1858-1916)

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY, ORIGINAL SIN, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The LORD'S PRAYER

Thought for the Day – 21 October – Our Daily Bread

Thought for the Day – 21 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
Our Daily Bread

“In the Pater Noster, Jesus instructs us to ask for our daily bread – that is, for sufficient bread for today, not for tomorrow.
In this way, He warns us not to be too preoccupied with the future but, to trust in Providence and accept, from God’s hands, from day to day, whatever is necessary for us.
God is our Father and loves us as His children.
Knowing this, why should we worry about the future?

We are in the hands of God, Who looks after all His children.
Let us entrust ourselves completely to His care.
This does not mean that we should indulge in any kind of fatalism, expecting everything from God and doing nothing ourselves.
We cannot and should not expect unnecessary miracles.
We are under an obligation to work because work, is the result of and the punishment for, sin.
It enable us to co-operate with God in His work of creation and has ben ennobled and sanctified by Jesus Christ, Who chose to be “the carpenter’s son,” (Mt 13:55) and a carpenter Himself (Cf Mk 6:3).
We should work, therefore but, should not worry.

When we have done everything of which we ae capable, we should leave the rest to Divine Providence.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The LAST THINGS, The WORD

Quotes of the Day – 18 October – St Luke

Quotes of the Day – 18 October – Feast of St Luke the Evangelist

“Most Blessed are you among women
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”

Luke 1:42

“And I say to you:
Ask and it shall be given you;
seek and you shall find;
knock and it shall be opened to you.
For everyone that asks receives
and he that seeks finds
and to him that knocks,
it shall be opened.”

Luke 11:9-10

“Can any of you by worrying
add a moment to your life-span?”

Luke 12:25

“For where your treasure is,
there also will your heart be.”

Luke 12:34

“Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength
to escape the tribulations that are imminent
and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Luke 21:36

“Stay with us, for it is nearly evening
and the day is almost over.”

Luke 24:29

And here:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/10/18/quote-s-of-the-day-18-october-luke/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FREE WILL, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MUSIC/SINGING, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TIME, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY CROSS, The LAMB of GOD, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

Quotes of the Day – 28 August – St Augustine

Quotes of the Day – 28 August – The Memorial of St Augustine of Hippo (354-430) – Father and Doctor of Grace

“To fall in love with God,
is the greatest romance;
to seek Him,
the greatest adventure;
to find Him,
the greatest human achievement.”

“You ask what you might offer to God?
Offer yourself!
What does God expect from you,
except yourself?”

“He bought brothers for Himself by His blood,
He made them welcome by being rejected,
He ransomed them by being sold,
He honoured them by being dishonoured,
He gave them life by being put to death.
So, brethren, rejoice in the Lord,
not in the world.
That is, rejoice in the truth,
not in wickedness,
rejoice in the hope of eternity,
not in the fading flower of vanity.
That is the way to rejoice.
Wherever you are on earth,
however long you remain on earth,
the Lord is near,
do not be anxious about anything!”

“God provides the wind
but man must raise the sails.”

“A man may lose the good things
of this life against his will
but, if he loses the eternal blessings,
he does so with his own consent.”

“Do you wish to RISE?
Begin by DESCENDING.
You plan a tower
that will pierce the CLOUDS?
Lay first the foundation
of HUMILITY.”

“If we live good lives,
the times are also good.
As we are, such are the times.”

“He who calls us, came here below,
to give us the means of getting there.
He chose the wood
that would enable us to cross the sea –
indeed, no-one can cross the ocean of this world,
who is not borne by the Cross of Christ.
Even the blind can cling to this Cross.
If you can’t see where you are going very well,
don’t let go of it, it will guide you by itself. ”

“We pray then to Him,
through Him, in Him
and we speak along with Him
and He along with us. ”

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

Posted in "Follow Me", ARMOUR of CHRIST, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, The HOLY EUCHARIST, The WORD, THOMAS a KEMPIS

Quote/s of the Day – 18 August – “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” – John 14:6

Quote/s of the Day – 18 August – Tuesday of the Twentieth week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Ezekiel 28: 1-10, Responsorial Psalm Deuteronomy 32:26-27ab, 27cd-28, 30, 35cd-36ab, Matthew 19:23-30

“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”

John 14:6

john 14 6 i am the way the truth and the life 18 aug 2020 STD

“Through Him, our gaze
penetrates the heights of heaven
and we see, as in a mirror,
the most holy face of God.
Through Christ, the eyes of our hearts are opened
and our weak and clouded understanding,
reaches up toward the light.”

Saint Pope Clement I (c 35-99)
Apostolic Father, Bishop of Rome and Martyr

through him our gaze penetrates the heights of heaven - st pope clement 1 17 may 2019

“Let us listen to the Lord:
“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (Jn 14:6).
If you are looking for the Truth,
follow the Way which is also the Truth.
This is where you are going and it is how you go.
It is not by another thing that you go to something;
it is not by anything else that you come to Christ;
it is through Christ that you come to Christ.
How to Christ through Christ?
To Christ God through Christ man;
through the Word made flesh,
to the Word who was with God, from the beginning;
through what we have eaten to what the angels eat daily.
In fact it is what is written:
“He gave them bread from heaven; man ate the bread of angels” (Ps 77[78]:24-25).
What is the bread of angels?
“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was in God and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1-3). How has man eaten the bread of angels?
“And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.”

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

let-us-listen-to-the-lord-i-am-the-way-and-the-truth-st-augustine-10-may-2020 and 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

“The love of Jesus is noble and generous,
it spurs us onto do great things
and excites us to desire always,
that which is most perfect.
Love will tend upwards
and is not to be detained by things beneath.
Love will be at liberty
and free from all worldly affections…
for love proceeds from God
and cannot rest but in God above all things created.
The lover flies, runs and rejoices,
he is free and not held.
He gives all for all and has all in all,
because he rests in one sovereign Good above all,
from Whom all good flows and proceeds”

Thomas à Kempis,
The Imitation of Christ,
Book III, Chapter V, 3-4

the love of jesus - st john 27 dec 2019 thomas a kempis

“Do everything
out of love for God,
for God,
with God,
to get to God.”

Blessed Maria Rosa Flesch (1826-1906)

do-everything-out-opf-love-for-god-for-god-with-god-to-get-to-god-blmaria-rosa-flesch-19-june-2020-sacred-heart and 9 july 2020

“Life has only one face – LOVE.”

Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro (1936-1964)

life-has-only-one-face-love-bl-benedetta-porro-23-jan-2020 and 6 july 2020

“Catholics are part of the Church Militant.
They struggle and they suffer for the triumph of Christ.
They must never lose sight of their Divine Model,
so that their trials will be turned into joy.”

Saint Pius X (1835-1914)

catholics are part of the church militant - st pius X 10 july 2020

“Love infinitely,
the most sweet Lord Jesus Christ,
do everything for Him alone
and spend your life,
in works of mercy and of love.”

Blessed Marija of Jesus Crucified Petković (1892-1966)

love infinitely the most sweet lord jesus christ - bl marija of jesus crucified opetkovic 9 july 2020

“Since the death of Christ,
almost every century
has seen the persecution of Christians,
there have always been heroes
and martyrs who gave their lives –
often in horrible ways –
for Christ and their faith.
If we hope to reach our goal some day,
then we, too, must become heroes of the faith.”

Blessed Franz Jägerstätter (1907-1943)
Martyr of Conscientious Objection

we-need-no-rifles-or-pistols-for-our-battle-bl-franz-jagerstatter-21-may-2020 and 10 july 2020

“If a boat is running with the stream,
it has little need of the pull of the oars,
nor of the guidance of the helm.
It’s passage is smooth and peaceful.
The same applies to those
who place absolute confidence in God
in their journey through life.
… Why should I worry,
when I know that whatever God
has in store for me, is for my own good?
… There is no need to be disturbed.
Everything must be accomplished for God,
with God and in God and,
with complete abandonment to His will.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

entrusting ourselves to god bacci 16 july 2020

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY

Thought for the Day – 16 August – Work and Worry

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

Work and Worry

work and worry - bacci 16 aug 2020

“When we recite the Lord’s Prayer, we say with confidence “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”
This does not mean, however, that we renounce, in a spirit of fatalism, all right to action and initiative on our part.

“Faith,” says St James, “unless it has works, is dead in itself” (Js 2:17-26).
The same applies to charity (Js 2:13-17).

Faith and charity, must be accompanied by action, which should always be inspired by the interior life.
But our external activity should never be allowed to quench the flame of the divine life within us.
If this should happen, our labour would grow sterile and would receive no blessing from God.

We should work hard but should always act as if death might come at any moment.
In other words, we should not become completely absorbed in our work but should keep before our minds, the ideals of the glory of God, our own sanctification and the salvation of our neighbour.
If our efforts seem to be successful, we should thank God.
But, if all our work appears to be in vain, we should thank Him just the same, for such things happen with God’s permission.
Providence often guides events in it’s own way for the promotion of God’s glory and for our greater good, which can be achieved through our humiliation, as well as through our success.

If our spiritual outlook is in conformity with these principles, we shall be able to preserve our peace of mind, no matter how busy we may be.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, I BELIEVE!, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SPEAKING of ....., The STATIONS of the CROSS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 10 August – ‘Follow Me’

Quote/s of the Day – 10 August – Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, Readings: Second Corinthians 9:6-10Psalms 112:1-25-67-89John 12:24-26

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

John 12:26

john 12 26 if anyone serves me he must follow me and where i am - 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

“The Lord is near
do not be anxious
about anything.”

the lord is near do not be anxious about anything - st augustine 13 july 2020

“Let us listen to the Lord:
“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (Jn 14:6).
If you are looking for the Truth,
follow the Way which is also the Truth.
This is where you are going and it is how you go.
It is not by another thing that you go to something;
it is not by anything else that you come to Christ;
it is through Christ that you come to Christ.
How to Christ through Christ?
To Christ God through Christ man;
through the Word made flesh,
to the Word who was with God, from the beginning;
through what we have eaten to what the angels eat daily.
In fact it is what is written:
“He gave them bread from heaven; man ate the bread of angels” (Ps 77[78]:24-25).
What is the bread of angels?
“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was in God and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1-3). How has man eaten the bread of angels?
“And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.”

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

let-us-listen-to-the-lord-i-am-the-way-and-the-truth-st-augustine-10-may-2020 and 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

“Day by day follow God’s path,
keeping Him closely attached to you by His promise.
In fact, He Himself said, through the mediation of His apostles,
to all those who seek His will and His testimonies
(Ps 118[119]:31 LXX), that He would be with them until the end of the world (Mt 28:20)
where paths and footsteps will be unknown (cf, Ps 76:20),
as the divine David said in his songs.
Yet, in an invisible way,
He is present to the eyes of the mind,
making Himself seen by those who have a pure heart
and conversing with them.
So pursue your path …. “

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

Catechesis 11

day by day follow god's path - st theodore the studite - 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

“Jesus is happy to come with us,
as Truth is happy to be spoken,
as Life to be lived,
as Light to be lit,
as Love is to be loved,
as Joy to be given,
as Peace to be spread.”

St Francis of Assisi (1181/2–1226)

jesus-is-happy-to-come-with-us-st-francis-of-assisi-4-oct-2018-and-17-july-2020 and 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

“Someone who truly follows the Lord
wants everyone to follow Him,
which is why He turns to his neighbour
with kind attentions, prayers
and proclamation of the Gospel.
Peter’s turning around, signifies all those things.
… Christ, through interior inspiration and the Church,
by preaching, says: “Come!”
And whoever hears these words
says to his neighbour: “Come!”
which is to say: “Follow Jesus!”
Then Peter, turning round,
saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following after.
Jesus loves the one who follows Him.”

St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)
Evangelical Doctor

someone who truly follows the lord - st anthony of padua 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

“Do not be afraid!
God will show you,
to the hour and moment,
what you should say
and what you should do.”

St Léonie Françoise De Sales Aviat
(1844-1914)

do-not-be-afraid-god-will-show-you-st-leonie-aviat-10-jan-2020 and 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

“The way of the Cross
is the only road that leads to Heaven.
Consequently, a man who refuses
to take this road cannot reach Heaven.
… We must ascend our own Calvary,
if we wish to imitate and follow Jesus.
… Let the Passion of Christ be our rule of life.
Let us be glad, when we seem
to be more like Him and sorrowful,
whenever we seem to be departing
from the example which He set us.
Suffering should be a source of consolation for us,
for it makes us more like Jesus,
as long as we endure it
with resignation and with love.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

the-royal-road-of-the-cross-bacci-22-july-2020 and 10 aug 2020 st lawrence

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 August – “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31

One Minute Reflection – 9 August – Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Readings: 1 Kings 19:911-13Psalms 85:9-14Romans 9:1-5Matthew 14:22-33 and the Memorial of St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (1891-1942) Martyr

“O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” … Matthew 14:31

REFLECTION – “Once again the disciples are a plaything of the waves and a storm, similar to the first one (Mt 8:4), hurls itself against them. The first time, however, they had Jesus with them, whereas this time they are alone and left to themselves. …  I think this was because our Saviour wanted to stir their sleeping hearts and, by throwing them into a panic, he inspired in them a strong desire for His presence and kept the remembrance of Him constantly in their mind.   Hence, He did not come to their help at once but “during the fourth watch of the night he came towards them, walking on the sea”. …

Peter, ever ebullient, always getting in before the other disciples, said: “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water” …   He didn’t say, “Command me to walk on the water” but “come to you,” for there was none who loved Jesus so much as he.   He did the same thing after the Resurrection – unable to bear moving as slowly as the others in the boat, he jumped into the water to get there before them and satisfy his love for Christ. …  Getting out of the boat, then, Peter went towards Jesus, more delighted to be going towards Him than to be walking on the water.   But after confronting the greatest danger, that of the sea, he was to give in to a lesser, that of the wind.   Such is human nature!   Often, having overcome serious dangers we are conquered by lesser ones …  Peter had not yet been set free from all his fear … in spite of Christ’s presence beside him.   For it is of no use to be beside Christ if one is not close to him by faith.   This is what emphasises the distance separating master from the disciple …

“O man of little faith, why did you doubt?”   So if Peter’s faith had not faltered he would have resisted the wind without difficulty.   And the proof of this is that Jesus grasped Peter while leaving the wind to continue blowing …   Just as the mother bird supports with her wings, as it is about to fall, the fledgling that has prematurely left the nest and draws it back into the nest, so does Christ with regard to Peter.” … St John Chrysostom (345-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church – Homilies on Saint Matthew’s Gospel, no. 50, 1-2o man of little faith why did you doubt matthew 14 31 - getting out of the boat, then - st john chrysostom 9 aug 2020

PRAYER – Lord our God, the Light and Creator of Light, grant that faithfully pondering on all that is holy, we may ever live in the splendour of Your presence.   May we live in Your Presence, withstand the winds of the world and grow daily in faith.   By the help and intercession of St Teresa Benedicta, You may never permit us to separate ourselves from You and thus we may come, to completion in You, Through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.st teresa benedicta pray for us.2

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Quote/s of the Day – 13 July – “Whoever loses his life, for my sake, will find it.” Matthew 10:39

Quote/s of the Day – 13 July – “Month of the Precious Blood” – Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A, Readings: Isaiah 1:10-17, Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23, Matthew 10:34–11:1

“Whoever finds his life, will lose it
and whoever loses his life, for my sake, will find it.”

Matthew 10:39

matthew 10 29 whoever finds hislife will lose it and whoever loses his life for my sake - 13 july 2020

“Do not say,
this happened by chance,
while this came to be of itself.”
In all that exists’
there is nothing disorderly,
nothing indefinite,
nothing without purpose,
nothing by chance …
How many hairs are on your head?
God will not forget one of them.
Do you see how nothing,
even the smallest thing,
escapes the gaze of God?”

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

do-not-say-this-happened-by-chance-st-basil-the-great-13-july-2019-no-2 and 13 july 2020

“The Lord is near,
do not be anxious
about anything!”

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

An excerpt from his Sermon 171

the lord is near do not be anxious about anything - st augustine 13 july 2020

“In God’s name let us go on bravely.”

St Joan of Arc (1412-1431)

in-gods-name-st-joan-of-arc-30-may-2020 and 13 july 2020

“We must offer ourselves to God,
like a clean, smooth canvas
and not worry ourselves,
about what God
may choose to paint on it
but at each moment,
feel only the stroke of His brush.”

Father Jean-Pierre de Caussade (1675-1751)

we must offer ourselves to god like a clean smooth canvas - st jean pierre de causade abandonment div prov-11may 2020

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

St Gerard Majella (1726-1755)

consider-the-shortness-of-time-st-gerard-majella-16-oct-2019 and 13 july 2020

“We are blind,
left to ourselves,
we should take the wrong way, 
we must leave it to Him.”

St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

we are blind - st john henry newman 13 july 2020

“I trust in God
and wish nothing else
but His will.”

St Zygmunt Szcesny Felinski (1822-1895)

i-trust-in-god-st-zygmunt-felinski-17-sept-2019-1 and 13 july 2020

“Do not be preoccupied
with the future,
God is in charge of it.”

St Léonie Françoise De Sales Aviat (1844-1914)

do-not-be-preoccupied-with-the-future-st-leonie-aviat-10-jan-2020 and 13 July 2020

“The glance of God is like a fortifying dew,
a luminous ray, which fertilises and expands –
let us work without noise and without rest,
let us work before God’s eyes,
before God alone!”

Bl Luigi Orione (1872-1940)

the glance of god - bl luigi orione 13 july 2020

“My past, O Lord, to Your mercy,
my present, to Your love,
my future, to Your Providence.”

St Pio of Pietrelcina (1887-1968)

my-past-o-lord-to-your-mercy-st-pio-23-sept-2019 and 13 july 2020

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYER WARRIORS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, SPEAKING of .....

Quote/s of the Day – 7 July – “Pray, hope and don’t worry.”

Quote/s of the Day – 7 July – “Month of the Precious Blood” – Tuesday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13, Psalm 115:3-10, Matthew 9:32-38

“And will not God vindicate his elect,
who cry to him day and night?”

Luke 18:7

luke-18-7-and-will-not-god-vindicate-his-elect-who-cry-to-him-day-and-night-16-nov-2019 and 7 july 2020

“Prayer is an act of love,
words are not needed.
Even if sickness distracts from thoughts,
all that is needed is the will to love.”

St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582)

prayer-is-an-act-of-love-st-teresa-of-jesus-of-avila-15-oct-2019 and 7 july 2020

“Give yourself to prayer
and try by it, to procure,
first the amendment
of your fault,
then the practice of Christian virtues
and finally a great love of God.”

Bl Sebastian Valfre (1629-1710)

give-yourself-to-prayer-bl-sebastian-valfre-30-jan-2020 and 7 july 2020

“Do not neglect prayer,
however busy you may be.”

Bl William Joseph Chaminade (1761-1850)

do not neglect prayer however busy you may be bl william joseph chaminade 7 july 2020

“O holiest Heart of Jesus most lovely,
I intend to renew and to offer to You,
these acts of adoration and these prayers,
for myself, a wretched sinner
and for all those,
who are associated with me in Your adoration,
through all moments which I breath,
even to the end of my life.”

St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

o holiest heart of jesus - st john henry newman 7 july 2020

“There is One very near you
Who knocks at your door every hour of the day,
Who begs you to listen to Him
and to keep silence in order to hear Him.”

St Simon-Marie-Just Ranfer de Bretenières (1838-1866) Martyr

there-is-one-very-near-you-st-simon-ranfer-de-bretenieres-14-nov-2019 and 7 july 2020

“Prayer is our strength,
our sword,
our consolation
and the key to paradise.”

St Joseph Freinademetz (1852-1908)

prayer is our strength our sword our consolation and the key to paradise st joseph freinadametz 7 july 2020

“To pray,
is to think about Jesus
and love Him.
The more we love,
the better we pray.”

Bl Charles of Jesus de Foucauld (1858-1916)

to-pray-is-to-think-about-jesus-and-to-love-him-bl-charles-de-foucauld-1-dec-2019 and 7 july 2020

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

St Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (1873-1897)
Doctor of the Church

prayer-is-an-aspiration-of-the-heart-st-therese-child-jesus-6-march-2020 and 7 july 2020

“The means to obtain
grace and glory,
is PRAYER.”

Bl Maria Esperanza de Jesus (1893-1983)

the means to obtain grace and glory is prayer - bl maria esperanza de jesus 7 july 2020

Pray, hope and don’t worry.”

St Pius of Pietrelcina/Padre Pio (1887-1968)

pray hope and dont worry - st padre pio 6 dec 2019

Posted in MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Thought for the Day – 29 May – The Great Exile

Thought for the Day – 29 May – “Mary’s Month” – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Great Exile

“Let us turn away from this spectacle of a corrupt and corrupting world and raise our fearful gaze towards Mary.
What a contrast!
She was wholly pure and beautiful.
Her mind was always in contact with God.
Her heart was full of the love of God and of her neighbour, whose redemption from the slavery of sin, she ardently desired to achieve by co-operating with her divine Son.
All her desires and actions were in harmony with the will of God, so that she lived completely in God.
Let us think about ourselves.
What place has Jesus in our approach to life?
Let us try and think of Him more often.
Let us meditate on the eternal truths, on the commandments of God and on the precepts of the Church which He has founded.
Let us endeavour to make all our actions conform with these commandments.
Above all, let us seek to love God more and more and, let us pray constantly, for those countless souls who ignore and reject Him.
Then we shall be content in the midst of the trials of this world, for we shall have God in our hearts.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, PAPAL Apostolic EXHORTATIONS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SPEAKING of ....., The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 22 May – Speaking of Joy

Quote/s of the Day – 22 May – “Mary’s Month” – Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 18: 9-18, Psalms 47: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, John 16: 20-23

Speaking of Joy

“You will be sorrowful
but your sorrow will turn into joy.”

John 16:20

john 16 20 you will be sorrowful but your sorrow will turn into joy 22 may 2020

“Let us remain unafraid in all dangers,
trusting calmly, in the Divine
Providence, that watches over us day and night.”

St Joseph Freinademetz (1852-1908)
“Fu Shenfu” – Lucky Priest

let-us-remain-unafraid-st-joseph-freinademetz-28-jan-2020 and 6 feb 2020

“The well-being of souls is only in Christ.
Therefore, let the love of Jesus
be our perfection and our profession,
let us light our hearts
from the eternal flames of love
that radiate from the Sacred Heart of Jesus.”

Blessed Paolo Manna PIME (1872-1952)
“A Burning Soul”

Priest, Missionary in Burma (Myanmar),
Superior General of PIME,
Founder of the Pontifical Missionary Union

the well-being of souls is only in christ bl paolo manna 7 feb 2020

“Jesus is with me.
I have nothing to fear.”

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925)

jesus is with me i have nothing to fear bl pier giorgio frassati 4 july 2019

“Christian joy is, essentially,
a spiritual participation in the boundless joy,
at the same time both divine and human,
in the heart of Jesus Christ glorified…”

St Paul VI (1897-1978)

– Apostolic exhortation on Christian joy
‘Gaudete in Domino’ (PE 4; cf Lk 4:10)

christian joy is - st paul vi - gaudete in domino 5 oct 2019

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One Minute Reflection – 22 May – ‘… The Lord is near, do not be anxious about anything.’ – St Augustine

One Minute Reflection – 22 May – “Mary’s Month” – Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 18: 9-18, Psalms 47: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, John 16: 20-23

“Your hearts will rejoice and no-one will take your joy from you.” … John 16:22

REFLECTION – “You may object – I am in the world, if I rejoice I certainly rejoice where I am.   What is this?   Do you mean that because you are in the world you are not in the Lord?   Listen again to the Apostle, speaking now to the Athenians in the Acts of the Apostles, he says this is of God and the Lord our creator, In him we live and move and have our being.   If He is everywhere, where is he not?   Surely this was what He was exhorting us to realise.   The Lord is near, do not be anxious about anything.
This is a great truth, that He ascended above all the heavens, yet is near to those on earth.   Who is this stranger and neighbour if not the one who became our neighbour out of compassion?
The man lying on the road, left half-dead by robbers, the man treated with contempt by the priest and the levite who passed by, the man approached by the passing Samaritan to take care of him and help him, that man is the whole human race.   When the immortal one, the holy one, was far removed from us because we were mortal and sinners, He came down to us, so that He, the stranger, might become our neighbour.
He did not treat us as our sins deserved.   For we are now sons of God.   How do we show this?   The only Son of God died for us, so that He might not remain alone.   He who died as the only Son, did not want to remain as the only Son.   For the only Son of God made many sons of God.   He bought brothers for Himself by His blood, He made them welcome by being rejected, He ransomed them by being sold, He honoured them by being dishonoured, He gave them life by being put to death.
So, brethren, rejoice in the Lord, not in the world.   That is, rejoice in the truth, not in wickedness, rejoice in the hope of eternity, not in the fading flower of vanity.   That is the way to rejoice.   Wherever you are on earth, however long you remain on earth, the Lord is near, do not be anxious about anything.” … St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Great Western Father and Doctor of Grace – An excerpt from his Sermon 171john 16 22 your hearts will rejoice - he bought brothers for himself - st augustine 22 may 2020

PRAYER – Holy God and Father, help us to discern through prayer and meditation what You truly want of us.   Then enable us to offer it to You and indeed, to offer ourselves and all we have and all we are, to You.   When You bring us sufferings to mould us closer and make us more like You, help us to accept them and offer them back to You and to do all we do for You in joy at Your nearness.   Following Your divine Son, let us pick up those crosses in peace and love.   Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.   St Rita of Cascia, you prayed so earnestly to give yourself totally to the Lord and suffer for Him, please pray for us, amen.mother of god and our mother - mary pray for us - 14 may 2018

st rita pray for us

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Thought for the Day – 26 April – The Only Remedy for All Our Ills

Thought for the Day – 26 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Only Remedy for All Our Ills

“Life is a continual battle.
“Is not man’s life on earth a drudgery?” (Job 7:1).
If we consider, only the material aspect of this battle, we are all among the vanquished.
Admittedly, there is some joy and some victory.
But, our pleasures are as short-lived as the flowers of the field, they are soon “withered and dried up like grass” (Cf Ps 101:5).
Our conquests are also very insignificant;  they can inflate us for a while but they do not last long and cannot satisfy us.
After death, only our triumphs in virtue will persist.
Moreover, whereas the joys of this life are few and fleeting, the physical and moral sufferings, are innumerable.
Sometimes, they are so heavy and overwhelming, that they cause us to despair.
But, surely there is a remedy for all the evils which afflict us?
God is infinitely good and He has permitted suffering.
Will He not give us the means of enduring it and the medicine to cure it?
In fact, Our Lord, has given us a remedy for all our ills, even for the most distressing.
It is a bitter medicine but, it will heal anyone who has the courage to swallow it and, it will give him perfect peace of soul.
The treatment consists of three stages:
(1)  Doing the will of God in all things with complete resignation.
(2)  Doing everything for the love of God.
(3)  Doing everything and enduring everything for the love of God alone.
When a man reaches this highest peak of the spiritual life, he acquires that perfect peace of soul, which the Saints possessed.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

life is a continual battle - bacci 26 april 2020

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 21 April – Our Desires

Thought for the Day – 21 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Our Desires 

“Most people are always longing for something.
Those who are poor yearn to be rich.
Those who are in bad health and are not resigned, are longing to be cured.
Those who have plenty of money and good health but misuse these gifts to satisfy their lower urges, in the hope of finding happiness, find instead, only emptiness and remorse.
Those who covet honours and fame, are restless when they see their colleagues succeeding , while they, themselves, remain on the bottom rung of the ladder.
On the other hand, those who reach the summit of their profession and believe that they have fulfilled their purpose in life, soon discover, that the easy chair in which they hoped to settle down, is padded with thorns!
The glory which they have won, is an empty thing, the object of the envy or of the contempt of others.
So, we are all yearning and sighing and cannot find peace.
Our hearts cannot be at rest in this world.
“Here we have no permanent city,” says St Paul “But we seek for the city that is to come.” (Heb 13:14).
St Augustine, has summed up the reason for our continual longing, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord and our heart is restless, until it rests in You” (Confessions 1, 1:1).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

you have made us for yourself - st augustine 14 feb 2019

 

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY

Thought for the Day – 29 March – Jesus Lost in the Temple

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

Jesus Lost in the Temple

The Gospel of St Luke relates that when Jesus was twelve years of age, He went with Mary and Joseph to Jerusalem to celebrate the Pasch.
When the feast was over, Our Lady and St Joseph set out on the return journey and, as was the custom, they went in separate caravans, one being for men and the other for women.
Each believed that the Child Jesus was in the other group but, at the end of the first day’s journey, they failed to find Him in either.
They were stricken with worry and sorrow and returned immediately to Jerusalem, where they searched anxiously for Him.
At last they found Him in the Temple.
There He was, carrying on a discussion in the midst of a gathering of doctors of the Law, who were amazed at the wisdom of His answers.
When the Blessed Virgin gently reproved Him, Jesus replied: “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Cf Lk 2:41-51)
After this, He went back readily with them to Nazareth “and was subject to them.”
We have a great deal to learn from this chapter of the Gospel.
Above all, let us learn the humility and mildness of Jesus, Who quietly replied, in answer to Mary’s gentle reproach, that it was His special mission to look after the work of His Heavenly Father, for He owed obedience, in the first place, to God and then to men (Cf Acts 5:29).
What is our attitude when we are rebuked or criticised?
Are we humble in the manner of Jesus Christ?
Or, are we angry and resentful?
Let us earnestly examine ourselves in this matter.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY

Thought for the Day – 16 February – The Duties of Our State

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

The Duties of Our State

“Everyone finds himself in a certain position in life.
He may be there, either through force of circumstances, or, through somebody else’s desire, or through some secret inspiration from God,
In any case, each of us is in a certain place and God, either wills it or permits it.
We should not complain about our state in life.
No matter what that state is, we can either be saved or damned for all eternity.
In any position, we can do a great deal of good or a great deal of evil, according to the way in which we co-operate with the grace of God.
We should not envy the positions of others.
This would be unjust because, it would be tantamount to questioning the arrangements of Providence, which gives everyone the graces necessary, in his particular state.
It would also be injurious, insofar, as we should be worried and disturbed, instead of working peacefully and earnestly, in the place assigned to us by God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY

Thought for the Day – 13 February – The Causes of Discontent

Thought for the Day – 13 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Causes of Discontent

“It is hard to find anyone, in this world, who is really content.
Some grumble about poor health, others about not having enough to live on, others about an unsuccessful career.
Some complain about the lack of sympathy and the ingratitude of men, others, about constant temptation, spiritual dryness and the discouragement of frequently falling into sin.
Still others, are confined to a bed of pain for weeks, months or even years at a time.
There are some, too, who must endure mental suffering, which is greater than any physical pain.
Perhaps, they have lost a loved one, who was the centre of their own life upon earth, or perhaps they are suffering from a loss of reputation, the result of some calumny or of some moment of weakness, on their own part.
In short, this world can be compared to quote St Therese of the Child Jesus – to an unsatisfactory hotel, in which we must spend the night, while we are waiting for the breaking of an eternal day in which we shall be able to see God.
He is fortunate, who knows how to live contentedly, or, at least resignedly, in this poor boarding-house, until the dawn of that better life, which is the only object of our earthly journey!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, QUOTES "CARPE DIEM" - Seize the Day, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DESPAIR, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MEDITATION, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 24 January – St Francis de Sales

Quote/s of the Day – 24 January – Friday of the Second week in Ordinary Time, Year A and The Memorial of St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) “The Gentle Christ of Geneva” – Doctor of the Church: Doctor Caritatis (Doctor of Charity)

“Let us think only
of spending the present
day well.
Then, when tomorrow
shall have come,
it will be called
TODAY
and then, we will think
about it.”

let us think only of spending the present day well - st francis de sales - 24 jan 2020

“Don’t get upset
with your imperfections.
It’s a great mistake,
because it leads nowhere –
to get angry
because, you are angry,
upset at being upset,
depressed, at being depressed,
disappointed, because
you are disappointed.
So don’t fool yourself.
Simply surrender
to the Power of God’s Love,
which is always greater
than our weakness.”

dont-get-upset-with-your-imperfections-st-francis-de-sales-24-jan-2018 and 24 jan 2020

“Don’t sow your desires
in someone else’s garden,
just cultivate your own, as best you can;
don’t long to be other than what you are
but desire to be thoroughly what you are.
Direct your thoughts,
to being very good at that
and to bearing the crosses, little or great,
that you will find there.
Believe me, this is the most important
and least understood point to the spiritual life.
We all love according to what is our taste,
few people like what is according to their duty
or to God’s liking.
What is the use of building castles in Spain
when we have to live in France?”

dont-sow-your-desires-st-francis-de-sales-24-jan-2018 - 24 jan 2020

“The work is never finished, we have continually to begin again and that courageously. What we have done so far is good but what we are going to commence, will be better and when we have finished that, we shall begin something else that will be better still and then another – until we leave this world to begin a new life that will have no end because it is the best that can happen to us.

It is not then a case for tears, that we have so much work to do for our souls, for we need great courage to go ever onwards (since we must never stop) and much resolution to restrain our desires.   Observe carefully this precept, that all the Saints have given to those who would emulate them – to speak little, or not at all, of yourself and your own interests.”

the-work-is-never-finished-st-francis-de-sales-27-march-2019 and 24 jan 2020

“Cook the truth in charity,
until it tastes sweet.”

cook-the-truth-in-charity-until-it-tastes-sweet-st-francis-de-sales-23-may-2018 and 24 jan 2020

“Half an hour’s meditation
each day is essential,
except, when you are busy.
Then a full hour is needed.”

half an hour's meditation each day - st francis de sales 24 jan 2020

“Consider all the past as nothing
and say, like David –
Now I begin to love my God.”

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

consider all the past as nothing and say like david now i begin to love my god - 24 jan2019 st francis de sales

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST

Quote/s of the Day – 10 January – St Léonie Françoise De Sales Aviat

Quote/s of the Day – 10 January – Fifth day after Epiphany and The Memorial of St Léonie Françoise De Sales Aviat OSFS (1844-1914)

“Go often to rest your heart
near the tabernacle;
you will find there,
the necessary strength
and graces
to go more surely
along the path of fidelity.”go-often-to-rest-your-heart-near-the-tabernacle-st-leonie-aviat-no-1-10-jan-2019 and 2020.jpg

“Let us love
to give our heart anew,
each morning.”let us love to give our heart anew each morning st leonie aviat 10 jan 2020.jpg

“Pray to your good angels,
use them as messengers
in your little joys
and sufferings.”pray to your good angels - st leonie aviat 10 jan 2020.jpg

“Do not be afraid!
God will show you,
to the hour and moment,
what you should say
and what you should do.”do not be afraid god will show you - st leonie aviat 10 jan 2020.jpg

“Do not be preoccupied
with the future,
God is in charge of it.”

St Léonie Françoise De Sales Aviatdo not be preoccupied with the future - st leonie aviat 10 jan 2020.jpg

Posted in ADVENT QUOTES, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 6 December – Faith and Hope

Quote/s of the Day – 6 December – Friday of the First week of Advent, Year A – Readings: Isaiah 29:17-24, Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14, Matthew 9:27-31

“According to your faith be it done to you.”

Matthew 9:30

matthew 9 30 according to your faith - healing the blind man 6 dec 2019

“Faith lifts the soul.
Hope supports it.
Experience says it must.
And Love says let it be!”

St Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821)faith lifts the soul hope supports it experience says - st elizabeth ann seton 6 dec 2019.jpg

“Pray, hope and don’t worry.”

St Pius of Pietrelcina/Padre Pio (1887-1968)

pray hope and dont worry - st padre pio 6 dec 2019.jpg

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 June

One Minute Reflection – 22 June – Saturday of the Eleventh week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 6:24–34 and the Memorial of St Thomas More (1478-1535) Martyr

Look at the birds in the sky,they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? ..Matthew 6:26matthew 6 26 look at the birds of the air - 22 june 2019

REFLECTION – “I will not mistrust Him, Meg, though I shall feel myself weakening and on the verge of being overcome with fear. I shall remember, how Saint Peter at a blast of wind, began to sink because of his lack of faith and I shall do as he did, call upon Christ and pray to Him for help. And then I trust He shall place His holy hand on me and in the stormy seas, hold me up from drowning.”…St Thomas More (1478-1535)i-will-not-distrust-him-meg-st-thomas-more-11-jan-2018 and today 22 june 2019

“In the face of the situations of so many people, near and far, who live in wretchedness, Jesus’ discourse might appear hardly realistic, if not evasive  . In fact, the Lord wants to make people understand clearly, that it is impossible to serve two masters – God and mammon [riches].   Whoever believes in God, the Father, full of love for His children, puts first the search for His Kingdom and His will.   And this is precisely the opposite of fatalism or ingenuous irenics.   Faith in Providence does not, in fact, dispense us from the difficult struggle, for a dignified life but frees us, from the yearning for things and from fear of the future.
It is clear that although Jesus’ teaching remains ever true and applicable for all it is practised in different ways according to the different vocations – a Franciscan friar will be able to follow it more radically, while a father of a family must bear in mind his proper duties to his wife and children.   In every case, however, Christians are distinguished by their absolute trust in the heavenly Father, as was Jesus.   It was precisely Christ’s relationship with God the Father that gave meaning to the whole of His life, to His words, to His acts of salvation until His Passion, death and Resurrection.   Jesus showed us what it means to live with our feet firmly planted on the ground, attentive to the concrete situations of our neighbour, yet, at the same time keeping our heart in Heaven, immersed in God’s mercy.” … Pope Benedict XVI (Sunday, 27 February 2011).faith in providence - pope bendict 22 june 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, we trust in You and abide in You. Grant us we pray, that by the prayers of our heavenly Mother, our Mother of divine Providence and St Thomas More, who said “I will trust Him”, that we too may ever know that You are with us and guide, help and feed us everyday.   Through Christ our Lord with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.mary, mother of divine providence, pray for us 22 june 2019

st thomas more pry for us 22 june 2019

Posted in QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SAINT of the DAY

Quote of the Day – 6 April – Do not be dismayed

Quote of the Day – 6 April – Saturday of the Fourth week of Lent, Year C and the Memorial of Blessed Zefirino Agostini (1813-1896)

“Do not be dismayed by toil or suffering,
nor by the meagre fruit of your labours.
Remember that God rewards,
not according to results but effort.”

Blessed Zefirino, 1874do not be dismayed by the meagre fruits - bl sefirino agostino 6 april 2019.jpg

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, DIVINE MERCY, QUOTES "CARPE DIEM" - Seize the Day, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on TIME, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SPEAKING of ....., The WORD

Thought for the Day – 11 January – Living the Present Moment and the Joy of Confession

Thought for the Day – 11 January – 5th day after Epiphany

Living the Present Moment and the Joy of Confession:

The Wisdom of Venerable Fulton J Sheen (1895-1979)

“All our anxieties relate to time.   A human being is the only time-conscious creature. Humans alone can bring the past to mind, so that it weighs on the present moment, with its accumulated heritage and they can also bring the future into the present, so as to imagine its occurrences as happening now.   No animal ever says: “I have suffered this pain for six years and it will last until I die.”   But, because a human being can unite the past to the present by memory and the future to the present by imagination, it is often necessary to distract him in his sufferings — to break up the continuity of misery.   All unhappiness (when there is no immediate cause for sorrow) comes from excessive concentration on the past or from extreme preoccupation with the future.   The major problems of psychiatry revolve around an analysis of the despair, pessimism, melancholy and complexes that are the inheritances of what has been or with the fears, anxieties, worries, that are the imaginings of what will be.

…A conscience burdened with the guilt of past sins is fearful of divine judgement.   But God in His mercy, has given us two remedies for such an unhappiness.   One is the Sacrament of Penance, which blots out the past by remission of our sins and lightens the future by our hope for divine mercy, through continued repentance and amendment of our lives.     Nothing in human experience, is as efficacious in curing the memory and imagination, as confession – it cleanses us of guilt and if we follow the admonitions of Our Lord, we shall put completely out of mind our confessed sins:  “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk 9:62).   Confession also heals the imagination, eliminating its anxiety for the future – for now, with Paul, the soul cries out:  “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).nothing in human experience - ven fulton sheen 11 jan 2019.jpg

The second remedy, for the ills, that come to us from thinking about time, is what might be called the sanctification of the moment — or the Now.   Our Lord laid down the rule for us in these words:  “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Mt 6:34). so do not worry about tomorrow - matthew 6 34 11 jan 2019 - fulton sheen.jpg

This means, that each day, has its own trials, we are not to borrow troubles from tomorrow, because that day too will have its cross.   We are to leave the past to divine mercy and to trust the future, whatever its trials, to God’s loving providence.   Each minute of life has its peculiar duty — regardless of the appearance that minute may take.   The Now-moment is the moment of salvation.   Each complaint against it is a defeat, each act of resignation to it is a victory.”the now-moment is the moment of salvation - ven fulton j sheen 11 jan 2019.jpg