Category: CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, EUCHARISTIC, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, GOD ALONE!, INDULGENCES, PAPAL MESSAGES, PAPAL PRAYERS, PARTIAL Indulgence, PLENARY Indulgences, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 3 September – St Pius X

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Quote/s of the Day – 3 September – St Pius X (1835-1914) Pope, Confessor

“My hope is in Christ,
Who strengthens the weakest
by His Divine help.
I can do all in Him
Who strengthens me.
His Power is Infinite
and if I lean on Him,
it will be mine.
His Wisdom is Infinite
and if I look to Him for counsel,
I shall not be deceived.
His Goodness is Infinite
and if my trust is stayed in Him,
I shall not be abandoned.”

O Divine Jesus!
Lonely in So Many Tabernacles
By St Pope Pius X (1835-1914)
“Pope of the Blessed Sacrament”

O Divine Jesus!
Lonely today in so many Tabernacles,
without visitor or worshipper,
I offer Thee my lonely heart.
May it’s every beat be a prayer of love to Thee.
Thou are ever watching under the Sacramental Veils,
in Thou love, Thou never sleeps
and Thou are never weary of Thy vigils for sinners.
O Loving Jesus!
O Lonely Jesus!
may my heart be a lamp,
the light of which shall burn and beam
for Thee alone.
Watch, Sacramental Sentinel!
Watch for the weary world,
for the erring soul
and for Thy poor lonely child.

O Jesus, my God, I adore Thee,
here present in the Sacrament of Thy love.
Amen

Indulgences:
100 days each time before the Tabernacle
300 days each time before the Blessed Sacrament Exposed
(St Pope Pius X – 3 July 1908)
Prayers to the Sacred Heart
15th Ed 1936

MORE HERE;
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/03/quote-s-of-the-day-3-september-st-pius-x-and-st-gregory-the-great/

St Pope Pius X (1835-1914)

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, OUR Cross, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on WATCHING, The HOLY CROSS, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 August – “ … The Bridegroom came and they, who were ready, went in with Him … ” – Matthew 25:10

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One Minute Reflection – 30 August – St Rose of Lima OP (1586-1617) Virgin – 2 Cor inthians10:17-18; 11:1-2, Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ … The Bridegroom came and they, who were ready, went in with Him … ” – Matthew 25:10

REFLECTION – “In this world, which is to say, in the Church, wholly following Christ, He says to all of us: “Whoever wishes to come after Me must deny himself.” This command is not being directed to virgins but not married women, to widows but not wives, to Monks but not husbands, to Priests but not laity. It is the whole Church, the whole Body of Christ with all its members, differentiated and divided according to their proper functions that is, to follow Christ. May she wholly follow Him, she who is one alone, the dove, the bride (Sg 6:9); may she follow Him, she who has been redeemed and endowed with the Blood of her Bridegroom. Virginal purity has its place here; the continence of widows has its place here; wedded chastity has its place here…

These members who have their place here should follow Christ, each according to their category, each according to their status, each after its fashion. Let them deny themselves, that is to say, let them not rely on themselves. Let them carry their cross that is to say, bear, for Christ’s sake in the world, all that the world inflicts on them. May they love Him, He, the Only One, Who never deceives or is deceived, the Only One ,Who is not mistaken. May they love Him because, what He promises is true. Yet because, He does not give it to us now, our faith falters. Keep going, persevere, bear and accept this delay and you have carried His Cross!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 96:9)

PRAYER – Almighty God, Giver of all good things, Who willed that blessed Rose, imbued in early life with the dew of heavenly grace, should bloom among the Indians with the beauty of virginity and patience, grant unto us, Thy servants that, following the fragrance of her sweetness, we may be found worthy to become a sweet savour of Christ. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MERCY, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The ASCENSION of the LORD, The REDEMPTION

Quote/s of the Day – 28 August – St Augustine

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Quote/s of the Day – 28 August – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Confessor, Great Western Father and Doctor of the Church

“And He departed from our sight
that we might return to our hearts
and find Him there.
For He left us
and behold,
He is here!”

“Do not love your life in this world!
If you truly love yourselves,
do not thus love your life
and then, you will save your life!”…

“He asks for our faith and offers us salvation.
What He offers us, is so precious
that what He asks of us, is as nothing!”

“When once I shall be united to You
with my whole being,
I shall at last be free of sorrow and toil.
Then my life will be alive,
filled entirely with You.
When You fill someone,
You relieve him of his burdens
but because, I am not yet filled with You,
I am a burden to myself.
Lord, have mercy! Woe is me!
I make no effort to conceal my wounds.
You are my Physician, I Your Patient.
You are merciful; I stand in need of mercy!”

“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.”

MORE and MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/28/quote-s-of-the-day-28-august-st-augustine/

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

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, Quotes on SALVATION, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 August – I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

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One Minute Reflection – 28 August – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Confessor, Great Western Father and Doctor of the Church – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I am not come to destroy but to fulfil.” – Matthew 5:17

REFLECTION – “The sacrifice of the lamb, the Passover rite and the letter of the Law have reached their term in Jesus Christ, in view of Whom, everything in the ancient Law took place – and, even more so, in the new dispensation. For the Law became the Word; from being old it became new … the commandments have been transformed into grace and the foreshadowing into Truth; the lamb has become the Son, the sheep has become man and man has become God. …

God, although He was the Lord, put on our humanity; He suffered for him, who was suffering, was bound for him, who was captive, was judged for the guilty, was buried for him, who was buried. He was raised from the dead and cried out in a loud voice: “If anyone wishes to oppose Me, let us appear together” (Is 50:8). It is I Who delivered the condemned man; I Who restored life to the dead; I Who raised up those in the grave. “Who disputes My right?” It is I, He says, I Who am the Christ, I Who destroyed death, Who triumphed over the enemy, Who bound the mighty enemy and carried off man to the heights of heaven; it is I, He says, Who am the Christ.

Come along then, every human family, full of sin as you are and receive the forgiveness of your sins. For I Myself am your forgiveness, I am the Passover of salvation, the Lamb slain for your sakes, your Redemption, Life and Resurrection; I am your Light, your Salvation and your King. It is I Who lead you to the heights of Heaven, I Who will raise you up; it is I Who will bring you to see the Father Who is from all eternity; it is I Who will raise you up by My all-powerful Hand.” – St Melito of Sardis (Died c180) Bishop of Sardis in Smyrna and Father of the Church [Paschal Homily (Passim)]

PRAYER – Give heed to our humble prayers, Almighty God and through the intercession of blessed Augustine, Thy Confessor and Bishop, kindly grant Thy oft-given mercy to those upon whom Thou bestows great hope in Thy forgiveness. 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", CATECHESIS, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 27 August – St Joseph Calasanz

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Quote/s of the Day – 27 August – St Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648) Confessor, Priest

“Those who undertake this work of teaching,
surely, a task to be carried out with the greatest care,
must be endowed with overflowing charity,
inexhaustible patience and, above all, profound humility.
So may they be found worthy, for the Lord,
in answer to their humble entreaties,
to make them fellow-workers with Truth itself –
may He strengthen them to carry out their noble office
and finally, may He grant them a heavenly reward
in accordance with the saying:
‘Those who instruct many in virtue
will shine like stars for all eternity.’”

“… Strive wholeheartedly
to cleave to Christ
and to please Him only … ”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/27/quote-s-of-the-day-27-august-st-joseph-calasanz-calasantius-1557-1648/

St Joseph Calasanz/Calasantius
(1557-1648)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, CONFESSION/PENANCE, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 August – ‘ … Faith saves, faith justifies, faith cures, both body and soul. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 27 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648) Confessor, Priest – Galatians 3:16-22, Luke 17:11-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And Jesus said to him: Arise, go your way, for your faith has saved you.” – Luke 17:19

REFLECTION – “And as they were on their way, they were made clean.” Let all sinners listen to this and try to understand it. It is easy, for the Lord to forgive sins. Sinners have often been forgiven before they came to a Priest. In fact, their repentance and cure occur simultaneously – at the very moment of their conversion, they pass from death to life. Let them understand, however, what this conversion means, let them heed the Lord’s words: “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping and mourning and rend your hearts and not your garments” (Jl 2:12). To be really converted one must be converted inwardly, in one’s heart…

“One of them, when he saw that he was cured, went back again, praising God at the top of his voice.” In truth, this man stands for all those who, after their cleansing by the waters of Baptism or cured by the Sacrament of Penance, renounce the devil and take Christ as their model, following Him with praise, adoration and thanksgiving and nevermore abandoning His service. “And Jesus said to him: Arise, go your way. for your faith has saved you.” Great, therefore, is the power of faith. “Without it,”as the Apostle says, “it is impossible to please God” (Heb 11:6). “Abraham believed God and because of this, God regarded him as righteous” (Rom 4:3). Faith saves, faith justifies, faith cures, both body and soul.” – St Bruno of Segni (c1049-1123) Confessor, Bishop (Commentary on Saint Luke’s Gospel 2: 40)

PRAYER – O God, Who through St Joseph, Thy Confessor, did graciously will to provide Thy Church with a new method for the training of youth, in the spirit of understanding and holiness grant, we beseech Thee, that, following his example and through his intercession, we may live and teach so as to acquire an everlasting reward. Through esus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WATCHING, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 August – ‘Not all those who pray, climb the mountain…’ St Ambrose

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One Minute Reflection – 24 August – St Bartholomew the Apostle and Martyr – 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, Luke 6:12-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“At that time, Jesus departed to the mountain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God.” -Luke 6:12

REFLECTION – “At that time, Jesus departed to the mountain to pray and He spent the night in prayer to God.” Not all those who pray, climb the mountain… but, those who pray well, who rise up above the goods of earth to higher goods, climb onto the summit of watchfulness and love, from on high. Those who worry about worldly riches or honours, do not climb the mountain; no-one who covets another’s lands, climbs the mountain. Those who seek God, go up it and those who go up, beg the Lord’s aid for their journey. All great and noble souls climb the mountain, for it is not to the first comer alone that the prophet says: “Go up onto a high mountain, thou who announce glad tidings to Sion. Cry out at the top of thy voice, thou who bring good news to Jerusalem,” (Is 40:9). Not by physical exploits but by high-minded actions, will you scale this mountain. Follow Christ… search the Gospel – you will find that only His disciples climbed up the mountain with the Lord.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Archbishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (On the Gospel of Saint Luke 5,41).

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Who bestowed on us the devout and holy joy of this day to celebrate the Feast of Thy blessed Apostle Bartholomew, grant unto Thy Church, we beseech Thee, both to love what he believed and to preach what he taught. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY GHOST, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The LORD'S PRAYER, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 23 August – The Kingdom of Heaven

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Quote/s of the Day – 23 August – 1 Corinthians. 4:9-14, Luke 12:32-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Fear not, little flock,
for it hath pleased thy Father
to give thee a Kingdom. ”

Luke 12:32

“Whoever does not accept
the Kingdom of God,
like a little child,
shall not enter it.”

Mark 10:15

“He who loves his life, loses it
and he who hates his life
in this world,
keeps it unto life everlasting.
If anyone serves Me,
let him follow Me
and where I am,
there also shall My servant be.”

John 12:25-26

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

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

“Through the Holy Spirit
comes our restoration to paradise,
our ascension into the Kingdom of Heaven,
our return to the adoption of sons,
our liberty to call God, Our Father,
our being made partakers of the grace of Christ,
our being called children of Light,
our sharing in eternal glory
and, in a word, our being brought
into a state of all “fulness of blessing,”
both in this world and in the world to come,
of all the good gifts that are in store for us,
by promise hereof, through faith,
beholding the reflection of their grace,
as though they were already present,
we await the full enjoyment.”

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

“This life is short and it is only given us
to gain the other.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, GOD the FATHER, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 21 August – St Jane Frances de Chantal

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Quote/s of the Day – 21 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Jane Frances de Chantal VHM (1572-1641) Widow

“Delight in prayer is no measure of our love of God.
But if we bear difficulties patiently,
resist the urgings of self-love resolutely
and fulfil our duties in life willingly,
if we live trusting in Providence
and desiring to be known – only by God! –
then we will show that we truly love God!
Such deeds are unmistakable signs of love.
Let us always be faithful in doing God’s will
because all else is unworthy of the name of love!”

“May we love and serve the Lord reverently.
with a loving, filial fear of offending our heavenly Father
and of displeasing Jesus, our Divine Beloved.
As long as we are in this life,
we would do well to follow
the well-travelled ways to holiness.
Fear of God is the first step on this path.
We cannot maintain a truly productive desire
of serving God, unless we have a holy fear
of displeasing Our Saviour
and of being negligent
in responding to grace and inspirations.”

“To be faithful, we must live simply.
Then, being free from attachments,
we are possessed by nothing.
We live in such absolute openness to Divine Love
that whatever pleases God,
becomes our heart’s desire.”

Prayer of Abandonment
By St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641)

O sovereign goodness
of the sovereign Providence of my God!
I abandon myself forever to Thy arms.
Whether gentle or severe,
lead me henceforth whither Thou will.
I will not regard the way
through which Thou will have me pass
but keep my eyes fixed upon Thee,
my God, who guides me.
My soul finds no rest without the arms
and the bosom of this heavenly Providence,
my true Mother, my strength and my rampart.
Therefore I resolve with Thy Divine assistance,
0 my Saviour,
to follow Thy desires and Thy ordinances,
without regarding or examining
why Thou does this rather than that
but I will blindly follow Thee,
according to Thy Divine will,
without seeking my own inclinations.
Hence I am determined to leave all to Thee,
taking no part therein,
save by keeping myself in peace in Thy arms,
desiring nothing, except as Thou incites me to desire,
to will, to wish.
I offer Thee this desire, 0 my God,
beseeching Thee to bless it.
I undertake all it includes,
relying on Thy goodness,
liberality and mercy,
with entire confidence in Thee,
distrust of myself,
and knowledge of my infinite misery and infirmity.
Amen.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/21/quote-s-of-the-day-21-august-st-jane-frances-de-chantal/

St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641)

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MARIAN PRAYERS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY NAME

Quote/s of the Day – 20 August – St Bernard

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Quote/s of the Day – 20 August – St Bernard (1090-1153) Confessor

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

“In every lodging, at every corner,
have reverence for thy Angel.
Do not dare to do in his presence
what you would not dare to do, if I were there.
Or do you doubt that he is present
whom you do not behold?
What if you should hear him?
What if you should touch him?
What if you should scent him?
Remember, that the presence of something
is not proved only by the sight of things.”

“Just as Mary surpassed in grace
all others on earth,
so also, in Heaven, is her glory unique.
If eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
nor the human heart conceived
what God has prepared
for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9),
who can express, what He has prepared,
for the woman who gave Him birth
and who loved Him,
as everyone knows,
more than anyone else?”

To Thee We Cry,
O Queen of Mercy!
By St Bernard (1090-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

To thee we cry,
O Queen of Mercy!
Return, that we may behold thee,
dispensing favours,
bestowing remedies,
giving strength.
Ah, tender Mother!
Tell thy All-powerful Son
that we have no more wine.
We are thirsty after the wine of His Love,
of that marvellous wine,
which fills souls with a holy inebriation,
inflames them
and gives them the strength
to despise the things of this world
and to seek, with ardour,
Heavenly goods!
Amen.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/20/quote-s-of-the-day-20-august-st-bernard-2/

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

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, The HOLY FACE

Quote/s of the Day – 19August – St John Eudes

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Quote/s of the Day – 19August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St John Eudes (1601-1680) Confessor, “The Apostle of Two Hearts”

“Our wish, our object,
our chief preoccupation,
must be, to form Jesus in ourselves,
to make His spirit,
His devotion,
His affections,
His desires
and His disposition,
live and reign there!”

“Faith is a beam,
radiating from
the face of God.”

A Magnificat
By St John Eudes (1601-1680)
A Hymn of Praise and Thanksgiving
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
and to the Holy Heart of Mary

My soul doth magnify the admirable
Heart of Jesus and Mary
And my spirit rejoices in Thou great Heart.
Jesus and Mary have given me their Heart,
This immense Heart,
in order that all in me
May be performed in its love.

Infinite praise to them, for their ineffable gift.
This Heart infinitely merciful,
has done great things for me.
It has possessed me from the womb of my mother.
Infinite thanksgiving for Thou ineffable gifts.

The abyss of my misery has called
on the abyss of His Mercy.
Infinite thanksgiving for His ineffable gifts.
This Heart infinitely meek has presented me
With blessings of its sweetness.
Infinite thanksgiving for His ineffable gifts.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/19/quote-s-of-the-day-19-august-st-john-eudes-3/

St John Eudes (1601-1680)
“The Apostle of Two Hearts”

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WATCHING, The FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES: JUSTICE, PRUDENCE, TEMPERANCE, FORTITUDE, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 August – ‘ … Stand ready to obey, when He comes and knocks …’

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One Minute Reflection – 19August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St John Eudes (1601-1680) Confessor, “The Apostle of Two Hearts”– Sirach 31:8-11, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Let your loins be girt about and your lamps burning …” – Luke 12:35

REFLECTION – “It is so that our spirit may be detached from its fantasies that the Word invites us, to shake off this heavy sleep, from the eyes of our souls, so that we may not slide away from the true reality, by clinging to what lacks substance. That is why He sets before us an image of vigilance when He says: “Let your loins be girt about and your lamps burning”… The meaning of these symbols is clear enough. Someone who is girded with temperance, lives in the light of a pure conscience because, filial trust enlightens his life, like a lamp. Lit up by the truth that person’s soul is detached from the sleep of illusion because, no empty dreams are leading it astray. As the Word says – if we do this, we shall enter into a life like that of the Angels…

Indeed, these are they who wait for the Lord at His return from the wedding and who are seated by the heavenly gates, with watchful eyes, so that the King of Glory (Ps 23:7) might once more pass through, when he returns from the marriage feast and enters again into the beatitude above the heavens. “Coming forth like the groom from his bridal chamber” (Ps 18:6)…, He united to Himself like a virgin, the nature we had prostituted to idols, once He had restored its virginal integrity, through sacramental regeneration. The nuptials, having now been accomplished, since the Church has been espoused by the Word… and brought into the chamber of His Mysteries, the Angels awaited the return of the King of Glory to the blessedness which matches His nature.

Hence, the text says that our lives ought to be like those of the Angels. Just as they live far from vice and self-deception, ready to welcome the second coming of the Lord, so we too ought to remain awake at the doors of our dwellings and stand ready to obey, when He comes and knocks at the door.” – St Gregory of Nyssa (335-395) Bishop, Father of the Church, Brother of St Basil the Great (Sermons on the Song of Songs No 11).

PRAYER – O God, Who wondrously enkindled St John, Thy Confessor, to promote the religious veneration of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and through him, willed to found new religious families in the Church, grant, we beseech Thee that we may honour his holy merits and may learn from the example of his virtues. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on LOVE, SAINT of the DAY, The HEART, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 12 August – St Clare

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 August – St Clare of Assisi (1194-1253) Virgin

“God will be your helper
and best consoler. …”

“Because the way and path is difficult
and the gate through which one passes
and enters into life, is narrow,
there are both few who walk it
and who enter through it.”

“May the love you have in your hearts
be shown outwardly in your deeds.”

Excerpt from the Prayer
to the Five Wounds of Jesus
By St Clare of Assisi (1194-1253)

I pray Thee, O most gentle Jesus,
that having redeemed me
by Baptism from original sin,
so now, by Thy Precious Blood,
which is offered and received,
throughout the world,
deliver me from all evils,
past, present and to come.
And by Thy most bitter Death,
give me a lively faith,
a firm hope
and perfect charity,
so that I may love Thee
with all my heart and all my soul
and all my strength.
Make me firm and steadfast in good works
and grant me perseverance in Thy service,
so that I may be able to please Thee always.
Amen.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/12/quote-s-of-the-day-12-august-st-clare/

St Clare of Assisi (1194-1253)

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on JUDGING, QUOTES on KINDNESS

Thought for the Day – 10 August – Rash Judgement

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Thought for the Day – 10 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Rash Judgement

“Let us contemplate Jesus as our model.
While He was hanging from the Cross, He looked down compassionately upon His jeering enemies.
Not only did He pray for them and forgive them but, He even made excuses for them to His heavenly Father.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:24).

It is still the same.
Very often, when people commit sin they do so because they have not reflected about what they are doing.

For this reason, we should always be kind in our judgements and prudent about expressing them.
A harsh judgement can cause irreparable damage to our brother’s character, whereas, a kind word, can lead him back from the path of evil!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/12/thought-for-the-day-12-august-rash-judgement/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/07/thought-for-the-day-7-august-rash-judgement/

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, OUR Cross, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 10 August – If anyone serves Me, he must follow me

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Quote/s of the Day – 10 August – St Lawrence (Died 258) Martyr, “Keeper of the Treasures of he Church” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, John 12:24-26 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

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

John 12:26

“If it dies, it produces much fruit”
John 12:24

“Through the glorious achievements
of the holy Martyrs with which
the Church blossoms everywhere,
we are ourselves, proving to our own eyes,
how true are the words we have been singing that:
“Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of His saints” (Ps 116[115]:15).
For it is precious both in our sight
and in the sight of Him, in Whose Name.
the death took place.”

“Do not love your life in this world!
If you truly love yourselves,
do not thus love your life
and then, you will save your life!”…

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

“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
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

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on MISSION, Quotes on SALVATION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 August – “Go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” – Mark 16:15

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One Minute Reflection – 8 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Fourteen Holy Helpers – 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16, Mark 16:15-18 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” – Mark 16:15

REFLECTION – “You have heard what the Lord said to His disciples after the Resurrection. He sent them out to preach the Gospel and they did so. Listen: “Through all the earth their voice resounds and to the ends of the world, their message” (Ps 18[19],5). Step by step, the Gospel has reached even to us and the ends of the earth. In a few words the Lord, addressing Himself to His disciples, set out what we are to do and what we have to hope for. Just as you have heard, He said: “Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved.” He asks for our faith and offers us salvation. What He offers us, is so precious that what He asks of us, is as nothing.

“The children of men take refuge in the shadow of Thy wings, O my God… from Thy delightful stream, Thou gives them to drink, for with Thee, is the Fountain of Life” (Ps 35[36],8f.). Jesus Christ is the Fountain of Life. Before the Fountain of Life came to us, we had only a human salvation like that of the beasts, of which the psalm speaks: “Man and beast you save, O Lord” (Ps 35[36],7). But now the Fountain of Life has come even to us, the Fountain of Life died for our sakes. Will He refuse us His Life,Who, for our sakes, gave His Death? He is salvation and this salvation is not worthless, like the other one. Why? Because it does not pass away. The Lord has come. He died but He killed death. In Himself, He brought an end to death. He assumed it and He killed it. Where is death now, then? Look for it in Christ and it is no longer there. It used to be there but there it died. O Life, Death of death! Take heart: it will also die in us. What was fulfilled in the Head will also be fulfilled in the members and death will die in us, too!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 233).

PRAYER – PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us with the annual festival of Thy 14 holy Saints, mercifully grant, that we, who celebrate the anniversary of their death, may also strive to equal the courage of their Martyrdom. 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 JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The LAST THINGS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 August – ‘ … Only if Christ is already living in me and I in Him …’

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One Minute Reflection – 4 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Dominic de Guzman OP (1170-1221) – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“You also must be ready because at an hour which you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” – Luke 12:40

REFLECTION – “We must always be on the lookout for Christ’s twofold coming, the one, when we shall have to give an account of everything we have done and the other, when He comes day after day to stir our consciences. He comes to us now, in order that His future coming may find us prepared. If my conscience is burdened with sin, what good will it do me to know when the Day of Judgement will be? Unless the Lord comes to my soul beforehand and makes His home with me, unless Christ lives in me and speaks His word in my heart, it is useless for me to know if and when His coming will take place. Only if Christ is already living in me and I in Him will it go well with me when He comes in judgement. If I have already died to the world and am able to say, “The world is crucified to me and I to the world,” (Gal 6:14) then, in a sense, His final coming is already present to me.

Consider also our Lord’s warning: “Many will come in My Name” (Mt 24:5). It is only the Antichrist and his members who, albeit falsely, claim the Name of Christ. .. You will never find the Lord in Scripture, actually declaring, “I am the Christ.” His teaching and miracles revealed it clearly enough, for the Father was at work in Him. Louder than a thousand acclamations His teaching and mighty works proclaimed: “I am the Christ.” And so, whether or not you find Him describing Himself in so many words, the “works of the Father” (Jn 5:6) and His own message of love, declared what He was, whereas the false Christs, who possessed neither godly deeds nor holy doctrine, loudly claimed to be what they were not.” – St Paschasius Radbertus OSB (785–865) Abbot, Theologian (Commentary on St Matthew’s Gospel 11, 24).

PRAYER – O God, Who graciously enlightened Thy Church by the good works and teaching of St Dominic, Thy Confessor, grant by his intercession, that she may never be deprived of temporal helps and may ever advance in spiritual growth. 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 WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, St Francis de Sales

Quote/s of the Day – 3 August – Amongst all loves . …

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Quote/s of the Day – 3 August – The Finding of the Relics of St Stephen, Protomartyr – Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-60. Matthew 23:34-39

“Amongst all loves,
God’s is so to be preferred
that we must always stand prepared in mind,
to forsake them all for that alone!”

(Treatise on the Love of God, Book 10, Chapter 7)

“Whoever thinks well on eternity,
troubles himself little about what happens
in these three or four moments of mortal life.”

“By giving yourself to God,
you not only receive Himself in exchange
but, eternal life as well!”

“We must live a dying life
and we must die a living death
in the life of our Lord.”

(The Spirit of St. François de Sales, XV 6 )

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

A Prayer to the Holy Martyrs
to Obtain Their Protection in Life and at Death
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

O thou blessed Princes of the heavenly Kingdom!
Thou who sacrificed to the Almighty God,
the honours, the riches
received, in return, the unfading glory
and never-ending joys of Heaven!
Thou who art secure in the everlasting possession
of the brilliant Crown of glory
which thy sufferings have obtained!
Look with compassionate regard upon
our wretched state in this vale of tears,
where we groan in the uncertainty
of what maybe our eternal destiny.
And from that Divine Saviour,
for Whom, thou suffered so many torments
and Who now repays thee with such unspeakable glory,
obtain for us that we may love Him,
with all our heart and receive in return,
the grace of perfect resignation,
under the trials of this life,
fortitude, under the temptations of the enemy
and perseverance, to the end.
May thy powerful intercession
obtain for us that we may one day,
in thy blessed company,
sing the praises of the Eternal God
and even as thou now do,
face-to-face, enjoy the Beatitude of His Vision!
Amen

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, SACRAMENTS, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The SECOND COMING, The SIN of PRESUMPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 July – ‘ … the bad will always be mingled amongst the good in the Church …’

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One Minute Reflection – 21 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Praxedes, Virgin (Died 164) – 1 Corinthians 7:25-34, Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“So shall it be at the end of the world. The Angels shall go out and shall separate the wicked from among the just. And shall cast them into the furnace of fire – there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” – Matthew 13:49-50

REFLECTION – “Our Lord was an example of incomparable patience. He bore with a “devil” among His disciples even to His Passion (Jn 6,70). He said: “Let them grow together until the harvest lest you uproot the wheat when you pull out the weeds” (cf. Mt 13,29f.). As a symbol of the Church, He preached that the net would bring back to shore, namely the end of the world, every kind of fish, both good and bad. And He made it known, in various other ways, whether openly or in parables, that there would always be a mixture of good and bad. But, nevertheless, He stresses, that we have to protect the Church’s discipline when He says: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother” (Mt 18,15)…

Yet today, we see people who think of nothing but stern commandments, who order that troublemakers be reproved, ‘not giving what is holy to the dogs,’ treating, like the publicans, ‘anyone who despises the Church, cutting off the scandalous member from the body‘ (Mt 7,6 ; 18,17 ; 5,30). Their stormy zeal so troubles the Church, that they pull out the weeds before their time and their blindness makes of them enemies, of the unity of Jesus Christ…

Take care not to let these presumptuous thoughts enter our hearts, trying to separate ourselves from sinners, so as not to be soiled by contact with them, wanting to form a band of pure and holy disciples. We will achieve nothing but breaking up our unity, under the pretext of not associating with the wicked. To the contrary, let us remember the parables of Scripture, their inspired words, their striking examples, where we are shown that, until the end of the world and the day of judgement, the bad will always be mingled amongst the good in the Church, without their participation in the Sacraments being harmful to the good, so long as these latter, have not played a part in their sins.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (On Faith and Works – Excerpt ch 3-5)

PRAYER – Graciously hear us, O God our Saviour, that, as we rejoice in the festival of blessed Praxedes, 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 "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, CONFESSION/PENANCE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Thought for the Day – 20 July – The Royal Road of the Cross

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Thought for the Day – 20 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Royal Road of the Cross

“A Penitent once asked a holy Priest for a hair-shirt.
“I cannot give you that,” the Priest replied “but the best thing you can do is to offer to God the trials of your daily life.”
The Penitent’s reaction was to protest that he would find this too difficult.

As a matter of fact, it is very difficult.
But, it is useless for a man to wear a hair-shirt and to scourge himself, if he is not prepared to put up with ordinary everyday hardships and to deny himself by carrying his cross with resignation and love.
God has imposed certain penances on us all and these are necessary for us.
To accept them is to set out on the Royal Road of the Cross which leads to Heaven.

It is true, however, that there are times when we meet with temptations which are exceptionally strong.
It can be necessary on these occasions to impose extra penances on ourselves for, “it is better to enter life maimed or lame, than having two hands or two feet to cast into the everlasting fire” (Cf Mt 18:8).
Nevertheless, the first and most necessary penance is to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/22/thought-for-the-day-21-july-the-royal-road-of-the-cross/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/23/thought-for-the-day-23-july-the-royal-road-of-the-cross/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JEALOUSY, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 17 July – The Humility of Mary

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Thought for the Day – 17 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) on the Feast of the Humility of Mary

The Humility of Mary

“Unfortunately, we often look for our share of glory on earth.
We wish to appear to others, not only at our true value but much more than we are really worth.
We imagine that the gifts and qualities which God has given us, belong to ourselves, whereas they are entirely His.

We like to put on a good appearance to win praise and renown – in other words, we want to have our reward upon this earth.
We should remember, however, that if we look for our reward now, we shall not have it in Heaven.

God sees when our motives in doing good are distorted and, when we appear before His judgement throne, He will say to us: “You have received your reward” (Cf Mt 6:2).

Let us be humble like Mary.
Let us make God’s glory, rather than our own satisfaction, the object of our actions.
It will sometimes happen that men will misunderstand us, perhaps even insult us.
We are not forbidden to defend ourselves and explain our position.
We may not have the heroic virtue of St Francis de Sales, who remained silent when he was caluminated.
But we should not be too disturbed by lack of understanding or slander, nor should we be too elated by flattery.
Only one thing should count with us and that is, the testimony of a good conscience before God.
Everything else is passing and futile.

Our humility will be tested by the inevitable opposition, sometimes jealous and malicious, which we shall experience on the part of other men.
On these occasions, we shall see if we are really meek and humble of heart, like Jesus and our Blessed Mother.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/07/thought-for-the-day-7-may-the-humility-of-mary/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FRUITS of the SPIRIT, MARIAN TITLES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HYPOCRISY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 July – The Narrow Way

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One Minute Reflection – 16 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Pentecost VII – Romans 6:19-23, Matthew 7:15-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“By their fruits you will know them. Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?”- Matthew 7:16

REFLECTION – “It does not seem to me that “false prophets” here refers to the heretics but rather to persons who live morally corrupt lives, while wearing a mask of virtue. They are usually called ‘frauds’ by most people. For this reason, Jesus continued by saying, “By their fruits you will know them.” For it is possible to find some virtuous persons, living among heretics. But among the corrupted of whom I speak, it is in not possible. “So what difference does it make,” Jesus says in effect, “if even among these false prophets some do put on a hypocritical show of virtue? Certainly, they will soon be detected.”

The nature of this road upon which He commanded us to walk, is toilsome and hard. The hypocrite would seldom choose to toil but would prefer only to make a show. For this very reason, the hypocrite is easily detected. When Jesus notes that “there are few who find it,” He distinguishes these, from those who do not find the way, yet pretend to find it. So do not look to the mask but to the behavioural fruits, of those who pursue the narrow way.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Archbishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (The Gospel of Matthew Homily 23).

PRAYER – O God, Who honoured the Order of Carmel with the special title of the most blessed Mary, ever Virgin, Thy Mother, graciously grant, that we, who this day honour her commemoration with solemn rites, defended by her care, may be found worthy to attain everlasting happiness.Through the same Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CATECHESIS, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on WATCHING, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, St Francis de Sales, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES: JUSTICE, PRUDENCE, TEMPERANCE, FORTITUDE, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 15 July – Ready?

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Quote/s of the Day – 15 July – Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Be you then also ready …”
Luke 12:40

“Wretch! using the excuse that your Master is late,
do you imagine He will not come at all?
His coming is certain!
Then why do you not stay on your guard?
No, the Lord is not slow in coming –
this lateness is purely in the imagination
of the wicked servant!”

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

“It is time now for us to rise from sleep!”

St Benedict (c 480-547)

“But vigilant faith not only performs good works,
like living faith, it also penetrates
and understands revealed Truths quickly
and with great depth and subtlety of perception.
It is active and diligent, in seeking and embracing
those things which can increase and strengthen it.
It watches and perceives from afar, all its enemies.
It is always on the alert to discover the good and to avoid evil.
It guards itself against anything which could ruin it.
Vigilant, it walks firmly and easily keeps
from falling over precipices.

This vigilant faith is accompanied by the Four Cardinal Virtues:
Fortitude, Prudence, Justice and Temperance.
It uses them as an Armoured Breastplate to put its enemies to flight,
or to remain among them firm, invincible and unshaken.
So great is its strength that it fears nothing
because, not only is it strong but also, it is aware
of its strength and by Whom it is supported
—Truth itself!””

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, Quotes on SALVATION

Thought for the Day – 14 July – Everlasting Salvation

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

Everlasting Salvation

“We should not be discouraged because our salvation requires so many sacrifices on our part.
Jesus warned us that it would have to be so.
“How narrow the gate and close the way that leads to life” (Mt 7:14).
“The Kingdom of Heaven has been enduring violent assault and, the violent have been seizing it by force” (Mt 11:12).
“If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Lk 9:23).

All this is required for salvation and anyone who is not prepared to meet these demands, cannot gain everlasting happiness.
Nevertheless, there is no need for despondency.
What is difficult for man is easy for God.
If we ask God for His grace and co-operate generously with it, we shall be saved.

Let us resolve to play our part well!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/14/thought-for-the-day-14-july-everlasting-salvation/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/18/thought-for-the-day-18-july-everlasting-salvation/

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, HOLY COMMUNION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, SACRED HEART QUOTES, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 14 July – St Bonaventure

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Quote/s of the Day – 14 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor 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.”

“… One of the soldiers opened His side with a lance
and immediately there came forth
blood and water. ”
John 19:34

“Let us draw near to the Heart
of our most sweet Lord Jesus
and we shall be glad and rejoice in it.
How good and how sweet it is
to dwell in this Heart!
This is the hidden treasure,
the pearl of great price which we discover,
O Jesus, when we dig in the field of Thy Body (cf Mt 13:44).
Who, then, would cast aside this Pearl?
Far from it!
For It, I will give away all my goods and offer in exchange,
all my concerns and affections.
I will lay down all my cares in the Heart of Jesus,
it is He Who will suffice for me
and Who will, without fail,
supply all I need to live on!”

O Holy Lord
By St Bonaventure (1217-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

O Holy Lord,
Father Almighty, everlasting God,
for the sake of Your bounty
and that of Your Son,
Who for me,
endured suffering and death;
for the sake of the most excellent
holiness of His Mother
and the merits of all His Saints,
grant unto me, a sinner,
unworthy of Your blessings,
that I may love You only,
may ever thirst for Your love,
may have continually
in my heart the benefits of
Your Passion,
may acknowledge my own wretchedness
and, may desire to be trampled upon
and to be despised by all men.
Let nothing grieve me, save my guilt.
Amen

Mother of Mercy
By St Bonaventure (1217-1274)
Seraphic Doctor

Virgin full of goodness,
Mother of Mercy,
I entrust to you my body and soul,
my thoughts, my actions,
my life and my death.
O my Queen, help me,
and deliver me from all
the snares of the devil.
Obtain for me the grace
of loving my Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son,
with a true and perfect love,
and after him, O Mary,
to love you with all my heart
and above all things.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/14/quote-s-of-the-day-14-july-st-bonaventure/

St Bonaventure (1217-1274)
Seraphic Doctor

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, St PAUL!

Thought for the Day – 12 July – The Grace of God

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

The Grace of God

“It is astonishing to consider how much St Paul accomplished when he had been transformed by the grace of God.
Formerly, a persecutor of Christians, he became the Apostle of the Gentiles.
Enlightened by faith and inspired by charity, he travelled the globe, spreading everywhere, the religion of Jesus Christ.

He feared neither the anger of the hostile Jews, nor the tribunals of the Roman judges, neither long and difficult journeys, nor scourging, shipwreck and imprisonment.
“The love of Christ impels us,” (2 Cor 5:14) he said.
It was the love of God which drove him on and on, until he met his martyrdom.
But what about ourselves?
We also have received grace from God.
Often we hear His voice appealing to us to abandon our sinful ways, to practise virtue, to love Him more ardently and to prove our love, by deeds.
If we co-operate, we shall be able to say with St Paul: “by the grace of God, I am what I am and his grace in me has not been fruitless,” (1 Cor 15:10) and “I have laboured … yet, not I but the grace of God with me” (ibid).

It is wise to recall, however, that Judas also received special graces from God.
He did not correspond with them and was probably damned for eternity.
If we fail to correspond with God’s graces, the result will be tragic for ourselves.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/02/thought-for-the-day-2-july-the-grace-of-god/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 11 July – The Enemies of the Soul

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Enemies of the Soul

“The second enemy is the world.
There are so many beautiful things around us reflecting the power and the goodness of God.
These should be an invitation to us to love their Creator and a spiritual ladder which leads us towards Him.
Unfortunately, we often go astray in the midst of the passing beauty of this world.
Often we set our hearts upon this beauty, our hearts which should belong wholly to God and which can find peace and happiness in Him alone.
Sometimes worldly objects deceive the senses and ensnare the will.
Riches, pleasures and honours attract us and we fail to remember that everything on earth passes like a shadow and that when we shall stand before the Judgement Seat of God, only our good works will accompany us!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/14/thought-for-the-day-14-july-the-enemies-of-the-soul/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on the FAMILY, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 10 July – The Good Odour of Christ

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 10 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Good Odour of Christ

“I ought to examine the way in which I behave in the Church, in my family and in society.
When I am in the Church, my whole being should be absorbed in prayer.
My mind should be occupied with God, my heart should love Him and my lips should praise and thank Him.
Anyone who sees me praying, should wish to do the same.

When I am in my own home, I should promote peace and harmony by my good example.
The family is like a miniature Church, in which everyone should exercise some priestly function in keeping with his position.

Finally, I should carry about, in society, ‘the good odour of Christ‘ – the fragrance of my interior holiness.
I can do this if I am not ashamed of my Christian Faith and if I act constantly in perfect accordance with the evangelical precepts.

When I have examined myself on these points, I should form resolutions whicb will help me to improve my behaviour.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/11/thought-for-the-day-11-july-the-good-odour-of-christ/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/12/thought-for-the-day-12-july-the-good-odour-of-christ/

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The SIN of PRESUMPTION

One Minute Reflection – 5 July – ‘Do you, the smallest of all, want to find Life? …’

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One Minute Reflection – 5 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539) Confessor, Priest, Founder – 1 Timothy 4:8-16, Mark 10:15-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God as a little child, will not enter into it. ” – Mark 10:15

REFLECTION – “Do you, the smallest of all, want to find Life? Keep faith and humility in your heart and there you will find compassion, help and those words that God will speak in your heart, as well as He, Who keeps you and dwells close to you, both secretly and visibly. Do you want to discover what Life gives? Walk on the path of simplicity. Do not claim to know anything before God. Faith follows simplicity but presumption follows subtleties of knowledge and detours in its thinking – it draws us away from God.

When you come before God in prayer, become very small in your thinking, like an ant… like a stuttering child. Do not say anything before Him, which you claim to know but approach God with the heart of a child. Go before Him, to receive the solicitude, with which fathers watch over their very small children. It has been said: “The Lord guards the little children.” The one who is like a little child can approach a snake and the snake will not harm him… In its innocence, the body of the person who is like a little child, is such that the hidden providence, which watches over its fragile members, covers it with an invisible garment, so that nothing can harm it.” – St Isaac the Syrian of Nineveh (c613-c700) Bishop of Nineveh, Monk at Mosul, Father (Ascetical Discourses, 1st series, #19).

PRAYER – Grant, O Lord God that in the spirit of Paul the Apostle,
we may learn the knowledge of Jesus Christ which surpasses all understanding, wherein the blessed Anthony Mary was marvelously learned, who gathered together in Thy Church new households of Clerics and of Virgins. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The HOLY NAME, The TEN COMMANDMENTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 July – ‘ … If we understand that religion comes first and filial devotion second … ‘

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 4 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – Within the Octave of Sts Peter and Paul – Acts 5:12-16, Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

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

REFLECTION – “In almost every passage of Scripture, the spiritual meaning plays an important part. But in this passage especially, we must look for spiritual depth within the thread of its meaning. … How is it that He Himself can say: “Peace I leave with you, My own peace I give you” (Jn 14:27) if He has come to divide fathers from their sons, sons from their fathers, breaking their relationship? How can we be called “cursed if you dishonour your father” (Dt 27:16) yet fervent, if we abandon him?!

If we understand that religion comes first and filial devotion second, then we will understand, this question to be clarified – for we have to pass onto the human, after the Divine. For if we have duties towards our parents, how much more to the Father of our parents, to Whom we owe thanksgiving for our parents? … He does not say, then that we must give up those we love but that, we must prefer God before all else. Besides, do we not find in another book: “Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Mt 10:37). What is forbidden is not to love your parents but to prefer them to God. For our blood relations are among God’s blessings and no-one is to love the good things they have received, more than the God Who conserves the blessings He has given!” – St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church (Commentary on the Gospel of Luke, 7)

PRAYER – God, Who hast consecrated this day to the Martyrdom of Thy Apostles Peter and Paul, give Thy Church a precept to follow them in all things. 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).