Category: MEDITATIONS – ANTONIO CARD BACCI

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CREATION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MEDIOCRITY, QUOTES on The SOUL, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD

Thought for the Day – 4 August – How to Remain Aware of the Presence of God

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

How to Remain Aware of the Presence of God

“The third way of remaining attentive to the Presence of God is to contemplate Him living in ourselves.
While it is true that God is present everywhere, He dwells in a special manner in the human soul which is the masterpiece of creation!

When our souls are adorned with His grace, His delight in us is unbounded.
“I will dwell and move among them. I will be their God and they shall be My people” (2 Cor 6:16).
“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you” (1 Cor 3:16).

God dwells among us, therefore and lives in us as in so many temples.
We should recognise His Presence and listen to His Voice, furthermore, we should adore Him, love Him and pray to Him.
Then, we can sincerely claim to belong entirely to Him.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/06/thought-for-the-day-6-august-how-to-remain-aware-of-the-presence-of-god/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/02/thought-for-the-day-2-august-how-to-remain-aware-of-the-presence-of-god/

Posted in EXTREME UNCTION, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH

Thought for the Day – 3 August – A Holy Death

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 3 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

A Holy Death

“During our meditation on death, we should seize the opportunity of asking God for the favour of dying with the consolation of the last Sacraments.
Let us pray that in our final moments, we may be comforted and reassured by the Sacramental absolution and blessing of the Priest at our bedside and that Jesus may visit us once more in the Blessed Eucharist, to revive our faith, hope and love and to strengthen us for our journey into eternity.

Finally, let us pray that before we have lost consciousness, Extreme Unction may heal our spiritual scars, make us worthy to see God and assist us, to pass peacefully, from this vale of tears into everlasting happiness.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/10/thought-for-the-day-10-august-a-holy-death/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/03/thought-for-the-day-3-august-a-holy-death/

Posted in CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on TRUTH, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 21 July – Holiness

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Holiness

“We need Saints to recall our wayward and corrupt society to the path of Truth, Justice and Charity.
We should pray to God to send us Saints who will reform the world by living the Gospel and making it live for others.
Above all, we should endeavour to become holy ourselves.
To achieve this, we do not have to put on sack-cloth, go into the desert, or shut ourselves up in a Monastery.
Each of us can become a saint in his own home and in whatever position God has allotted him.
All we have to do is obey God’s Will in everything, love Him above everything, love our neighbour as ourselves, avoid sin and aim at what is good.
We can and should, do all this with the help of God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/19/thought-for-the-day-19-july-holiness/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/29/thought-for-the-day-29-march-holiness/

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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 MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on NATURE - GOD'S CREATION

Thought for the Day – 19 July – Nature and Grace

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 19 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Nature and Grace

“Although there is a contrast between grace and nature, there is also a certain harmony because God made us for Himself, as St Augustine says and our hearts will never be at rest, until they rest in Him.
Grace is a supernatural graft, which elevates our nature and makes it capable of attaining everlasting life.
It is necessary to take away all the shoots of the old tree stump and to care for the new branches,
Only then shall we begin to approach Christian perfection.

“Therefore, O Lord, let Thy grace always go before and follow me and make me ever intent upon good works, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Amen.” (The Imitation of Christ Bk III C 55).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/21/thought-for-the-day-21-july-nature-and-grace/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/22/thought-for-the-day-22-july-nature-and-grace/

Posted in CONFESSION, HOLY COMMUNION, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SIN, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST

Thought for the Day – 18 July – Our Dominant Passion

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 18 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Our Dominant Passion

“We can conquer our predominant passion by the following means:
(a) Fervent prayer.
(b) A daily Examination of Conscience ,in the course of which we shall discover, whether we have made any progress, in the way of perfection and, shall renew our good resolutions.
(c) Weekly, or at least, fortnightly Confession.
(d) Daily, or at least, frequent Communion.
(e) Avoidance of the occasions of sin and employment of the necessary means to overcome sin.
(f) The performance of good actions which, are opposed to our predominant passion.
(g) Determination to fight and to conquer because we are convinced that it is absolutely necessary to do so.

There can be no half measures, for the only alternative to victory is defeat!
If we are conquered, we shall be slaves of passion in this life and shall be everlastingly unhappy in the next.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/20/thought-for-the-day-20-july-our-dominant-passion/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/21/thought-for-the-day-21-july-our-dominant-passion/

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 AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CARMELITES, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN QUOTES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUTH, St Francis de Sales, The ANNUNCIATION, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Quote/s of the Day – 17 July – Humility

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 17 July –The Feast of the Humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“To arrive at the knowledge of the Truth,
there are many paths – the first is humility,
the second is humility
and the third is humility.”

“Humility is a very strange entity.
The moment we think we have it,
we have already lost it!”

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

“True humility consists in persuading
and convincing oneself
that without God,
we are insignificant and despicable
and, in acceptance,
to be treated as such!”

St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

“In order to overcome the power of the devil,
the soul needs prayer
and will not be able to understand his deceptions,
without mortification and humility.”

St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Doctor of the Church

The most holy Virgin, Our Lady,
gave us an outstanding example of this
when she spoke these words:
“Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord,
let it be done to me according to your word”
(Lk 1:38). When she said she was
the handmaid of the Lord,
she was performing the greatest act of humility
it is possible to do and,
all the more so, in that she was contradicting
the praise given her by the angel –
that she would be mother of God,
that the child to be born from her womb
would be called Son of the Most High,
a greater dignity than any we might imagine –
I say, she opposed her lowliness
and unworthiness to all these praises
and greatness, by saying
that she was the handmaid of the Lord.”

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

A FEW MORE FROM ST FRANCIS de SALES:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/17/quote-s-of-the-day-17-july-humility/

“There are some people who
have a right conscience …
Nevertheless, these must remember
St Paul’s warning: “Let him who thinks he stands,
take heed, lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12).
They must not grow proud, like the Pharisee
who prayed in front of the altar
but, must be humble, like the poor publican,
who knew that without God’s direction and grace,
he would fall into serious sin.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The HEART, Thomas a Kempis

Thought for the Day – 16 July – Our Passions

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

Our Passions

“Let us be vigilant in the control of our passions.
As soon as they tempt us to do anything contrary to right reason and the Divine Law, let us renew our resolutions and implore the help of God.
“O God,” let us pray, “I wish to love Thee above all things.
I wish neither to contemplate, nor intend, nor do anything which could offend Thee in any way.”
This is the only way in which we shall find peace and an easy conscience for, as The Imitation of Christ says, “whenever a man desires anything inordinately , straightaway, he is disquieted within himself” (Bk 1 C 6).
“It is by resisting the passions,” it continues, “and not by serving them, that true peace of heart is to be found” (Ibid).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/18/thought-for-the-day-18-july-our-passions/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/20/thought-for-the-day-20-july-our-passions/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 15 July – The Voice of God

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Thought for the Day – 15 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Voice of God

“It will go hard with the man who refuses to listen to God.
He has reason to be afraid when he lets God’s inspirations and graces pass him by.
Anyone who is deaf to God’s appeals, cannot be saved.

God spoke many times in the heart of His Apostle Judas but, he did not listen.
Even in the Garden of Gethsemane. when Judas betrayed his Master with a kiss, Jesus spoke to him and called him His friend, giving him the kiss of peace and forgiveness.
But, the traitor spurned this last appeal and went his way.

May this never be our fate.
“Be not silent” let us plead, “Lord be not far from me!” (Ps 34:22).
Above all, let us listen obediently to His Voice from whatever source it comes and let us do what He advises us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/10/thought-for-the-day-17-july-the-voice-of-god-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/19/thought-for-the-day-19-july-the-voice-of-god-the-saints/

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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 MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 13 July – Accepting the Will of God

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

Accepting the Will of God

“Let us pray fervently to God for spiritual peace.
Let us surrender ourselves to His Will and accept everything from His Hands, remembering that everything, joy and sorrow, sickness and health, temptation and spiritual consolation, should form a mystical ladder which will gradually bring us nearer to Heaven and finally unite us to God for evermore.
Everything passes but God is unchangeable.

Sufferings have to end but the merits we gain remain, if we have offered our afflictions to God.
Let us surrender ourselves completely into the hands of God, Who in His goodness, gives us some happiness on earth for our consolation and causes us to suffer, so that we may be purified and made holy.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/13/thought-for-the-day-13-july-accepting-the-will-of-god/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/04/thought-for-the-day-4-january-accepting-the-will-of-god/

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

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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 "Follow Me", MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on VANITY, St PAUL!

Thought for the Day – 9 July – Vanity

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 9 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Vanity

“What hast thou,” asks St Paul, “which thou hast not received? And if thou hast received it, why dost thou boast as if thou hadst not received it?” (1 Cor 4:7).
Whenever we are tempted to be proud or boastful, let us reflect on these words of the Apostle of the Gentiles.
In spite of the miracles which he had worked and the sacrifices which he had endured for the love of Jesus, he said: “I am nothing” (2 Cor 12:11).

If we model our lives on this outstanding example, we shall have peace on earth and an everlasting reward in Heaven.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/10/thought-for-the-day-10-july-vanity/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/11/thought-for-the-day-11-july-vanity/

Posted in "Follow Me", LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GOSSIP, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on SCANDAL

Thought for the Day – 8 July – Uncharitableness

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Uncharitableness

“It is no excuse to claim that we only speak of matters which are true and known to all.
They maybe true but God alone can judge the human conscience.
They maybe known to all but, by our maliciousness, we are spreading evil about our neighbour, whereas we ought to try and spread only what is good.

Besides being opposed to Christian charity, unkind conversation ruins whatever opportunities we may have of practising the apostolate in which everyone is obliged to play his part.
If we are apostolic, we promote our neighbour’s spiritual welfare, whereas uncharitable criticism, spreads evil about him and gives bad example to others.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/07/thought-for-the-day-7-july-uncharitableness/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/08/thought-for-the-day-8-july-uncharitableness/

Posted in LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, Quotes on SALVATION

Thought for the Day – 7 July – The Salvation of Souls

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Salvation of Souls

“Remember the countless conversions effected by the Saints as a result of their prayers, mortifications and heroic sacrifices.
No-one can call himself a Christian who does not love, in a practical manner, his fellowmen, especially unfortunate heretics and sinners.

Make up your mind, to offer your prayers and sacrifices for their conversion.
Include them in your daily offering, daily Mass and daily Rosary too.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/07/thought-for-the-day-7-july-the-salvation-of-souls/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/07/thought-for-the-day-7-july-the-salvation-of-souls-2/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The HEART

Thought for the Day – 6 July – The Gift of Speech

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Thought for the Day – 6 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Gift of Speech

“Above all, the gift of speech is intended to be used in prayer.
The tongue should express externally, the interior language of the mind and heart which should be principally concerned with the adoration of our Creatpr.
Since we have received everything which we have from God, all our gifts should be used in His service.
Speech was given to us not only to enable us to speak with men but, more particularly, to enable us to speak with God.

Let us sanctify this gift by means of prayer.
Let us take care, however, that our prayers do not remain meaningless and superficial while our minds are absorbed with other matters.

Everything in us should pray.
The intellect should bow in adoration of God’s Majesty; the will should conform itself entirely to His law; the heart should find its true and only happiness in God and, the tongue should praise Him, implore His favour and forgiveness and offer our whole being to Him, from Whom we have receive everything.

This should be the primary function of speech.
If this gift is employed in this way, it will gain for us many other graces and favours from God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/08/thought-for-the-day-8-july-the-gift-of-speech/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CREATION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 5 July – A Ladder Ascending to God

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

A Ladder Ascending to God

“How often, nevertheless, is our mind led astray by the passing beauty of this world.
How often is our heart engrossed in a search for a happiness, which is purely illusory.
God has given us created things so that we may see in them, a reflection of His goodness and beauty and may use them as a ladder, which will lead us to Him.
We shall be lost if we look back and fall beneath the false spell of this earthly fairyland.
Our minds and hearts should look upwards towards Heaven.

God alone can satisfy the infinite desires of the soul.
Let us never lose sight of Him.
Everything else passes but God does not change.
He will be our sure guide in this life and our everlasting happiness in the next.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/06/thought-for-the-day-6-july-a-ladder-ascending-to-god/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/06/thought-for-the-day-6-july-a-ladder-ascending-to-god-2/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN

Thought for the Day – 4 July – The New Life

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The New Life

“All this is difficult and may demand heroism.
“The Kingdom of Heaven has been enduring violent assault and the violent have been seizing it by force” (Mt 11:12).
We have to do violence to ourselves and to our passions but virtue has its reward, not only in Heaven but even in this life.
The reward is the peace of soul which God bestows on us after we have overcome our perverse inclinations.

Holiness brings with it a spiritual youth which will never pass away.
A new life is beginning!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/03/thought-for-the-day-4-july-the-new-life-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/14/thought-for-the-day-14-august-the-new-life/

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD

Thought for the Day – 3 July – The Tabernacle Lamp

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Thought for the Day – 3 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Tabernacle Lamp

“The Tabernacle Lamp keeps Jesus company by night and by day.
We should keep Him company too.
We could not remain on our knees forever in front of the Tabernacle, neither could most of us spend as long as the Saints did in intimate conversation with Jesus.

But, our hearts can remain with Jesus and can burn with love for Him like the flame of the Lamp.
It is easy to remain in union with Jesus by doing everything, even the most unimportant actions, from the motive of love for Him.
We can offer Him all our sufferings and joys and, whatever sacrifices we make in order to remain good.
As the magnetic needle of the mariner’s compass is fixed in the direction of the north, so our thoughts and affections should be always turned towards Jesus.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/02/thought-for-the-day-2-july-the-tabernacle-lamp/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/14/thought-for-the-day-14-april-the-tabernacle-lamp/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 2 July – Moments of Silence

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Thought for the Day – 2 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Moments of Silence

“Such is the speed of modern life that many people forget God and do not even pause to think about themselves.
Action is everything.
There is no time for reflection, no time for prayer.
Life has become mechanical and superficial, for nobody has the time, nor the inclination, to think about spiritual matters.

What is the result?
Since men are not machines but living beings, composed of soul and body and are capable of feeling and passion, their lower inclinations break loose and insist on being satisfied.
In the absence of prayer and of all effort to lead a good life, grace is lacking to inspire the mind, to strengthen the will and to keep the heart pure.
Rapid materialistic progress has accustomed men to accept, as inevitable, the most shameful falls.
The absence of any kind of contact with God, makes the soul the slave of sin.

Examine yourself.
Perhaps, you have not yet sunk to this low level of spirituality and are still capable of feeling remorse and the urge to do good.
But, you must listen for God’s voice and a certain amount of silence, is necessary, if His voice is not to be drowned in the tumult of the world.
We are in real need of solitude, recollection and prayer!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 1 July – The Passion of Our Lord

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Thought for the Day – 1 July – “The Feast and Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Passion of Our Lord

“Meditation on the Passion of Jesus” writes St Albert the Great, “is more profitable than fasting on bread and water or than scourging ourselves.”

This is because, when we meditate with love and gratitude on the Passion of our Redeemer, we have the experience of being transformed and set aglow with charity.
We realise the truth of St Paul’s words, “The sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come, that will be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18)).

Let us cast ourselves, therefore, into the merciful arms of God and be prepared to suffer everything, even death, for the love of Jesus.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/09/thought-for-the-day-9-april-the-passion-of-our-lord/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/01/thought-for-the-day-1-july-the-passion-of-our-lord/

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, papal ENCYCLICALS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS, The INCARNATION

Thought for the Day – 30 June – Devotion to the Sacred Heart

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Thought for the Day – 30 June – “The Last Day of Month of the Sacred Heart” – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Devotion to the Sacred Heart

“When we consider it under it’s fundamental aspect as the cult of the love of God, rather than of the Incarnate Word, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is as old as Christianity, even though it is only in recent centuries, that it has assumed it’s present symbolism.
“He who does not love, does not know God,” says St John, “for God is love” (1 Jn 4:8).
“And we have come to know,” he continues “and have believed, the love that God has in our behalf.   God is love and he who abides in love, abides in God and God in him” (1 Jn 4:16).
This cult of the love of God, particularly of the love of God made man, vibrates throughout the pages of the Gospel and of the writings of the Apostles, especially of St John and of St Paul.

In the works of the Fathers, there are references to the Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance, from which flowed all the infinite graces of the Church for our redemption.
We are reminded of this in the Encylical, Haurietis Aquas, published by Pope Pius XII in the year 1956.
But the specific cult of the love of God, as symbolised by the Heart of Jesus, was explicitly approved by the Church after Jesus Himself appeared in the year 1674 to St Margaret Mary Alacoque and showed her His Heart on fire with love for men.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/01/thought-for-the-day-1-june-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Thought for the Day – 29 June – St Peter, Prince of the Apostles / St Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles

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

St Peter, Prince of the Apostles
St Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles

“It is good to admire the fidelity of St Peter and the designs of Divine Providence in making him the visible Head of the Church but, it is far better, to follow his example.
His love for Jesus, led him to leave his family and his fisherman’s trade, in order to follow Our Lord.
It led him to undertake long voyages, to endure imprisonment and to face martyrdom.
What can we do for the love of Jesus?
Remember that, if love is to be sincere, it must be generous and effective.

Secondly let us meditate on and imitate, the ardent and fearless faith of St Peter.
He was not afraid to preach the teaching of Christ before the Sanhedrin.
He was not afraid of Herod, who cast him into prison.

He was not afraid of the Roman Emperor, who caused him to be crucified.
Our faith should be steadfast and lively, like his!

Finally, let us imitate Peter in his repentance.
Although he loved Jesus very much and had such great faith in Him, in a moment of weakness and of imprudence, he denied Him three times.
All his life, however, be wept bitterly for this sin.
Whenever he heard a cock crowing, it was as if an arrow had pierced his heart.
He was not satisfied, until he was hanging upon the cross like his Divine Master and could prove his love for Jesus by a Martyr’s death.”

St Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles

We can learn many other virtues from St Paul, besides his zealous love for God and for his fellowmen.
We can also learn from him, the virtues of humility and of apostolic fervour.
The Apostle of the Gentiles reached such heights of sanctity, as to feel himself transformed into Christ Himself and to deserve to be taken up into the third Heaven, where he enjoyed a foretaste of eternal happiness.
Nevertheless, he considered himself unworthy to be called an Apostle and he realised, that all his gifts came to him from God.
“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to think anything as from ourselves but our sufficiency, is from God” (2 Cor 3:5).
Whenever we succeed in any project, we should think on the same lines because, it is only when we are humble and depend on the grace of God, that the success of our actions will redound to the glory of our Creator.
If the cancer of ambition or of self-love, should corrupt our purity of intention, our work would not be blessed by God and would not make us worthy of everlasting life.
Let us repeat often: “All for You, with You and in You, my God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/29/thought-for-the-day-29-june-st-peter-prince-of-the-apostles-st-paul-the-apostle-to-the-gentiles-2/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 28 June – Steadfastness in Suffering

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

Steadfastness in Suffering

“Christ has suffered for you, leaving you an example that you may follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/15/thought-for-the-day-15-june-steadfastness-in-suffering/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/03/thought-for-the-day-16-june-steadfastness-in-suffering-2/

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING

Thought for the Day – 27 June – External Mortification

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Thought for the Day – 27 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

External Mortification

“Principle:
So great is the happiness which is in store for me that it is a pleasure for me to suffer. (St Francis of Assisi).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/18/thought-for-the-day-18-january-external-mortification/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/25/thought-for-the-day-25-june-external-mortification/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, I BELIEVE!, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, PAPAL ENCYLICALS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, ROSARY QUOTES, St PAUL!, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 27 June – Our Mother

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Quote/s of the Day – 27 June – Feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Succour (Help)

“O Mary,
you give assistance
to everyone endeavouring
to rise to God!”

St Bridget of Sweden (c 1303 – 1373)

“Wherefore, in the same holy bosom
of His most chaste Mother,
Christ took to Himself flesh
and united to Himself,
the spiritual Body formed
by those who were to believe in Him.
Hence Mary, carrying the Saviour
within her, may be said,
to have also carried, all those.
whose life was contained
in the life of the Saviour.
Therefore, all we,
who are united to Christ
and, as the Apostle says,
are members of His body,
of His flesh and of His bones (Eph 5:30),
have issued from the womb of Mary,
like a body united to it’s Head.”

St Pius X (1835-1914)
Pope from 1903 to 1914
Encyclical “Ad diem illum laetissimum” #10-11

“Be our Mother, O Mary,
for you have borne us spiritually on Mount Calvary,
at the foot of the Cross.
Deign to obtain for us, through your intercession
that we may love Jesus as you loved Him
and follow Him faithfully, as you followed Him,
unto Death.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Prayer to Our Mother
of Perpetual Succour,
When In Urgent Need
By St Alphonsus’ Redemptorists

O Mother of Perpetual Succour,
numerous clients continually surround thy Holy picture,
all imploring thy mercy.
All bless thee as the assured help of the miserable,
all feel the benefit of thy motherly protection.
With confidence then, do we present ourselves before thee in our misery.
See, dear Mother, the many evils to which we are exposed,
see how numerous are our wants.
Trials and sorrows often depress us,
reverses of fortune and privations,
often grievous, bring misery into our lives,
everywhere we meet the Cross.
Have pity, compassionate Mother,
on us and on our dear ones,
especially in this our necessity
…………… (mention your need).
Help us, dear Mother in our distress,
deliver us from all our ills,
or, if it be the Will of God,
that we should suffer still longer,
grant that we may endure all,
with love and patience.
These Grace’s we expect of thee with confidence,
because thou art our Perpetual Succour,
amen.

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL

Thought for the Day – 26 June – Interior Mortification

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Interior Mortification

“In the process of mortifying self-love, we mortify our other passions too because, it is the origin of them all!
It is as well to bear in mind, however, that no matter how much we curb our passions, they never die.
We need to be always on our guard, for fear that they may reassert themselves too strongly.

It is necessary for us to increase our love for God because, as St Augustine points out,, it is Divine Charity which conquers our passions.
Constant prayer and union with God, help us to achieve interior mortification.
Prayer without mortification, is an illusion which does not last long, so that it is necessary to combine fervent prayer with self-denial.

We may not be capable of the extraordinary mortification which the Saints practised because, our health or the obligations of iyr state in life may make these impossible for us.
But, if we deny ourselves often in small matters, these will be so many steps up the ladder which will help us to reach Christian perfection.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/22/thought-for-the-day-22-june-interior-mortification/