Category: MEDITATIONS – ANTONIO CARD BACCI

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS

Thought for the Day – 16 April – The Three Grades of Perfection, The Third Grade

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

The Three Grades of Perfection –
The Third Grade

“The Third Grade of perfection consists in preferring suffering to pleasure, humiliation to honours and the cross, to an easy life.
By these means, we imitate Christ better and show our love for Him.
The way of the cross, is the way of Jesus and is the only path to holiness.
It is easier for those who walk this path to be detached from sin and from the world and to remain close to Jesus.
This is the way which the Saints chose.

In which grade of perfection are we?
Even if we are still far from the peak of the third grade of perfection, we should, nevertheless, work hard to reach it,
It is particularly essential that we should stand firm in the first grade of being faithful to the motto of St Dominic Savio: “Death rather than sin!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/24/thought-for-the-day-24-april-the-three-grades-of-perfection-introduction/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/14/thought-for-the-day-14-february-the-three-grades-of-perfection-one-and-two/

Posted in CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on BLASPHEMY, QUOTES on DESPAIR, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The UNFORGIVEABLE SIN

Thought for the Day – 15 April – The Mercy of God

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

The Mercy of God

“Remember, that if God’s mercy is infinite, so also is His justice.

When we realise that we have fallen into serious sin, we should not give way to despair as Judas did but, should turn to Jesus trustingly and contritely, saying with the Psalmist, “My refuge and my fortess, my stonghold, my deliverer, my shield, in whom I trust” (Ps 143:2).
We shall certainly be forgiven.

It would be the highest form of ingratitude and even blasphemous, to abuse God;s goodness and mercy.
Let our repentance be sincere and effective.
In return for the infinite goodness of God, let us give Him our love, limited indeed but willing and constant.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/11/thought-for-the-day-19-april-the-mercy-of-god-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/28/thought-for-the-day-28-april-the-mercy-of-god/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ON the SAINTS, The HEART

Thought for the Day – 14 April – The Divided Heart

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Divided Heart

“Remember Our Lord’s warning that it is impossible to serve two masters.
We cannot serve God and at the same time be preoccupied eith self-love, worldly pleasure and sin.
Look at the Saints.
Their hearts were never divided but belonged wholly to God.
They did everything in their power to keep their hearts pure and burning with love for Him.
They suffered because of their slightest imperfections and longed to remain always close to God.
We should imitate them.
We have to look after our daily duties, it is true but everything should be done for the love and glory of God.
All our actions should constitute a spiritual ladder which brings us closer and closer to God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/30/thought-for-the-day-30-april-the-divided-heart/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/23/thought-for-the-day-23-july-the-divided-heart/

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 13 April – The Word of God

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Word of God

“In the parable of the sower (Cf Lk 8:5-15) Jesus tells us that the seed is the Word of God.
Some seed falls by the wayside, that is, upon hardened and dissipated hearts which admit every kind of thought and affection, exdcept the love of God.
The good seed cannot take root and the birds of the air come and eat it.
Other seed falls upon rocky ground but, as soon as it has sprung up, it withers away for want of moisture.
Other seed falls among thorns which choke it and prevent it from growing.
Finally, some of the seed falls upon good ground and yuields fruit a hundredfold.

Let us read the parable and examine the way in which we hear the word of God.
Are our hearts hard like the surface of the wayside, so that we are deaf and indifferent to the Word of God?
Or do we receive it with joy and enthusiasm at first but, lack the constancy to put it into practice, so that the seed dies for want of moisture and we forget everything which we promised?
Or are our minds and hearts caught up in a tangle of earthly preoccupations – business, pleasure and other interests – which choke the good seed and prevent it from yielding fruit?

Let us make a thorough examination of our attitude.
If we fall into any of these categories, let us remind ourselves that one day soon, we shall have to render an account to God of all the gifts which we have received and the way in which we have used them.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/20/thought-for-the-day-20-september-the-word-of-god/

Posted in APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, The RESURRECTION

Thought for the Day – 12 April – The Resurrection

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

The Resurrection

“Our resurrection must begin in this life, however.
Day-by-day, we must work hard for our spiritual resurrection.
We should give this matter our special attention during Paschal time.

Our resurrection must be real and not apparent, like that of many people who celebrate Easter without any sincere intention of changing their lives.
It should not be imperfect like that of Lazarus (Cf Jn 11:43) who rose for a while and died again but, perfect, like that of Jesus, over Whom death no longer has dominion (Cf Rom 6:9).

In other words, we must rise never again to die to sin which is the real death of the soul.
We must rise also, to ascend higher and higher on the way of perfection and to carry out Our Lord’s command: “You, therefore, are to be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/15/thought-for-the-day-15-april-the-resurrection/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/05/thought-for-the-day-5-april-the-resurrection/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day –11 April – Our Desires

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

Our Desires

“What desires have we?
Are they all directed towards holiness and towards Jesus, our Lord and our Redeemer?
Or are they all for useless worldly things?
In times of physical or spiritual affliction, do we make sure that our desires are in conformity with and subject to, the will of God?

Let us examine ourselves seriously.
If we find that any of our desires are vain or sinful, let us change this state of affairs at once.
Let us make God the object of all the longing in our hearts.
Let us ask Him always for those virtues which are really necessary for us, especially for an increase in our love for Him and in our readiness to do His will.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/21/thought-for-the-day-21-april-our-desires/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/09/thought-for-the-day-9-december-our-desires/

Posted in EASTER, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD

Thought for the Day – 10 April – Easter: The Herald of Peace

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

Easter: The Herald of Peace

“At the close of this meditation, let us ask the risen Christ to give us His peace which is the only true peace.
“My peace I give to you” (Jn 14:27).
Although it comes from Jesus, however, this peace requires an effort on our part too.
We must build it up carefully within ourselves with the help of God’s grace.
The foundations of interior peace, must be laid down, by controlling our passions, by avoiding the slightest trace of sin, by living the the life of prayer and of union with God, by loving Him above all things and creatures and by living and working for Him alone!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/13/thought-for-the-day-13-april-easter-the-herald-of-peace/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/08/thought-for-the-day-8-april-easter-the-herald-of-peace/

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, EASTER, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE

Thought for the Day – 9 April – The Meaning of Easter

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

The Meaning of Easter

“How many Easters have we spent?
Have they represented a constant improvement in our lives, or have we been static or even worse, become lukewarm, tepid and uncaring of our good Lord’s love of us and our own salvation?
In the Hebrew tongue, Pasch means a passing or transit, specifically, it refers to the passing of the Lord.
It will be a tragedy if Jesus passes us by without stopping! to rest with us in order to claim us as His own and to make us holy!

This Easter could be our last.
The thought should be a warning for us.
God’s goodness is infinite but, there is a limit to His grace and favours.
We often impose this limit ourselves by the degree of our co-operation.
Our eternal salvation depends largely upon ourselves!
God does not grant His Mercy to unrepentant souls – think of that second thief on the cross next to Our Lord!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/06/thought-for-the-day-6-april-the-meaning-of-easter/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/07/thought-for-the-day-7-april-the-meaning-of-easter-part-two/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, St PETER!

Thought for the Day – 8 April – The Repentance of St Peter

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

The Repentance of St Peter

“When Peter realised how wretchedly he had fallen, the first thing which he did, was to escape from the occasion of sin.
“Peter went out” (Lk 22:62),
He grieved for his three sins, not only on that sad night but throughout his life.
St Clement (c35-c101 the third succeeding Pope after St Peter) writes that he wept so often that his tears wore two deep furrows in his cheeks and that, whenever he heard the cock crowing, the cry pierced his heart.
He loved Jesus sincerely and passionately.
When he was asked three times if he loved Him, he replied humbly, “Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee” (Cf Jn 21:16).

Can we say these same words to Jesus, with equal sincerity and humility?
If we really love Jesus as Peter did and are prepared to face death for His sake, as Peter was, then we may be sure that we shall never offend God again.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/09/thought-for-the-day-9-april-the-repentance-of-st-peter/

Posted in CATHOLIC Quotes, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, St PETER!

Thought for the Day – 7 April – Peter Denies Jesus

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

Peter Denies Jesus

“While Jesus was praying and suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter was asleep.
He followed Jesus, at a distance admittedly but he followed fearfully and slowly.

Unfortunately, tepidity is the first step towards falling into sin.
A man who is lukewarm and does not pray, will fall victim to the first assault.
This is what happened to Peter.
The same will happen to us if we do not preserve a bond of love and prayer with Jesus.
At least, after his first fall, Peter should have remembered Jesus’ prophecy.
He should not have continued to trust in his own strength and should have escaped from the occasion of sin.
Instead of this, he remained in it.
As a result, instead of falling only once, he denied his Divine Master three times with oaths and protestations!

Let us learn to flee from the occasions of sin.
When we find ourselves in them, let us escape as quickly as possible.
If our duty obliges us to face them, God will certainly give us the strength to overcome them, as long as we humbly ask for it.
On the other hand, if we are imprudent about placing ourselves in danger, we shall certainly fall.
“He who loves danger, shall perish in it!” (Ecclus 3:25).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/17/thought-for-the-day-17-april-peter-denies-jesus/

Posted in HOLY WEEK, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 6 April –The Night of the Passion

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

The Night of the Passion

“Picture Jesus during this long and sorrowful night.
Abandoned by everyone, betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, unjustly judged worthy of death by the Hight Priest, buffered and mocked by the soldiers, He suffers and prays and offers Himself as a victim of reparation, especially for all those sins which are being committed and will be committed by night! – throughout the ages and all over the world.

Let us bow low before Him in spirit.
Let us tell Him with penitent hearts that we shall never offend Him again and that we love and adore Him.
Let us promise to offer the prayers and sufferings of this day in reparation for the sins which men commit under cover of darkness.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/13/thought-for-the-day-13-april-the-night-of-the-passion/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/14/thought-for-the-day-14-april-the-night-of-the-passion/

Posted in HOLY WEEK, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 5 April –The Agony of Jesus

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

The Agony of Jesus

“While Jesus was praying and suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and the Apostles were unconcernedly sleeping, a group of hired ruffians approached, led by the traitor, Judas.
Jesus went to meet them and quietly allowed Himself to be fettered by these rascals.
He could have struck them to the ground in an instant or, as He said Himself, called more than twelve legions of Angels to His defence (Cf Mt 16:33).
But this was the hour of the power of darkness.
“This is your hour and the power of darkness” (Lk 22:53).
When the Apostles saw Him being bound and led away, like an evil-doer, they deserted Him and ran away.
“Then, all the disciples left him and fled” (Mt 26:56).

We also, may have been guilty of such shameful conduct on many occasions!
Whenever God granted us the experience of His consoling presence by means of His grace or favours, we formed the most generous resolutions.
But, in the presence of difficulties or of bad example from others, we may have shamefully deserted Jesus!
Let us reflect whether this is so and reinforce our good resolutions.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/22/thought-for-the-day-22-april-the-agony-of-jesus/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/12/thought-for-the-day-12-april-the-agony-of-jesus/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The PASSION, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 4 April – Jesus in Gethsemane

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

Jesus in Gethsemane

“In His sadness and loneliness, Jesus is comforted by an Angel.
It is true that, being God, He was in no need of being consoled by Angels.
Moreover, He had willingly allowed Himself to be offered as a Victim of Expiation for our sins.
“He was offered because it was His own will” (Is 53:7).
But, He wished to be an example to us in this matter too.

If we trustingly abandon ourselves to God’s will in moments of temptation and of sorrow, we shall receive comfort from our Angel too.
How many times have we experienced this mysterious consolation in our souls?
When we have bowed our heads in suffering and have offered ourselves as pure victims to God, we have felt an inner light and peace which only Divine grace can give.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/10/thought-for-the-day-10-april-jesus-in-gethsemane/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/11/thought-for-the-day-11-april-jesus-in-gethsemane/

Posted in HOLY WEEK, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 3 April – The Betrayal of Judas

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

The Betrayal of Judas

“Failure to comply with the extraordinary graces which Jesus had granted him was responsible for the fall of Judas.
Whoever receives a great deal must give as much!
Judas had been called to the dignity of the Apostolate.
At the Last Supper, he received the fullness of the Priesthood along with the other Apostles and received Jesus Himself into his soul, under the species of the Consecrated bread.
In spite of all this, he deserted and betrayed his Master.

What about us?
Let us consider how many spiritual and temporal graces God has bestowed on us, throughout our lives.
Have we been thankful for them?
If we have not corresponded generously with all these favours, or if we have done worse and have rejected them by sin, let us repent and resolve to do better.
The example of Judas should, at the least, teach us this lesson!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/09/thought-for-the-day-9-april-the-betrayal-of-judas/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/08/thought-for-the-day-8-april-the-betrayal-of-judas/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 2 April –The Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem

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

The Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem

“The evening before Our Lord was arrested and put to death, Judas was negotiating His betrayal for a handful of money.
Peter was about to deny Him in public and the Apostles would abandon Him in the hour of trial.
Jesus knew all this.
He saw, moreover, how men would be forgetful of Him throughout the ages and how they would insult Him and hate Him.
Nevertheless, He resolved to remain amongst us forever, under the Eucharistic species.
“I have greatly desired to eat this passover with you, before I suffer” (Lk 22:15).
Why did He say this?
Because, He was about to work the most amazing miracle of His Infinite Love, the institution of the Blessed Eucharist!
He took bread, blessed and broke it and gave it to His Apostles, saving: “This is My Body, which is being given for you.”
Then He took the cup of wine, gave thanks to His Heavenly Father and said: “This is the chalice of My Blood, the mystery of faith, which shall be shed for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.”
There was nothing left for the Infinite Power and Goodness of Jesus to give.
He had given Himself, not only to His Apostles but, to all men throughout the ages.

If we meditate deeply on this mystery of Infinite Love, we should certainly love Jesus very much.
We should joyfully accept the nourishment of His Immaculate Body and should live with the supernatural life which comes from Him.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/10/thought-for-the-day-10-april-the-entry-of-jesus-into-jerusalem/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL

Thought for the Day – 1 April – The Interior Life

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Thought for the Day – 1 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Interior Life

“The daily struggle for existence, gradually wears down both the [physical and the intellectual life.
The same can happen to the supernatural life.
The long process of self-denial, acceptance of crosses and efforts to achieve perfection, can be very difficult and very tiring.
Often, we feel weary and discouraged but, on these occasions, we must recall the words of Jesus, “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/29/thought-for-the-day-29-august-the-interior-life/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION

Thought for the Day – 31 March – The Redemption

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

The Redemption

“Do I ever think of all that I have cost Jesus?
Do I ever meditate on His Infinite Love for me?
If I could constantly bear in mind the work of Redemption and the Passion of Jesus Christ, I should certainly never offend God and I should be on fire with love for Him.
Moreover, if in time of temptation, I were to pray earnestly before the image of Christ Crucified, I should certainly succeed in my resistance, by asking the suffering Lord for His Divine assistance.

If by some misfortune, however, I should fall into sin, it should suffice to kiss the Crucifix in order to revive my confidence in Christ, to rouse myself to sorrow, to obtain pardon and to begin a new life.
That should be the fruit of the Redemption for me.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/13/thought-for-the-day-13-september-the-redemption/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 30 March – The Sons of God

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

The Sons of God

“If we wish to increase in ourselves the Divine Life of Grace, which makes us children of God, we must struggle against our sinful inclinations and cultivate the different virtues which oftentimes, the world hates.
Our lives must be a continuous ascent towards perfection and towards God.
We must not be led astray by the passing attractions of the world.
Worldly glory and success resemble the coloured balloons which are the delight of children as they rise up towards the sky but, which soon float back to earth, when they have been emptied of air.

It is only by our efforts to achieve Christian perfection that we can become true children of God.
Then we shall experience a little happiness on earth and shall be happy forever in Heaven.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/28/thought-for-the-day-27-august-the-sons-of-god/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/21/thought-for-the-day-21-august-the-sons-of-god/

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 29 March – ALMSGIVING

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

ALMSGIVING

“We must be detached from the goods of this world because they are corruptible and cause us to forget God.
Even if we have been placed in easy circumstances, let us be poor in spirit.
We can be poor in spirit by giving alms from motives of Christian charity.
We need the mercy of God and Our Lord has told us that He will be merciful only to those who show mercy to others.

We need God’s forgiveness for all our sins and the Holy Spirit assures us that our iniquities are redeemed by almsgiving.
“Redeem thou thy sins with alms and thy iniquities, with works of mercy to the poor” )Dan 4:24).
Almsgiving is a means of our personal sanctification!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/13/thought-for-the-day-13-august-almsgiving/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/06/thought-for-the-day-6-august-almsgiving/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MERIT, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Thought for the Day – 28 March – TEMPTATION

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

TEMPTATION

“Why does God allow us to endure tempations?
According to spiritual writers, there are two main reasons.

(1) because God wishes us to be humble and not to depend too much on ourselves.
Before he was tempted, St Peter boasted that he would never deny his Master.
When he was tempted, he fell and recognised his weakness.

(2) Because by resisting temptations, we can show our love for Jesus and our readiness to sacrifice everything for Him

Temptations, therefore, can teach us humility, teach us to rely on God alone and can help us to store up merit for our souls.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/31/thought-for-the-day-31-march-temptation/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/26/thought-for-the-day-26-july-temptation/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 27 March – The Passion of Our Lord

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Thought for the Day – 27 March – 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/2020/04/01/thought-for-the-day-1-april-the-passion-of-our-lord/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/27/thought-for-the-day-27-march-the-passion-of-our-lord/

Posted in GOD is LOVE, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES: JUSTICE, PRUDENCE, TEMPERANCE, FORTITUDE, The HOLY CROSS

Thought for the Day – 26 March – THE CRUCIFIX

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

THE CRUCIFIX

“Let us weep for our sins and increase in love for our Divine Redeemer.
When we are oppressed by the weight of our own cross, we shall look at the Crucifix and find comfort.
When we are tempted, we shall grasp the Crucifix and turn away with horror from thoughts of sin and ingratitude.

The Crucifix will teach us, as it taught the Saints, the lesson of charity towards God and towards our neighbour.
It will teach us to hate sin and to love virtue.
If we cherish it during life, it will be our consolation to kiss the Crucifix at the moment of death.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/04/thought-for-the-day-4-august-the-crucifix/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/25/thought-for-the-day-25-september-the-crucifix/

Posted in MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, MODESTY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VANITY, The ANNUNCIATION

Thought for the Day – 25 March – The Annunciation

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 25 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Annunciation

“Consider Mary’s reaction to the reverence and praise with which the Angel greets her.
Is she carried away by delight and exaltation at this solemn moment?
Nothing of the sort!
In her humility and modesty, she is disturbed by the Angel’s salutation and wonders what the reason is for it.
“She was troubled at his word and kept pondering what manner of greeting this might be” (Lk 1:29).

How do we behave when we receive praise from our superiors or from our friends and acquaintances?
We are pleased and overcome perhaps by feelings of vanity.
We smile to ourselves and are convinced that we are of more consequence than we really are.
We even feel the need to reveal our thoughts to others and, thereby, seek further aggrandisement!
There is a world of difference between the simplicity and humility of the Blessed Virgin and our vain hunger for praise and honour.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL

Thought for the Day – 24 March – Jesus Lost in the Temple

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 24 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Jesus Lost in the Temple

“Now, let us reflect on the anguish of Mary and Joseph over the loss of Jesus.
They had no peace as long as they could not find Him.
They set out immediately on the difficult return journey to Jerusalem and searched anxiously for three days.
They did not rest until they had found Him at last.

Unfortunately, we too lose Jesus whenever we commit sin.
Our Lord dwells in our souls by His grace but, if we sin seriously, the devil takes possession.
We know well that the devil is a cunning tyrant.
He entices us by every means in his power, to give free play to our passions and then leaves us in a state of bitterness and remorse.
Sometimes he oppresses us to the point of desperation.

If ever we should fall and lose the grace of God, let us repent immediately with the words of the prodigal son “I will get up and go to my Father and will say to Him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before Thee” (Lk 15:18).
Like the Blessed Virgin and St Joseph, let us go immediately in search of Jesus, Whom we have lost.
We shall have no peace until we have found Him.
We too shall find Him in the Temple, for we shall find Him in prayer, in the tribunal of Penance and in Holy Communion.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/29/thought-for-the-day-29-march-jesus-lost-in-the-temple/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FREEDOM, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 23 March – Self-Denial

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Self-Denial

“This denial of ourselves to the extent of identifying our will with the Will of God, produces in us, a profound peace.
The Saints scaled this height and found there that tranquility of spirit which led them to rejoice in martyrdom and dishonour.

It was this peace of soul which made the dying St Aloysius Gonzaga smile and say: “I am happy to be going.”
It was this which enabled the saintly, Cardinal Fisher, when he was going to the scaffold, to behold a light which does not fail and say: “Commit to the Lord your way … He will make justice dawn for you like the light (Ps 36:5-6).
This too, is why, the Imitation of Christ tells us that nobody is so free, as he who knows how to deny himself!””

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/22/thought-for-the-day-22-january-self-denial/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/21/thought-for-the-day-21-january-self-denial/

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 22 March – The Presence of God

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 22 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Presence of God

“A man who lives always in the Presence of God. cannot sin.
When we find ourselves in the presence of a high-ranking worldly personality, do we dare to behave any other way but correctly and respectfuly?
How should we dare then to behave in any other fashion, in the Presence of the Infinite Majesty of God, our Creator and Redeemer, Who will one day also be our Judge?!
Could He not, in a single instant, snap the thread of our mortal life and call us before His judgement-seat, even while we are in the act of offending Him?!

Let us remember St Paul’s stern warning: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10-:31).
Let us remain always in the Presence of God and we shall be at peace and strong in His grace.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/30/thought-for-the-day-30-march-the-presence-of-god/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/27/thought-for-the-day-27-march-the-presence-of-god/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Thought for the Day – 21 March – Why God Created Us

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Why God Created Us

“If we are to reach God, Who is our goal, it is necessary for us to know, love and serve Him.
Everything speaks to us of God, from the blade of grass, to the cedar of Lebanon, from the insect which glows in the darkness of the night, to the highest stars of the firmanent.
In the hidden depths of our own being, we hear His Voice.
The more we grow in the knowledge of God, the more we feel the need to love Him.
We see how so much beauty, goodness and power is alone worthy of all our love.

As our Creator, Redeemer and Benefactor, God has the right to the undivided affection of our hearts.
This love should not be empty and sterile, however, it should be active and effective.
Knowing and loving God, we should feel the obligation of serving Him as our Master, in whatever He commands, even when this demands a heavy sacrifice on our part!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/26/thought-for-the-day-26-march-why-god-created-us/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/25/thought-for-the-day-25-march-why-god-created-us/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER

Thought for the Day – 19 March – Our Temperament

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Our Temperament

“Each one of us is obliged to properly train his own character.
Above all, it is necessary to know ourselves as the result of meditation and examination of conscience, so that we may be able to correct and change our temperament.
This kind of formation is slow and difficult but, we must overcome difficulties patiently and perseveringly.
There is no need to be discouraged.
Our main requirement in the battle against our evil instincts is the grace of God, for which we should pray fervently.
We need an enlightened spiritual director who will guide and encourage us.
Finally, we need the determination to succeed, without which the grace of God cannot achieve the Christian transformation of our character.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/22/thought-for-the-day-22-march-our-temperament/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/22/thought-for-the-day-22-march-our-temperament-2/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on SPIRITUAL WORKS of MERCY

Thought for the Day – 18 March – Charitable Works

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Charitable Works

“As well as the corporal works, there are the spiritual works of mercy.
Everyone is not obliged to undertake the former, that would be impossible, for instance, for the desitute, the sick, the aged.
But, everyone is OBLIGED to undertake the latter.
Sometimes a kind word is more valuable than money!

There are many ways in which we can carry out the spiritual works of mercy.
There is the well-timed and understanding advice we can give to others, the visit to a sick man who is alone in his suffering, the friendly and encouraging visit to an unfortunate prisoner, the tactful and patient instruction we can give to those who have gone astray through ignorance, rather than through malice and at times, the rebuke we can administer to a hardened sinner, in such a way, as to make it quite clear that our only motive is to win him back to the real happiness, which only goodness can give.

Remember, however, that the practice of the spiritual works of mercy, does not excuse us from the exercise of material works of charity, wherever that is possible for us (Cf Js 2:16).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/21/thought-for-the-day-21-march-charitable-works/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/20/thought-for-the-day-20-march-charitable-works/

Posted in CONFESSION, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PARTIAL Indulgence, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 16 March – Purification

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Purification

“We should also value Indulgences as a means of spiritual purification.
They ought not to be treated lightly.
Jesus gave His Church, the power of loosing and binding every bond of sin.
As long as we have the necessary dispositions, therefore, it can draw on the merits of Christ and of the Saints, to release us from the temporal punishment due to the sins which have already been forgiven us.
It achieves this by the concession of Indulgences.
These require, on our part, the fulfilment of certain conditions, a sincere sorrow for sin and, a strong resolution never to offend God again.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/25/thought-for-the-day-25-july-purification/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/19/thought-for-the-day-25-july-purification-2/