Category: MEDITATIONS – ANTONIO CARD BACCI

Posted in HOLY COMMUNION, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, VENIAL SIN

Thought for the Day – 22 June – Frequent Communion

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

Frequent Communion

“For the practice of daily Communion, however, we should have the approval of our Confessor.
We should be fully determined to preserve ourselves free from every sin, especially from grave sin, for otherwise, we could not approach the Eucharistic banquet (if anyone receives Jesus with mortal sin on his soul, he commits a terrible sacrilege).
This practice, moreover, should help us to avoid every deliberate imperfection and venial sin and should inspire in us, a lively spirit of Christian charity.
“Receive Communion everyday,” said St Augustine, “because it will help you everyday … but you must live in a manner which will entitle you to communicate daily” (De Verbo Domini – Sermon 28).

Frequent Communion, therefore, will enable us to set out upon the road to perfection, without relaxing in our resolution and without any false scruples.
“Two kinds of people,” wrote st Francis de Sales, “should receive Communion frequently – the perfect and the imperfect; the perfect in order to preserve their holiness; the imperfect, in order to reach perfection.” (Introduction to the Devout Life c 2).

Let us ask the advice of our regular Confessor.
We shall be fortunate if we can approach the Sacred Banquet everyday, or at least very often, for we shall be sure that we are on the path to holiness.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/21/thought-for-the-day-21-august-frequent-communion/

Posted in JESUIT SJ, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SAINT of the DAY

Thought for the Day – 21 June – St Aloysius Gonzaga

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

St Aloysius Gonzaga

“One might say, that the life of St Aloysius Gonzaga was a miracle of purity and of heroic penance.
The source of his sanctity was the ardent love of God which he cherished from his childhood days.
He loved God above all things and with all his strength.
Therefore, long hours of prayer were a joy to him, the service of God in the Society of Jesus was his main desire and, mortification, was a loving offering, which he made in expiation of the sins of men.

The heart of St Aloysius, was not closed to men because of its supreme love of God.
His love of God, overflowed, into a vast love for his fellowmen.
He finally fell a victim to his own heroic charity.
When he was only twenty four years old, he devoted himself so earnestly to the care of those who had been stricken down by the Plague, that he caught the infection and died a peaceful death.
In his final moments, he smiled and announced that he was happy to be leaving the world.

Do we desire to merit as peaceful and holy a death as this?
Let us imitate St Aloysius by living lives of purity henceforth, even if we have not always been as faithful as he was in this regard.
Let us imitate also, his love for God and for his neighbour, his spirit of penance and his fervour in prayer.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/21/thought-for-the-day-21-june-st-aloysius-gonzaga/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, VENIAL SIN

Thought for the Day – 20 June – The Eucharistic Life

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

The Eucharistic Life

“The Eucharistic life, which is the life of union with Jesus, especially by means of daily Communion, transforms us and makes us holy.
It preserves and increases in us, the grace which is the supernatural life of the soul.
The Eucharist, of itself, does not bestow grace because, it is a Sacrament of the living.
It is our food and food is not given to the dead but, to the living.
For this reason, we should receive Holy Communion free from the stain of sin.
The Eucharist, moreover, remits venial sin, strengthens us in our resolution and increases our charity.
Venial sin, is a sickness of the soul.
Just as natural food banishes listlessness and vulnerability to disease, our Eucharistic nourishment has the same effect on our spiritual life.

It is because the Blessed Eucharist increases our love for Jesus, that it weakens our evil inclinations.
The Eucharist and sin, are mutually exclusive of one another because, the Eucharist is Jesus and sin is the devil.
Our Eucharistic food, moreover, produces, in our souls, a spiritual consolation which is a foretaste of the happiness of Heaven.

Let us listen to Jesus living within us.
He will enable us to forget our worldly cares and will raise us to a higher plane where, by God’s Infinite Goodness, we shall continue to grow in virtue.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/08/thought-for-the-day-8-august-the-eucharistic-life/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 19 June – The Four Ends of the Holy Mass

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

The Four Ends of the Holy Mass

“Let us meditate on the fact, that the Sacrifice of the Eucharist, was instituted for four ends, namely:

1. TO HONOUR GOD
All the Angels and Saints of Heaven and all the human beings upon earth, could not possibly honour God, as He ought to be honoured because, they are creatures who derive everything which they possess from God.
Only Jesus the God-Man, could offer the Eternal Father, the infinite honour due to Him, by offering Himself.

2. TO MAKE ADEQUATE SATISFACTION FOR ALL OUR SINS
Insofar, as they are a revolt against God, our sins are, in a certain way, infinite.
This is because they offend an Infinite Being.
Only Jesus, being at the same time man and God, could offer for us, His brothers, an infinite satisfaction to the Eternal Father.
Only He, could redeem us from the debt of crime and punishment, which we had contracted, by offering Himself, without reserve, in the Eucharistic Sacrifice.
It must be explained, however, that although the Mass is of infinite value in itself, God applies this value to us in a finite way only, according to His good pleasure and according to our dispositions.
For this reason, we should do well to attend Mass, as often as possible and with the maximum fervour.

3. TO GIVE THANKSGIVING TO GOD for all the benefits which we have received from Him.

4. Finally, TO OBTAIN ALL THE GRACES AND FAVOURS of which we and others stand in need.
The Mass is an extraordinary gift.
Let us attend at Mass with recollection and devotion.
It will be for us, the source of every grace and virtue!”
Amen

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, HOLY COMMUNION, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 17 June – Holy Communion

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

Holy Communion

“Let us go to Him, with repentance, with humility and with love.
Then He will make us holy. (Cf Pt 2).

Aspiration: May the most Holy and Divine Sacrament, be at all times praised, adored and thanked.”

Antonio Cardinal Baccl

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/21/thought-for-the-day-21-june-holy-communion/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/16/thought-for-the-day-16-april-holy-communion/

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HOLY COMMUNION, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 16 June – The Feast of Corpus Christi

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

The Feast of Corpus Christi

“This is the Feast of Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist.
Let us enkindle in ourselves a more intense faith and love – let us adore and love Him on behalf of those who neglect to do so.
Let us resolve to live a Eucharistic life.

Aspiration: I adore You at every moment, O Living Bread from Heaven, O most wonderful Sacrament.”

Antonio Cardinal BaccI

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/14/thought-for-the-day-14-june-the-feast-of-corpus-christi/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/06/thought-for-the-day-14-june-the-feast-of-corpus-christi-2/

Posted in Act of SPIRITUAL COMMUNION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HOLY COMMUNION, HYMNS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 June – Corpus Christi

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Quote/s of the Day – 16 June – Corpus Christi, The Most Holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ – 1 Corinthians 23-29, John 6:56-59.

“But when our kind and loving Father
rained down the Word,
He Himself, became spiritual nourishment
to the good. … And then, we are to throw out
the old and carnal corruption,
our old diet, receiving in exchange
a totally new diet — Christ Himself,
as we ingest Him for Him
to remain hidden there.
Then, with our Saviour enshrined in our souls,
as it were, we can correct
the affections of our flesh.”

St Clement of Alexandria (150-215)
Father of the Church

“He who eats My Flesh
and drinks My Blood,
abides in Me and I in him.”

John 6:57

“This bread you see on the Altar,
consecrated by the word of God,
is the Body of Christ.
This cup consecrated by the word of God,
or rather its contents, is the Blood of Christ.
In these two elements our Lord desired to hand over,
for our veneration and love,
His Body and Blood, shed for the remission of our sins.
If you have received them with a good disposition,
then you are what you have received.
As the apostle Paul declares:
“We are, all of us, one bread, one body” (1 Cor 10,17)…”

St Augustine (354-430)
Bishop, Father, Doctor of Grace

Source of all we have or know,
feed and lead us here below.
Grant that with Your saints above,
Sitting at the feast of love,
We may see You face to face.

Amen Alleluia!

Lord Jesus Christ,
in the Most Blessed Sacrament,
we Adore and Love You!

( The last Verse of the Lauda Sion,
the Eucharistic Hymn/Sequence
By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)

“Spiritual Communion is
an ardent desire to receive Jesus
in the Holy Sacrament
and a loving embrace,
as though we had already received Him.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor of the Church

“It is enough for us to love Him
and to be ready to keep His commandments.
Such an act of sincere
and effective love for Jesus,
will cause Him to enter
and to remain in our hearts,
even after the sacramental species
has been consumed.
This is Spiritual Communion,
which consists mainly in the yearning for Jesus.
“I have come to cast fire upon the earth
and what will I but, that it be kindled”
(Lk 12:49).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Act of Spiritual Communion
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

I desire, good Jesus,
to receive Thee in Holy Communion
and since I cannot now receive Thee
in the Blessed Sacrament,
I beseech Thee to come to me spiritually
and to refresh my soul with Thy sweetness.
Come, my Lord, my God and my All!
Come to me
and never let me ever again
be separated from Thee by sin.
Teach me Thy blessed ways,
help me with Thy grace to imitate Thy example,
to practise meekness, humility,
charity and all the virtues of Thy Sacred Heart.
My divine Master, my one desire is to do Thy will
and to love Thee, more and more.
Help me, that I may be faithful to the end, in Thy service.
Bless me in life and in death,
that I may praise Thee, forever in heaven,
Amen

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR

Thought for the Day – 15 June – The Divine Worker

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Divine Worker

“Work is both a right and an obligation, which belongs to all men.
In the beginning of creation, however, work was a pleasure for the human race and the earth yielded its fruits easily and readily.
“The Lord God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to till it and to keep it” (Gen 2:15).
But after Adam’s sin of rebellion, nature, in its turn, rebelled against man.
Work was no longer merely a pleasure but, a chastisement and a dire necessity too.

“Cursed be the ground because of you,” God said to Adam.
“In toil shall you eat of it, all the days of your life; thorn and thistles shall it bring forth to you and you shall eat the plants of the field. In the sweat of your brow, you shall eat bread.” (Gen 3:17-19).

This commandment of God is binding upon everyone.
Idleness is condemned as the source of evil.
“Idleness is an apt teacher of mischief ” (Ecclus 33:29).
Everyone must engage, in either mental or manual labour.
These two kinds of work, complement one another and are equally dignified and necessary.
A man who works with his hands should not envy the man who works with his intellect.
The mental worker should not despise nor consider himself superior to the manual labourer.
We are all brothers and have been placed wherever we are by the designs of Providence.
For this reason, we should love and help one another.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/15/thought-for-the-day-14-june-the-divine-worker/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION

Thought for the Day – 14 June – Purity of Intention

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

Purity of Intention

“Principles:

God alone is deserving of all our love.

We should do everything, which we should wish to have done, at the hour of death.

We should live on earth, as if nothing else existed but God and ourselves (Ibid).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/17/thought-for-the-day-16-june-purity-of-intention/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/14/thought-for-the-day-14-june-purity-of-intention/

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, franciscan OFM, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Thought for the Day – 13 June – St Anthony

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

St Anthony

“St Anthony joined the Franciscan Order and joyfully set off for the coast of Morocco in search of Missionary labour and of Martyrdom.
But, when he landed on African soil, he was struck down by a serious attack of malaria, which compelled him to return to his native land.

There is no foreseeing the designs of Divine Providence.
The boat in which Anthony was travelling was battered by a tempest and had to go ashore in Italy.
Henceforward, Italy was Anthony’s second fatherland.
It was here, that he conducted his remarkable and fruitful apostolate and slowly accomplished his Martyrdom, by the daily struggle for perfection.

… We have all been called to a state of holiness.
Perfection, moreover, is a gradual Martyrdom. … (Cf Pt 1)

Aspiration: Sacred Heart of my Jesus, my God, I love You above all things.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/13/thought-for-the-day-13-june-st-anthony/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/13/thought-for-the-day-13-june-st-anthony-2/

Posted in FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Thought for the Day – 12 June – Our Relationship with the Most Holy Trinity

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

Our Relationship with the Most Holy Trinity

“The soul should also be the spouse of Jesus Christ.
The union between us and Our Lord, should be loving and intimate, like that of husband and wife.
Jesus has been called our Brother, “the firstborn among many brothers” (Rom 8:29).
We are, in fact, the adopted sons of God, just as He is the natural Son.
But Jesus was not satisfied merely to show a fraternal love by giving us His Heavenly Father as our Father and His Mother Mary as our mother.
He wanted to give us something even more intimate, so He communicated to us His very life!
The soul of a Catholic is the spouse of Jesus, not only because it is united closely with Him but, because, through the channel of His grace, He gives it His own Divine life.

Jesus has often spoken to His Saints as to a spouse.
“Christ is our spouse and wishes to be loved by us,” writes St Bernard, “He desires,” says St Teresa, “to be loved by us and to love us with the love of a spouse. He demands all the affection of which our hearts are capable.”
We should examine ourselves to see if we really return this intimate love of Jesus.
Above all, we should ensure that all our actions are performed solely out of love for Him.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/02/thought-for-the-day-2-september-our-relationship-with-the-most-holy-trinity

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, QUOTES on DEATH, The HOLY VIATICUM

Thought for the Day – 11 June – The Sacred Heart and the Holy Viaticum

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

The Sacred Heart and the Holy Viaticum

‘From a sudden and unprovided death,
O Lord, deliver us.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
I give you my heart and my soul.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
assist me now
and in my last agony.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
may I breathe forth my soul
in peace with you.
Amen.’

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/05/thought-for-the-day-5-june-the-sacred-heart-and-the-holy-viaticum/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/05/thought-for-the-day-5-june-the-sacred-heart-and-the-holy-viaticum-2/

Posted in "Follow Me", ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HUMILITY, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The HEART

Thought for the Day – 10 June – “Learn from Me, For I Am Meek and Humble of Heart”

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

“Learn From Me, For I Am Meek
and Humble of Heart”

“Aspiration: Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/11/thought-for-the-day-11-june-learn-from-me-for-i-am-meek-and-humble-of-heart/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/11/thought-for-the-day-11-june-learn-from-me-for-i-am-meek-and-humble-of-heart-2/

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, CHRIST the JUDGE, GOD is LOVE, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The HOLY CROSS

Thought for the Day – 9 June – The Sacred Heart of Jesus Surmounted by a Flaming Cross

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

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Surmounted by a Flaming Cross

“Pagans of all times have [spoken of] “the folly of the cross.”
In fact, it is the miracle of the infinite love of God for humanity.
Let us remember, however, that, although His love and goodness are infinite, so also is His justice!
It is an overwhelming miracle of love on the part of God, that He became man and died for us.
It will be our own downfall if we fail to co-operate with this miracle of love!” (Cf {t 1)

Aspiration: Sweetest Jesus, be not my Judge but my Saviour!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/10/thought-for-the-day-10-june-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-surmounted-by-a-flaming-cross/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/10/thought-for-the-day-10-june-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-surmounted-by-a-flaming-cross-2/

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS

Thought for the Day – 8 June – The Crown of Thorns Which Surrounds the Sacred Heart

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

The Crown of Thorns Which Surrounds the Sacred Heart

“We can also make reparation by voluntary penance, or at least, by offering up our daily sufferings in a spirit of loving generosity.
But the course most pleasing of all to the Sacred Heart, is the continual imitation of His outstanding virtues, in such a way as to become living reproductions of our adorable Redeemer.

Aspiration: Sacred Heart of Jesus, convert poor sinners.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/09/thought-for-the-day-9-june-the-crown-of-thorns-which-surrounds-the-sacred-heart/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/09/thought-for-the-day-27-june-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-pierced-by-a-crown-of-thorns-2/

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS

Thought for the Day – 7 June – Our Response to the Love of the Sacred Heart

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Our Response to the Love of the Sacred Heart

“What are we doing?
If we really love the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we should offer penance and sacrifices in order to make reparation for our sins and the sins of others and, to propitiate this adorable Heart, Which ardently desires to bestow new favours upon us.

Aspiration: All for You, O Sacred Heart of Jesus! ”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/08/thought-for-the-day-8-june-our-response-to-the-love-of-the-sacred-heart/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/08/thought-for-the-day-8-june-our-response-to-the-love-of-the-sacred-heart-2/

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS

Thought for the Day – 6 June – The Worship of the Sacred Heart

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

The Worship of the Sacred Heart
in Relation to the Love of God and of Our Neighbour

“The promises made by Jesus to those who are truly devoted to His Sacred Heart, are a new proof of His infinite love and mercy.
However, if anyone were to cultivate devotion to the Sacred Heart, merely to gain His benefits and to think more of his own spiritual and temporal advantage than of Jesus, he would display a niggardly spirit, quite unworthy of the Lord’s favour.

The worship of the Sacred Heart could degenerate into a kind of utilitarian egoism, undeserving of the name of devotion at all!
Pious practices, could become cold and formal and degenerate into sentimentality tinged with superstition.
There is nothing to prevent us asking the Sacred Heart for graces and favours which we need.
In fact, we should do so, for it is He Who has made these promises to us and is eager to fulfil them because He loves us.
But, we should be generous with Jesus in return for His infinite generosity towards us.
We should love Him because He is so worthy of our love.
Our love should be expressed, not only in prayers and outward forms but, in a deep personal transformation, which will make us more like Jesus.

True love transforms and unites two hearts.
Let us love Jesus and we shall live with Jesus, through Jesus and in Jesus.
His love will effect in us, the miracle which it produces in St Paul.
“To me to live is Christ!” (1 Phil 1:21).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/06/thought-for-the-day-6-june-the-worship-of-the-sacred-heart-in-relation-to-the-love-of-god-and-of-our-neighbour/

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, MIRACLES, PENTECOST, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on WISDOM, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HOLY GHOST

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Feast of Pentecost

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 4 June – The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Eucharist

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Sacred Heart of Jesus
and the Blessed Eucharist

“May the Most Holy and Divine Sacrament, be praised and thanked at every moment!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/04/thought-for-the-day-4-june-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-and-the-blessed-eucharist/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/04/thought-for-the-day-4-june-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-and-the-blessed-eucharist-2/

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD

Thought for the Day – 3 June – The Love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus


“Jesus, I live for You; Jesus, I die for You;
Jesus, I am Yours in life and in death.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/03/thought-for-the-day-3-june-the-love-of-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-revealed-in-the-gospel/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/03/thought-for-the-day-3-june-the-love-of-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-revealed-in-the-gospel-2/

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the JUDGE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TIME, The LAST THINGS

Quote/s of the Day – 3 June – Death is approaching. How many years have we left?

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 3 June – Friday after the Octave of Ascension

“I speak out in order to lead Him
into your hearts
but He does not choose to come
where I lead Him,
unless you prepare the way for Him.”

“Everyone without God,
has a dead soul.
You, who bewail the dead,
rather, should bewail sin.
Bewail ungodliness.
Bewail disbelief.”

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

“But He still follows behind us and counsels us,
that we have despised Him
but He still does not cease to call us.
We turn our backs on His face, so to speak,
when we reject His words,
when we trample His commandments underfoot
but He who sees that we reject Him,
still calls out to us by His commandments
and waits for us by His patience,
stands behind us and calls us back
when we have turned away.”

St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“Death is approaching.
How many years have we left?
How many months?
How many hours?
We do not know.
Perhaps this could be the last day
or the last hour of our lives
and, if that were true,
in what state would we appear before
the majesty of God?
How terrible if we were in mortal sin –
we would be damned for all eternity!
But, even if we find ourselves i
n the state of grace,
what merits have we to present
to the eternal Judge?
What sacrifices have we made
to prove our love for Him?
What mortifications
and penances have we voluntarily undertake
to purify ourselves of our sins?
What good works have we done,
what alms have we given,
what prayers have we said?
We may have to admit,
that we have wasted most of the time
which God has given us
in useless or even sinful occupations.
Let us treasure, at least,
the years, days, or hours
which God still wills to grant us,
for our full conversion
and for our spiritual perfection.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Thought for the Day – 2 June – The Necessity of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Necessity of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

“O my Jesus, You Who are Love itself, enkindle in my heart the Divine Fire which consumed and transformed the Saints.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/02/thought-for-the-day-1-june-the-necessity-of-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/02/thought-for-the-day-2-june-the-necessity-of-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Thought for the Day – 1 June – Devotion to the Sacred Heart

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Devotion to the Sacred Heart

“We should have a very high regard for devotion to the Sacred Heart.
We should excite in our hearts, acts of love, which will compensate, in some way, for the infinite love which Jesus has for us.

Finally, we should try and make our lives correspond with our love by emulating, as far as possible, the holy and immaculate life of Jesus Christ. It is not a waste of time to constantly think to ourselves, “What would Jesus do in this situation?”

Ejaculation: May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere, known and loved! Amen”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/01/thought-for-the-day-1-june-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/01/thought-for-the-day-1-june-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart/

Posted in Hail MARY!, MARIAN Antiphons, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD

Thought for the Day – 31 May – Pray for Us … at the Hour of Our Death

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Pray for Us … at the Hour of Our Death

“Our divine Redeemer, although He was God and did not except Himself from the law of death.
It was appropriate, therefore, that His divine Mother should have been no exception either.
But Mary had shared in the torments of her Son’s death upon Calvary and so obtained from Him, the privilege of a death so sweet and gentle, as hardly to justify the name at all.
Her soul was separated from her body as if in an ecstasy of love and was united even more indissolubly with God.
She did not die of a natural disease but, out of love for God.
She had always loved God with all the ardour of the noblest of creatures and her life ended in a final outpouring of love.
It was the climax of a continuous ascent towards God.

Death should be like this for us too.
It can be like this if we follow her example, especially in the boundlessness of her love for God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/31/thought-for-the-day-31-october-pray-for-us-at-the-hour-of-our-death/

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on TRUTH, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY GHOST

Thought for the Day – 30 May – Bearer of the Treasures of Grace

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Bearer of the Treasures of Grace

“According to a pious tradition, the Holy Spirit descended first on the Blessed Virgin, in the form of a ball of flame, from which emerged the tongues of fire, which alighted on the heads of all present.
There is a good deal of significance in this tradition.
As Mary took first place in sharing in the passion of Jesus, so, she ought to be first to share in the glory of the Redemption.
St Bernard compared the Blessed Virgin to an aqueduct, bearing the treasures of grace and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, to all the faithful (Sermo de Aquaeducru).
It is an apt comparison, for the Mother of the Redeemer occupies a position of supremacy in the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ.
Like the Apostles, we should persevere in prayer with Mary (Cf Acts 1:14).
We should ask for the light and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, for we need them very much, if we are to walk always, in the way of truth and goodness.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 29 May – The Great Exile

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Great Exile

“God is the great exile.
The majority of mankind have banished Him from public and private life.
They do not want Him anymore – they do not even think of Him.
There is even a minority who hates and curses Him!
It is true that there are still faithful and generous communities, like oases in a vast and arid desert, who love God and even dedicate themselves to His service.
But, the great majority ignore Him.
If they remember Him sometimes, they do so vaguely and as a matter of form.
They think of God as if He were a distant Being Who is not interested in their activities.

Obviously, therefore, men no longer live the life of God.
They live mechanically and obtusely, devoid of spiritual enlightenment or thought of Heaven.
Their lives are like those of blind moles which reside in darkness beneath the ground, without any desire to see the light of day.
Bound to the earth as they are, they are afraid of the great concepts of eternity, the immortality of the soul, the last judgement, Heaven and Hell.

“Since men’s natural inclinations are towards worldly things,” wrote Pope Pius XII, “his inability to understand the things of the Spirit of God, is unfortunately, aggravated in our times by the entire nature of his surroundings.
Very often, God is neither denied nor cursed, it is rather as if He were not there at all.
There is constant and open propaganda in favour of a worldly life without God.
Men live and die, as if there were no such realities as God, redemption, or the Church.” (Discourses XL, 14).

Are you or your family and friends a victim of this trend?
What place does God hold in your mind and the course of your life?
We are heading for inevitable ruin, if we allow ourselves to be swept away by the corruption of the world.
Remember the frightening words of Jesus in the company of His disciples, “Not for the world do I pray,” he said, “but for those whom Thou hast given me because they are Thine” (Jn 17:9).
Without Jesus, the world is racing towards utter destruction.
It is terrifying but that is the way it is!

Holy Mary, my Mother, I place my trust in you because I know, that your intercession, is all-powerful with your Divine Son, Jesus.
Help me to detach myself completely from sin and to conquer my rebellious inclinations,
Grant that I may imitate the shining example of your sanctity, in such a way, that you may be truly my hope and my sure refuge, now and at the hour of my death.
Amen. ”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/29/thought-for-the-day-29-may-the-great-exile/

Posted in MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The ASCENSION of the LORD

Thought for the Day – 28 May – The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven

“Forty days after His glorious resurrection, Jesus came, with all His friends, among them His Mother, to the Mount of Olives.
This area had already witnessed the opening phase of His passion, which was all the more poignant, perhaps because in Gethsemane, it was not only His body which was lacerated by scourges and nails but, His soul, which experienced the agonising vision of the sins and ingratitude of the human race.
Now, however, He is here with a glorified body as the Conqueror of sin and of death.
He looks for the last time on His small band of followers, to whom He has entrusted His mission of transforming the entire universe by preaching and putting into practice, the Gospel message, throughout the world.
Now, He promises them the Holy Spirit, Who will give them the power to overcome evil.
Then He is lifted up toward Heaven, until a bright cloud hides Him from their sight.

Perhaps, the Blessed Mother, was the last to take her eyes off the disappearing cloud which had removed Jesus from view.
Her human eyes never saw again, the beloved figure of her Divine Son but, in her soul, she saw Him entering triumphantly into Heaven among choirs of Angels and sitting at the right hand of the Eternal Father.
She saw and thought with infinite yearning, of the not too distant day, when she would have passed from mortal exile, into the everlasting happiness of Heaven, where she would embrace her Divine Son again, in an ecstasy of love.

We have all been called to ascend to Heaven with Jesus and Mary.
Let us remember, however, that only the innocent and the repentant can be admitted into Paradise.
If we have been unfortunate enough to have lost our baptismal innocence, only the second way is left to us – the way of penance.
We must purify ourselves of our sins by means of good works.
We must ascend NOW higher and highter, towards the summit of Christian perfection.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

Thought for the Day – 27 May – God Alone

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

A Lesson from Scripture
God Alone

“O Mary, my most Holy Mother, free me from useless desires and from an excessive longing for worldly things.
Help me to think always of Heaven.
Grant that I may find my happiness in God alone, as you did by acting in perfect accordance with His Holy Will.
By loving Him above everything in the world, may I one day enjoy, with you, the everlasting happiness of Heaven.
Amen.”

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/27/thought-for-the-day-27-may-a-lesson-from-scripture-god-alone/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The ASCENSION of the LORD

Thought for the Day – 26 May – The Ascension of Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Ascension of Jesus

“After His glorious Resurrection from the dead, Jesus appeared to His Apostles.
For forty days He instructed them concerning the Kingdom of God.
When He had announced to His followers, that He would send the Holy Spirit to give them the enlightenment and courage to preach the Gospel, they gathered together on the Mount of Olives and saw Him rise upwards until a bright cloud hid Him from their view.
The Mystery of the Ascension contains a lesson for us.
We must be detached from the world and brought closer to Heaven, which is our true home.
We are so attached to earthly things because money, reputation and pleasure are closer to our hearts than the thought of God or of eternity.
We shall have to leave all these things behind soon enough, however.
When death comes, the world will slip away from us and the soul will stand alone before God.

Let us begin to detach ourselves from worldly affairs and to make Heaven the object of our desires.
Why should we be sorry or afraid, or both, to leave this earth?
Remember the teaching of St Paul “Here we no permanent city but we seek for the city that is to come” (Heb 13:14).
“For me to live is Christ,” he said, “and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21). “desiring to depart and to be with Christ, a lot by far the better” (Phil 1:23).

Let us pray in the beautiful words of the Church: “Lord, grant that while we are living in this changing world, we may aspire to the true happiness of Heaven, so that in the midst of earthly vicissitudes, our hearts maybe content in this ambition.” (Roman Breviary).

Let us not be afraid of death, for it is only the Gate of Heaven!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

ANOTHER REFLECTION ON THE ASCENSION:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/13/thought-for-the-day-13-may-the-ascension-of-jesus/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT

Thought for the Day – 25 May – Living in the Presence of God

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Living in the Presence of God

“The masters of the spiritual life advise us to the best way to cultivate an awareness of the presence of God (Cf St Alphonsus Liguori, Al Divino Servizio, III, 3).
This may be done by employing the intellect to form the concept of God’s nearness and by using the will, to offer to Him, ourselves and everything around us, with acts of humility, adoration and love.
The intellect, enlightened by faith, tells us that God is everywhere, “Do not I fill heaven and earth? said the Lord” (er 23:24).
We should see Him in all His creations which reflect His eternal glory.
“Learn to love the Creator in the creature” says St Augustine, “so that you may not become attached to created things and so lose Him by Whom, you yourself were created” (In Px 18).

When we wish to revive, in our minds, a sense of the presence of God, we should not picture Him as a distant Being but, as our own God, Who condescended to dwell within us.
We should then listen to His inspirations and humbly venerate His Divine Majesty, which resides in our souls.
“Do you not know,” says St Paul, “that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Cor 3:16).
God is everywhere but He dwells in a special manner, in our souls.
It is difficult for us, however, to live with our minds constantly concentrated on Him.
If we were able to do so, this would be an anticipation of the happiness of the Blessed in Heaven.
But, we should have a habitual intention, which we should renew as often as possible, of living in the presence of God and of offering Him all our desires and actions.
Then, our whole life will be a continual prayer of great value in the sight of God.

My loving Mother Mary, you lived both physically and spiritually, permanently in God’s presence, help me to live as you did.
Help me to consciously remember the Divine presence in my soul and offer Him all that I am and do.
Help me to love our good God, more and more.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/25/thought-for-the-day-25-may-living-in-the-presence-of-god/