Category: MEDITATIONS – ANTONIO CARD BACCI

Posted in EVENING and NIGHT Prayers, GOD ALONE!, HOLY WEEK, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, The LAMB of GOD, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 28 March –The Night of the Passion

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 28 March – 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 GOD ALONE!, GOOD RESOLUTIONS, HOLY WEEK, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 27 March –The Agony of Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 27 March – 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 HOLY WEEK, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The LAMB of GOD, The PASSION, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 26 March – Jesus in Gethsemane

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 26 March – 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 BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 25 March – The Betrayal of Judas

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 25 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) (Taking a break from The Spiritual Combat during Holy Week).

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 MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, St JOSEPH

Thought for the Day – 19 March – The Patronage of St Joseph

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Patronage of Saint Joseph

“We shall have particular need of the protection of St Joseph at the hour of death.
He had the most beautiful of deaths, for Jesus and Mary were by his side.
All his life he had lived only for them.
He had worked for them, worried about them and loved them.
In the end, he was able to see them near him, his own sweet Jesus and his beloved Spouse.
His must have been, a very peaceful death.
He had fulfilled his mission and Jesus and Mary were there to console him in his last agony.

We shall come to the end of our lives too, perhaps sooner than we imagine.
Let us ask the Holy Patriarch for the favour of a happy death.
Let us ask him to ensure that Jesus and Mary will help us too, when we are leaving this world.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/20/thought-for-the-day-20-march-the-patronage-of-st-joseph/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/20/thought-for-the-day-20-march-the-patronage-of-saint-joseph/

Posted in CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, St Francis de Sales, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY NAME, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 15 March – Let us weep for our sins and increase in love for our Divine Redeemer .

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 15 March – Friday of the Fourth Week in Lent – 3 Kings 17:17-24; John 11:1-45 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I Am
the Resurrection
and the
Life”

John 11:25

“Love Him, then, keep Him as a friend.
He will not leave you as others do,
or let you suffer lasting death.
Sometime, whether you will or not,
you will have to part with everything.
Cling, therefore, to Jesus in life and death,
trust yourself to the glory of Him,
Who alone can help you
when all others fail.“

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

“If thou art bound down by sickness,
if sorrows weary thee,
if thou art trembling with fear,
invoke the name of Jesus!”

St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1456)

“A person who is conscious of his misery,
can certainly have great confidence in God.
In fact, he cannot have true confidence in Him,
without this consciousness of his misery.
This knowledge and acknowledgement
of our misery, leads us to the presence of God.”

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

“Although the sinner
does not believe in Hell,
he will, nevertheless, go there,
if he has the misfortune to die
in mortal sin.”

St Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870)

“Let us weep for our sins
and increase in love for our Divine Redeemer.
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 (1881-1971)

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, CATECHESIS, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GOSSIP, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, St Francis de Sales, The HOLY GHOST, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 4 March – Wisdom for Lent and for Life

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 4 March – Wisdom for Lent and for Life

“Abide in Me and I in you.
As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,
unless it abide in the vine,
so neither can you,
unless you abide in Me.”

John 15:4

“Strive to preserve your heart in peace;
let no event of this world, disturb it.”

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

“If, when stung by slander
or ill-nature,
we wax proud
and swell with anger,
it is a proof that our gentleness
and humility
are unreal
and mere artificial show!”

“Do not look forward to the changes and chances
of this life in fear – rather look to them
with full hope that, as they arise,
God, Whose you are, will deliver you out of them.
He is your keeper. He has kept you hitherto.
Do you but hold fast to His dear Hand
and He will lead you safely through all things
and, when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms.
Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow.
Our Father will either shield you from suffering,
or He will give you strength to bear it.”

“The truly patient man
neither complains of his hard lot,
nor desires to be pitied by others.
He speaks of his sufferings
in a natural, true and sincere way,
without murmuring, complaining,
or exaggerating them.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

“If we live good lives, hoping for a Heavenly reward
and guided by the action of the Holy Spirit,
dwelling within us, we shall possess this spiritual joy.
Once we possess it, it will be erased,
neither by temptation, nor by suffering,
nor by persecution, as long, as our faith,
remains firm and steadfast.
The sincere Christian accepts pleasure and pain
with equal readiness because he places
everything in God’s hands.
… We must try, at least, to achieve
that spirit of complete resignation to God’s will
which is always rewarded by peace of soul!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, GOD is LOVE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The LORD'S PRAYER, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION

Quote/s of the Day – 2 March – I shall arise

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 2 March – 2 March – Saturday of the Second Week in Lent – Ferial Day – Genesis 27:6-40; Luke 15:11-32 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I shall arise and shall go to my Father”

Luke 15:18

“Awake, O Sleeper and Rise from the Dead”

Ephesians 5:14

“Listen to the Lord’s appeal:
‘Come, then, return to Me
and learn to know Me as your Father,
Who repays good for evil,
love for injury
and boundless charity
for piercing wounds!”

St Peter Chrysologus (c400-450)
“Golden Words”
Father & Doctor of the Church

“What better penance
can a heart do
which commits faults,
than to submit
to a continual abnegation
of self-will?”

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

“Unfortunately, our only return for God’s
continual favours, has been negligence,
ingratitude and sin!
Since it is an offence against God,
Who is infinitely good and amiable,
even venial sin cannot properly be atoned for
by the merits of all the Angels
and of all the Saints of Heaven.
Therefore, it was necessary for the Son of God,
made Man, to offer Himself
as a Victim of Expiation, on our behalf.
Remembering His Infinite Merits,
we should humbly ask God –
‘forgive us our debts.‘ that is, our many sins
and failings and, whatever punishment is owing to us,
for every sin demands some expiation,
either in this life or in the next!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, St Francis de Sales

Quote/s of the Day – 1 March – ‘… a HATRED for nothing but SIN…’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 1 March – Friday of the Second Week in Lent and the Feast of the Holy Shroud – – Genesis 37:6-22; Matthew 21:33-46.– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“He will bring those evil men
to an evil end”

Matthew 21:41

“Little children follow and obey their father.
They love their mother.
They know nothing of covetousness,
ill-will, bad temper, arrogance and lying.
This state of mind opens the road to Heaven.
To imitate our Lord’s own humility,
we must return to the simplicity
of God’s little ones.”

St Hilary (315-368)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“I see clearly with the interior eye,
that the sweet God loves, with a pure love,
the creature that He has created
and has a HATRED for nothing but SIN,
which is more opposed to Him,
than can be thought or imagined.”

St Catherine of Genoa (1447-1510)

“Let us then depart, let us depart from Egypt,
let us approach Our Lord,
let us make provision of good works;
let the feet of our affections be bare,
let us clothe ourselves with innocence,
let us not be satisfied with crying for mercy,
let us go forth from Egypt, let us delay no longer.
The hour is come to arise from sleep,
since we know that He receives sinners;
the Angels await our repentance,
the Saints pray for it!”

St Francis de Sales 91567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

“There is a golden rule which we should always remember
as it will be helpful to us in fighting temptation
and in resisting discouragement.
It is simply this:
As long as we implore God’s grace
and do all we can and ought, in order to withstand
the onslaught of temptation, God will do the rest!
If God, nevertheless, allows us to fall,
this will be in order to humble us
and to make us understand,
more clearly that we can do nothing without Him.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, St PETER!, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 22 February – ‘…The Apostle chosen to be His co-worker …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 22 February – Feast of the Chair of St Peter at Antioch – 1 Peter 1:1-7; Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Upon this rock I will build My Church
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven
and whatever you bind on earth
shall be bound in Heaven and,
whatever you loose on earth,
shall be loosed in Heaven.”

Matthew 16:18-19

“… Now you must be, for a little time,
made sorrowful in divers temptations.
That the trial of your faith,
(much more precious than gold
which is tried by the fire)
may be found unto praise and glory
and honour at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 1:6-7

“But the God of all grace,
Who hath called us into His eternal glory
in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little,
will Himself perfect you and confirm you
and establish you.
To Him be glory and empire
forever and ever. Amen.”

1 Peter 5:10-11

“Yes, the Apostle chosen
to be His co-worker,
merited to share,
the same Name as Christ.
They built the same Building together –
Peter does the planting,
the Lord gives the increase
and it is the Lord, too,
Who sends those,
who will do the watering (cf 1 Cor 3:6f).”

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

“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.
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.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, LENT 2024, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, SACRED HEART QUOTES

Quote/s of the Day – 21 February – Repent

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 21 February – 21 February – “The Month of the Most Holy and Blessed Trinity” – Ember Wednesday – 3 Kings 19:3-8; Matthew 12:38-50 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The sign of Jonah”

Matthew 12:39

“It was, too, to lead the Ninevites
to firm repentance and to convert them
to Him, Who would deliver them from death,
amazed as they were by the sign accomplished in Jonah …
In the same way, God permitted man
to be swallowed by that great monster,
the author of disobedience,
not so that he should altogether vanish away
and die but because God, had prepared beforehand,
the salvation fulfilled by His Word
by means of the “sign of Jonah.”

St Irenaeus (130-208)
Bishop of Lyons, Martyr and Father

“To do penance is to bewail
the evil we have done
and to do no evil to bewail.”

“But He still follows behind us and counsels us,
although we have despised Him,
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

“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.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 19 February – “For I was hungry and you gave me to eat …”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 19 February – Monday of the First Week in Lent – Ferial Day –Ezechiel 34:11-16; Matthew 25:31-46 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For I was hungry
and you gave me to eat”

Matthew 25:35

“If there are people who refuse to work
that is for the governor and the police to deal with.
My duty is to assist
and relieve those
who come to my door.”

St Thomas of Villanova OSA (1488-1555)
Archbishop, Confessor.

“… We must remember that the precept
to “give that which remains, as alms” applies also to us.
If there is someone in grave need
whom we have the means of helping,
we are obliged to do so by the command of the Gospel.
It is the same Gospel which warns us
that if we fail to do so,
the Divine Judge will, one day, condemn us!”

“For judgement is without mercy
to him who has not shown mercy …
And if a brother or a sister be naked
and in want of daily food
and one of you says to them,
‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’
yet you do not give them
what is necessary for the body,
what does it profit? ”
So faith too, unless it has works
is dead in itself” (Js 2:13-17).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOMINICAN OP, LENT 2024, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LUST, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on PRAYER, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN

Quote/s of the Day – 15 February – Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 15 February – Ash Thursday

“… Now is the time in this life of suffering,
when we journey apart from Him.
… So let us fast and pray now
because, we are in the days of childbirth!”

“Fasting cleanses the soul,
raises the mind,
subjects one’s flesh to the spirit,
renders the heart contrite and humble,
scatters the clouds of concupiscence,
quenches the fire of lust
and kindles the true light of chastity.
Enter again into yourself!”

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

“Arm yourself with prayer
instead of a sword;
be clothed with humility
instead of fine raiment.”

St Dominic OP (1170-1221)

“What great profit you gain from God
when you are generous!
You give a coin
and receive a Kingdom;
you give bread from wheat
and receive the Bread of Life;
you give a transitory good
and receive an everlasting one.
You will receive it back,
a hundred times more
than you offered.”

St Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555)

“The soul which is quick to turn
to speaking and conversing,
is slow to turn to God.”

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

“All evangelical perfection is attained,
by the continual exercise of prayer.”

St Aloysius Gonzaga SJ (1568-1591)

“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!”
… 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 (1881-1971)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 2 February – ‘… What shall we give Him? …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 2 February – The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, Candlemas – Malachias 3:1-4, Luke 2:22-32 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The day will come when this Child
will no longer be offered in the Temple,
nor in Simeon’s arms
but outside the City
in the arms of the Cross.
The day will come when He
will not be redeemed
by the blood of a sacrifice
but redeem others ,
with His own Blood. …”
That will be the evening sacrifice;
this is the morning sacrifice;
this one is the happiest
but that one is the most complete;
for this one was offered
at the time of birth
and that one will be offered
in the fullness of time,..”

“But what shall we offer, brothers,
what shall we give Him
for all the benefits He has given us?
He offered the most precious Victim
He possessed for our sake;
in truth, He could not have had
anything more precious.
So let us, too,
do what we can,
let us offer Him the best we have,
that is to say, ourselves!
He offered Himself,
so who are you,
to hesitate to offer yourself?”

St Bernard (1091-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

“Let us try and live like Simeon,
with our minds and hearts turned towards Jesus.
Let us think chiefly of Him,
love Him, above everything else
and work only for Him.
Then our death will be as beautiful as his.
In fact, we shall be even more fortunate,
for we can go further than receiving Jesus into our arms.
We shall be able to receive Him into out hearts.
He will be at hand to give us the supernatural strength
which we shall need on our great journey into eternity.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/02/quote-s-of-the-day-2-february-carrying-jesus/

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES for the NEW YEAR, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 9 January – The New Life

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 9 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Arise, be enlightened, …
for thy Light is come!”

Isaias 60:1

“Make ready then the vessel of your soul
that you may become a son of God
and an heir of God
and joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17);
if, indeed, you are preparing yourself
that you may receive;
if you are drawing near in faith
that you may be made faithful;
if of set purpose,
you are putting off the old man!”

St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Have patience with all things
but chiefly, have patience with yourself.
Do not lose courage
in considering your own imperfections
but instantly set about remedying them,
everyday begin the task anew.”

“A person who is conscious of his misery,
can certainly have great confidence in God.
In fact, he cannot have true confidence in Him,
without this consciousness of his misery.
This knowledge and acknowledgement
of our misery, leads us to the presence of God.”

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

“Anyone who takes life seriously
in the Christian sense,
will regard it as a difficult journey
towards perfection and towards God.
This journey will be, at the same time,
painful and joyful.
… It is our own loss if we sit down lazily
on the side of the road,
which should lead us to Heaven.
It is even more disastrous,
if we acknowledge defeat
and lay down the spiritual weapons
of prayer and renunciation,
in order to surrender ourselves to sin or to indifference.
Everyday we should say to ourselves,
in the presence of God –
A new life is beginning …
in You, by Your grace and for You!
Amen”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, GOOD RESOLUTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on MEDITATION, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD

Thought for the Day – 3 January – The Necessity of Meditation in Silence

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

The Necessity of Meditation in Silence

“With desolation all the land made desolate because, there is none that considereth in the heart” (Jer 12:11).

Very often the world is plunged in the desolation of evil because, there is nobody who will speak with God, in the silence of his heart and try to regulate his life according to His holy commandments.
It is in a particularly outstanding way today, that the heresies of actionism and externalism, dominate the great mass of mankind.
To act, to rush, to arrive … above all, to arrive!
But to arrive where?
In this frantic, frenzied and tumultuous race, which good people are often found competing, two very sure things are forgotten, namely, that we shall finally arrive at death and, that from death, we shall pass onto eternity.
The whole course of our lives, therefore, should be directed towards this end.
But, if we are to keep this end in view, prudent reflection is essential, especially meditation, made with the assistance of the Divine light, on the eternal truths.

Absorbed in the deafening din of the world around us, it is difficult to hear the Voice of God.
At least, for a little while each day, we must create, within ourselves, a zone of silence, in order to listen to His Voice.
Since God speaks readily in the silence of the heart, let us recollect ourselves before Him, in this quiet oasis.
At least a quarter of an hour of daily meditation is essential for the life of a Catholic.
This should be the diving-board for all the actions of day, if we wish these to be correct and productive of good.

It is very useful, moreover, to recall to mind frequently during the day, the resolutions which have been formed and to accompany these reflections, with short prayers, aspirations and acts of love for God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on TRUTH, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The HEART, The HOLY NAME, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 2 January –

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Quote/s of the Day – 2 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” and the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus AND of the INFANT of PRAGUE – Acts 4:8-12; Luke 2:21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“His Name was called Jesus …”

Luke 2:21

May We Confess Your Name to the End
By St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258)

Good God,
may we confess Your Name to the end.
May we emerge unmarked
and glorious from the traps
and darkness of this world.
As You have bound us together
by charity and peace
and as together
we have persevered under persecution,
so may we also rejoice together
in Your heavenly Kingdom.
Amen

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

“Wake up then, believer
and note what is stated here:
“In My Name.”
That [Name] is Christ Jesus.
Christ signifies King, Jesus signifies Saviour.
Therefore, whatever we ask for
that would hinder our salvation,
we do not ask in our Saviour’s Name
and yet, He is our Saviour,
not only when He does what we ask
but also, when He does not.
When He sees us ask anything
to the disadvantage of our salvation,
He shows Himself our Saviour by not doing it.
The physician knows
whether what the sick person asks for,
is to the advantage or disadvantage of his health.
And [the physician] does not allow
what would be harmful to him,
although the sick person himself, desires it.
But the physician looks to his final cure.”

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

“[Jesus] is our only Master, Who must teach us;
our only Lord, on Whom we must depend;
our only Head, to Whom alone we should belong;
our only Model, Whom we should imitate;
our only Physician, Who must heal us;
our only Shepherd, Who must feed us;
our only Way, Who must lead us;
our only Truth, Whom we must believe;
our only Life, Who must be our life
and our sole sufficiency in all things
that, in Him, we may have all in All.
Except the Name of Jesus,
there is no other name given under Heaven,
whereby we must be saved
and apart from Jesus Christ,
God has given us no other foundation of our salvation,
our perfection and our glory! ”

St Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)

“Oh Most Sacred Name,
Name of peace,
Balsam of life,
which is the centre of all the sighs,
of the most fervent lovers of Jesus.
The Sign of those, who truly love Jesus,
is to bear Jesus imprinted in the heart
and to name often and with devotion,
the Most Holy Name of Jesus.”

St Leonard of Port Maurice (1676-1751)

Transport yourself “in spirit” to the Church in Prague
where the original Statue of the Infant still stands
and let Jesus help you with your intentions!

This wonderful prayer to the Infant Jesus of Prague
is known as the Prayer of Father Cyrillus, (c 1637)
truly one of the first champions of the loving little Infant!

Prayer of Fr Cyrillus,
to the Beloved and Miraculous
Infant Jesus of Prague

Jesus, unto Thee I flee,
Through Thy Mother praying Thee
In my need to succour me.
Truly, I believe of Thee
God Thou art with strength to shield me;
Full of trust, I hope of Thee
Thou, Thy grace wilt give to me.
All my heart I give to Thee,
Therefore, do my sins repent me;
From them breaking, I beseech Thee,
Jesus, from their bonds to free me.
Firm my purpose, is to mend me;
Never more will I offend Thee.
Wholly unto Thee I give me,
Patiently to suffer for Thee,
Thee to serve eternally.
And my neighbour like to me
I will love, for love of Thee.
Little Jesus, I beseech Thee,
In my need, to succour me,
That with Joseph and Mary
And the Angels, I may Thee
Once enjoy eternally.
Amen.

“Oh by Thy Name
we shall live in peaceful
and fearless anticipation!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/02/quote-s-of-the-day-2-january-jesus-2/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, GOOD RESOLUTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES for the NEW YEAR, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER

Thought for the Day – 1 January – The New Year

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

The New Year

“During these days, it is customary to exchange, verbally or in writing, good wishes for the New Year.
But these poor greetings are often nothing more than conventional phrases.
Men lack the power to transmute such good wishes into reality.
God alone is the source of every material and spiritual good, therefore, He alone can ensure that these benevolent expressions are translated into deeds of Christian renovation.
Since we are at the beginning of a new year, it is especially important for us to ask God more fervently and insistently, to bless the resolutions which are making for ourselves and the good wishes, which we are showering on our friends.

These wishes have no meaning and these resolutions have no force, if they are not accompanied by fervent and persevering prayer!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/01/meditations-with-antonio-cardinal-bacci-1-january-the-new-year/

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES for the NEW YEAR, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on TIME, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD

Thought for the Day – 31 December – The Last Day of the Year

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

The Last Day of the Year

“After he had spent a night fishing in the lake of Galilee without having caught anything, St Peter was ordered by Jesus, to cast his nets back into the sea.
“Master” the future Apostle replied, “the whole night through, we have toiled and have taken nothing but at Thy word, I will lower the nets.”
This act of perfect confidence in Our Lord, was soon rewarded, for when the fishermen lowered the nets, “they enclosed a great number of fishes” (Lk 5:5-6).

Perhaps we have toiled hard and made many sacrifices during the past year.
But have we worked with and for Jesus Christ?
We may have thought more of ourselves than of Jesus and, as a result, achieved little or nothing in the spiritual life.

The remedy is clear.
We must remain close to Jesus, working with Him, in Him and for Him.
Then, He will bless and strengthen the good resolutions which we are about to make.
The secret of perfection is to live in constant union with Jesus Christ.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/31/thought-for-the-day-31-december-the-last-day-of-the-year/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/31/thought-for-the-day-30-december-the-last-day-of-the-year/

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Thought for the Day – 29 December – Our Frequent Lapses

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

Our Frequent Lapses

“There is a golden rule which we should always remember as it will be helpful to us in fighting temptation and in resisting discouragement.
It is simply this:
As long as we implore God’s grace and do all we can and ought, in order to withstand the onslaught of temptation, God will do the rest!

If God, nevertheless, allows us to fall, this will be in order to humble us and to make us understand, more clearly that we can do nothing without Him.
When we fall, moreover, we may be certain that in His infinite goodness, He will accept our repentance and forgive us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/29/thought-for-the-day-28-december-our-frequent-lapses/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/29/thought-for-the-day-29-december-our-frequent-lapses/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on TIME, St PAUL!

Thought for the Day – 28 December – The Value of An Hour

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

The Value of An Hour

“Let us now contemplate the fact that our eternity can and may depend on a single hour!
Within an hour, the repentant thief was converted and gained Heaven.
In one hour, Mary Magdalene, St Paul and many other Saints, finally yielded to the grace of God and set out on the road to sanctity.

There are vital hours in our lives too.
It will be disastrous for us if we ever let the hour of grace slip away neglected!
Let us listen when God calls us and let us be generous with Hinn, as He has been infinitely generous towards us.
If we behave in this manner, we need never fear the hour of death.
It will still be the hour on which our eternity depends but, it will be an eternity of everlasting happiness.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/28/thought-for-the-day-28-december-the-value-of-an-hour/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/28/thought-for-the-day-28-december-the-value-of-an-hour-2/

Posted in LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Thought for the Day – 27 December – St John, the Apostle and Evangelist

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

St John, the Apostle and Evangelist

“Both in his Gospel and in his letters, St John continually emphasises the virtue of charity.
He stresses the need for love of God and love of our neighbour, “God is love,” he says, “and he who abides in love abides in God and God in him” (1 Jn 4:16).
According to St Jerome, when the Apostle John was almost a hundred years old and lacked the strength to speak for very long, he was accustomed to go, supported by his disciples, to gatherings of the faithful.
There he prepared, on every occasion, the same exhortation: “My children, love one another.”
His followers grew tired of this and finally asked him why he kept repeating the same phrase.
“Because that is God’s command,” he replied, “and if we do no more than obey it, that is sufficient!”

Let us meditate on his words and let us remember, that our love for God is futile, unless it is accompanied by a practical love for our neighbour.
The love of God cannot be separated, from the love of our fellow-men.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/27/thought-for-the-day-26-december-st-john-the-apostle-and-evangelist/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/27/thought-for-the-day-26-december-st-john-the-apostle-and-evangelist-2/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Thought for the Day – 26 December –St Stephen, the First Martyr

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

St Stephen, the First Martyr

“Among the original seven Deacons nominated by the Apostles, there was one name Stephen, who was outstanding for his sanctity and extraordinary spiritual gifts.
Being enlightened by God, this young man dared to rebuke the Jews in public for their hardness of heart and openly defended the doctrine of Christ, Whom he proclaimed to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world.
One day when he was threatened by his foes, Stephen raised his eyes trustfully towards Heaven and said: “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
The Jews could no longer restrain their fury and proceeded to drag the young man outside the city.
There they left their garments in the care of a youth named Saul, while they savagely stoned Stephen to death.
Stricken to his knees by the force of the missiles, the saintly young disciple continued to look towards Heaven.
“Lord Jesus,” he cried, “receive my spirit.”
Before he breathed his last, he forgave his enemies in the manner of his divine Master.
“Lord,” he prayed, “do not lay this sin against them.”
And with these words he fell asleep (Cf Acts 7:51-60; 8:1-2).

Let us admire and imitate the courage of this Martyr.
We may never be called on, to endure a martyrdom of blood on behalf of our faith but, we shall almost certainly be obliged to undergo the martyrdom of the assault of the passions on our purity of soul, or of severe physical or mental suffering…
If we accept these trials from God with perfect resignation and love, they will certainly prove as valuable to us, as real martyrdom.
If we endure them with the courage and fortitude of St Stephen, we shall be rewarded as he was, by seeing Jesus standing at the right hand of God and offering us the palm of victory!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRISTMASTIDE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The HEART, The NATIVITY of JESUS

Thought for the Day – 25 December – The Feast of the Nativity

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

The Feast of the Nativity

“The first people to pay homage to Jesus Christ, are not men of exalted rank but humble shepherds.
They come to offer their poor gifts but, above all else, they offer Him their simple and innocent hearts.

We also should approach the manger with humility and simplicity.
Foremost among the gifts which we offer, should be the renunciation of sin, a firm resolution to resist our lower inclinations and a great love for Him, Who has loved us so much.
There are no more pleasing gifts which we could offer Jesus Christ on His Birthday.
Let us go now to Him!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/25/thought-for-the-day-25-december-the-feast-of-the-nativity/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/25/thought-for-the-day-25-december-the-feast-of-the-nativity-2/

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, St JOSEPH, The HOLY FAMILY

Thought for the Day – 24 December – The Holy Family – Joseph

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

A Christmas Novena IX
The Holy Family – Joseph

“The third member of the Holy Family is St Joseph, the most just of men, faithful to his vocation as the foster-father of the Child Jesus and chaste spouse o the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Let us imitate his purity, his utter dedication to the service of God and his burning love for Jesus, Whom he was privileged to clasp to his breast before any other man.
Let us ask him to obtain for us the grace to be able to imitate him in his life so that we may also imitate him in his holy death.
May he, who died with Jesus and Mary by his side, obtain peace for us in our final agony, so that we may expire with the names of Jesus and Mary on our lips and in our hearts.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/24/thought-for-the-day-24-december-the-holy-family-jesus-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/24/thought-for-the-day-24-december-the-holy-family-mary/

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The DIVINE INFANT

Thought for the Day – 23 December – What Jesus Wants From Us

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

A Christmas Novena VIII
What Jesus Wants From Us

“There is one last thing which the Infant Jesus requires of each of us.
No-one else can know what it is but we know well what He wants.
There is bound to be some resolution which we have formed many times in the past but, have never properly fulfilled because it cost us too much.
Let us not refuse Jesus this sacrifice, for He has loved us so much that he has sacrificed Himself entirely for us.
As a result of this meditation, let us, at last, put this resolution into effect, with generosity and firmness.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/23/thought-for-the-day-23-december-what-jesus-wants-from-us-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/23/thought-for-the-day-23-december-what-jesus-wants-from-us-3/

Posted in "Follow Me", DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The DIVINE INFANT, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 22 December – Prayer and Dedication

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

A Christmas Novena VII
Prayer and Dedication

“As we kneel before the Infant Jesus, let us beseech Him to enable us to grasp the truth of these reflections.
Let us take more care of our soul than we do, as of our external talents and possessions.
May God occupy the foremost place in our minds and may He be the principal object of our thoughts, desires and affections.

Let us imitate the humble recollection and ardent love for God, of the Holy Infant.
Like Him, let us offer ourselves entirely to God.
Let us ask Him to make us like Himself, in complete acceptance of the Divine Will, especially when we are in trouble or in pain, for in this way, we shall be able to show God how sincerely we love Him.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/22/thought-for-the-day-22-december-a-christmas-novena-vii-prayer-and-dedication/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/22/thought-for-the-day-22-december-prayer-and-dedication/

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on SILENCE, The DIVINE INFANT, The NATIVITY of JESUS

Thought for the Day – 21 December – The Silence of the Divine Infant

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

A Christmas Novena VI
The Silence of the Divine Infant

“Let us kneel in spirit before the Holy Infant.
He is silent but His heart beats with love for His heavenly Father and for the afflicted human race which He has come to redeem.
Let us adore God in the Mystery of His silence and let us ask Him to favour us with His inspirations and graces.
Let us ask Him to teach us to be like Him, so that our Hearts may be closed to the vain attractions of the world and open to the influence of the supernatural.
Let us ask Him to help us to employ the gifts of speech, in order to adore, praise and thank God and to draw down His blessings upon ourselves and oupon our fellowmen.

May the words which we utter exercise a prayerful and fruitful apostolate, for it was chiefly for this purpose that God endowed us with the gift of speech.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/21/thought-for-the-day-21-december-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/21/thought-for-the-day-21-december-the-silence-of-the-divine-infant-2/

Posted in LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The NATIVITY of JESUS

Thought for the Day – 20 December – The Swaddling Clothes of the Divine Infant

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

Christmas Novena V
The Swaddling Clothes
of the Divine Infant

“The swaddling clothes of the Infant Jesus are finally, symbols of the bonds of love which should unite us to our neighbour.
Let us always remember that we shall never love God sincerely, as long as we do not love our neighbour.
“This is My commandment” Jesus said, “that you love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 15:12).
This means that we must love our neighbour, not only in word but, in deed.
We must make sacrifices on his behalf and must even be prepared to die for him!

In practice, how do we love our fellowman?
Are we prepared to spend time, money and energy, in order to alleviate the material and spiritual afflictions which beset so many of our brothers?
If we refuse to do so, our piety is hard and false and, is an insult to Almighty God!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/20/thought-for-the-day-20-december-the-swaddling-clothes-of-the-divine-infant-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/20/thought-for-the-day-20-december-the-swaddling-clothes-of-the-divine-infant-3/

Posted in "Follow Me", DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on BLASPHEMY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The DIVINE INFANT

Thought for the Day –19 December – The First Hours of the Childhood of Jesus Christ

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

A Christmas Novena IV
The First Hours of the
Childhood of Jesus Christ

“When we contemplate the Mystery of Love which caused God-made-man, to weep for our sins, we may not be moved to shed actual tears.
But, we should at least, shed spiritual tears of repentance and of love and of longing for holiness and for complete dedication to Jesus Christ.
We should love Jesus for the countless numbers who do not love Him, or who blaspheme and ignore Him.
We should yearn to make reparation for so much ingratitude and neglect, by our prayers and penances.
The Infinite Love of the God Child, demands all our love in return!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/19/thought-for-the-day-19-december-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/19/thought-for-the-day-19-december-3/