Tag: antoniobacci

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING

Thought for the Day – 17 January – The Vicissitudes of Life

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

The Vicissitudes of Life

“Let this be our resolution and the result of our meditation.
When we are tempted to sin, especially against holy purity, let us resist immediately and take flight.
When we encounter misunderstanding on the part of others, or even coldness or calumny, or injustice, let us not be depressed or annoyed.
The only thing which should concern us, is the evidence of our conscience before God.

Offer everything else to God – joy or sorrow, praise or blame, honour or humilition.
Ask only for His grace.
If we have that, we shall have peace of mind as well.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/17/thought-for-the-day-17-january-the-vicissitudes-of-life/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/17/thought-for-the-day-16-january-the-vicissitudes-of-life/

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FRIENDSHIP, QUOTES on The SOUL

Thought for the Day – 16 January – Christian Friendship

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

Christian Friendship

“Forget the series of useless and often academic questions which the philosophers asked concerning the nature of friendship.
Cicero’s definition, however, is worth recording because it is not far from the Christian concept of friendship.
Friends, he says, are those who are united by a bond of affection and of agreement in matters of spiritual and human importance.
True friendship is the result of a mysterious and mutual attraction between two persons, who grow to know, respect and love one another (De Amicitia VI).

Thus, friendship would be fleeting and even dangerous, if it were nourished by the body rather than by the soul.
The soul is eternal.
Therefore, its love is lasting and passes on into eternity.
The body, like the flowers in the fields, is pleasing for a while, then fades and dies.
St Augustine tells us, in his Confessions that he was passionately attached to a young man of his own age, who was blooming with the flower of adolescence.
But he adds, immediately, that this was not a genuine friendship because it did not spring from the charity which the Spirit of God pours into our hearts (Confessions IV, 4:7).
These so-called, particular friendships, should be avoided as dangerous and contrary to Christian teaching.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE

Thought for the Day – 15 January – The Beggars of God

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

The Beggars of God

“Do not think, however, that it is sufficient to ask for God’s help in order to do good.
There is no doubt that His assistance is absolutely essential but, our co-operation with Divine Grace is, equally necessary.
The branch on the vine is not inactive.
It derives its vitality from the vine and in its turn, bears fruit.
In the same way, we must nurture the supernatural life which God infuses into our souls, so that it will mature in good works.

The essence of a holy apostolate is co-operation with the grace of God.
This spirit of generous co-operation, must transform us personally, so that we maybe able to change others.
This is how the Apostles and Saints acted, this is how we must all act.
“By the grace of God, I am what I am” St Paul tells us, “and His grace in me, has not been fruitless – in fact, I have laboured more than any of them, yet, not I but the grace of God, with me” (1 Cor 15:10).

Implore God’s help with humble perseverance.
Be faithful to it in an ardent spirit of sacrifice.
This is what it means to be a Christian!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/15/thought-for-the-day-15-january-the-beggars-of-god/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/17/thought-for-the-day-17-january-the-help-of-god/

Posted in CATHOLIC TIME, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on SLOTH, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 14 January – The Proper Use of Time

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

The Proper Use of Time

“Time is money,” runs an old English proverb.
But, for a Christian, time is something much more important.
It is the price of eternity!
With time well spoent or badly spent, we can purchase a life of eternal happiness with God, or of eternal suffering in hell.
Since our true destiny is God and everlasting happiness, all the time which we spend with this in view, is well spent, whereas, all that is not devoted to this end, is useless or harmful.

We must make a special effort to avoid sloth.
There is good reason for calling it the father of vices.
When a man surrenders to laziness, he is squandering a priceless treasure, which was intended to be used in the service of God and for the sanctification of his own soul and the souls of his fellowmen.
He is also disobeying the clear command which God issued after the sin of Adam: “In the sweat of your brow you shall eat bread” (Gen 3:29).

The man who is steeped in sloth, moreover, is more vulnerable to the temptations of the devil, the suggestions of the flesh and the frivolous attractions of the world.
If our hands are not employed in labour, or our minds occupied in study or prayer, we can easily be diverted from our proper purpose and drawn towards sin.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/14/thought-for-the-day-14-january-the-proper-use-of-time/

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 13 January – HEAVEN

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

HEAVEN

“God desires our salvation.
“God wishes all men to be saved” (1 Tim 2:4).
We are all aspiring to Heaven.
We shall not be denied the grace of God, as long as we ask for it with confidence and perseverance.
St Augustine tells us that Paradise is ours, if we wish: “You are not called to embrace the earth but, to prepare yourselves for Heaven; not to the successes of this world, nor to a short-lived and transient prosperity but, to eternal life, together with the Angels” (Serm 296 6:7).

Contemplate that true and everlasting happiness.
Let us direct towards it, our intentions and desires and all our work!
Then the day will come when we shall be really happy for all eternity.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/27/thought-for-the-day-27-july-heaven/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/13/thought-for-the-day-13-january-heaven/

Posted in "Follow Me", BAPTISM, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on The SOUL, The BAPTISM of the LORD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The INCARNATION, The LAST THINGS

Quote/s of the Day – 13 January – ‘… Putting off the old man!’

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Quote/s of the Day – 13 January – Octave Day of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6, John 1:29-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“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

“Let us become like Christ,
since Christ became like us.
He assumed the worse,
that He might give us the better;
He became poor,
that we through His poverty,
might be rich.”

St Gregory of Nazianzen (330-390)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Ah Jesus, Sun of Justice,
make me clothe myself with You,
so that I may be able to live
according to Your will.
Make me, under Your guidance,
preserve my robe of Baptismal innocence,
white, holy and spotless
and present it undefiled,
before Your tribunal,
so that I may wear it,
for eternal life.”

St Gertrude the Great of Helfta (1256-1301)

“If we wish to make any progress
in the service of God,
we must begin everyday of our life,
with new eagerness.
We must keep ourselves,
in the presence of God,
as much as possible
and have no other view or end,
in all our actions
but the divine honour.”

St Charles Borromeo (1538-1584)

“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 grac and for You!
Amen”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HELL

Thought for the Day – 12 January – HELL 2

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

HELL 2

“In that place of never-ending suffering, there will be three punishments to torture us.
There will be the worm of conscience which does not die – “Their worm dies not” (Mk 9:43).
This is the awful realisation that we could have saved ourselves but are lost for all eternity; that God gave us so many graces and we damned ourselves by abusing them.
Now, there is no longer any remedy because the Mercy of God has been succeeded once and for all, by His Justice!

In the second place, there is fire.
This is a real fire but altogether different from the material fire we know in this world which was created by God for our benefit and service.
The fire of hell, on the other hand, was created by Divine Justice, purely to punish us.
It is a special kind of fire which tortures body and soul and the rebel angels, as well as damned human beings.
It could be called, discerning, insofar, as it torments more or less mercilessly, according to the gravity of the sin.
These flames embrace every evil and exclude every good.
They are flames which will never be extinguished, flames which burn but do not consume, flames without light, dark and accompanied by the shrieking of eternal despair.
The very thought of this horrible dungeon of torments should spur us onto begin immediately, a life of virtue and Christian perfection!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/12/thought-for-the-day-12-january-hell-1/

Posted in MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The LAST THINGS

Thought for the Day – 11 January – The Particular and General Judgements

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

The Particular and General Judgements

“St Catherine of Siena believed that loyalty to the Church and devotion to the Blessed Virgin, were two pledges of salvation.
In one of her letters she wrote that “he will not die forever, who serves the Church faithfully.”
Elsewhere she said that “out of reverence for the Word, the Divine Goodness has granted Our Lady, the privilege that any man, good or sinful, who pays her due honour, will not be taken captive by the devil.”
Consequently, we need not be inordinately afraid of death, or of the final judgement, if we love the Church, obey her commandments and work generously for her triumph in the universe and, if we show a filial devotion to the Blessed Virgin, pray to her and imitate her in virtue, as far as possible,

It will be profitable for us to think about death and the last judgement (Cf Ecclus 7:36).
It will moderate our impatience in tribulations and our inordinate pleasure in consolations.
It will be a stimulus to perseverance in good actions.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/24/thought-for-the-day-24-july-the-particular-and-general-judgements/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/11/thought-for-the-day-11-january-the-particular-and-general-judgements/

Posted in AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, IMMACULATE HEART Quotes, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SACRED HEART QUOTES, The DIVINE INFANT, The NATIVITY of JESUS, To JESUS through MARY

Quote/s of the Day – 11 January – ‘ … For it is through her, that the true Light shines on the sea of this life.’

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Quote/s of the Day – 11 January – Within the Octave if Epiphany

“Go to Mary and sing her praises
and you will be enlightened.
For it is through her,
that the true Light
shines on the
sea of this life.”

St Ildephonsus (607-670)

“Do you not know,
that not only is Jesus,
resting and dwelling continually
in the Heart of Mary
but that He is, Himself the Heart of Mary …”

St John Eudes CO (1601-1680)
Apostle of the Two Holy Hearts

The Mater Christi
Unknown Author

Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
What shall I ask of thee?
I do not sigh for the wealth of earth
For the joys that fade and flee,
But, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
This do I long to see —
The bliss untold which thy arms enfold,
The Treasure upon thy knee.

Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
He was All-in-All to thee,
In the winter’s cave, in Nazareth’s home,
In the hamlets of Galilee,
So, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
He will not say nay to thee,
When He lifts His Face to thy sweet embrace,
Speak to Him, Mother, of me.

Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
The world will bid Him flee,
Too busy to heed His gentle voice,
Too blind His charms to see,
Then, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
Come with thy Babe to me,
Tho’ the world be cold, my heart shall hold
A shelter for Him and thee.

Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
What shall I do for thee?
I will love thy Son with the whole of my strength,
My only King shall He be.
Yes! Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
This will I do for thee,
Of all that are dear or cherished here,
None shall be dear as He.

Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
I toss on a stormy sea,
O lift thy Child as a Beacon Light,
To the Port where I fain would be!
And, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
This do I ask of thee —
When the voyage is o’er, oh! stand on the shore
And show Him at last to me.

“Most Holy Mary, may I follow your example here on earth.
Please lead us, together with your Divine Son, Jesus,
here in our earthly pilgrimage,
for you never once lost sight of God.
May the darkness of this world not encompass me,
for with you beside me and Christ around me,
I will be safe.
For the beauty of the created things
can be a snare of immense power.
May the Light of your Son,
be my beacon and Light my path
and intercede for me,
that I may ever radiate His Light.
Grant that I may see, in all things,
the Presence and Beauty of God alone,
so that I may always continue to advance,
nearer and nearer to Him.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 10 January – The Death of the Just as Opposed to the Death of the Sinner

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

The Death of the Sinner as Opposed
to the Death of the Just

“Now that we have witnessed these contrasting scenes, let us examine ourselves in the presence of God.
Let each of us ask: What will be my fate?
If we can rank ourselves amongst the just, let us thank God.
We are not there on our own merits.
“By the grace of God, I am what I am” (1 Cor 15:10).

Perhaps we need only reproach ourselves with some deficiency or weakness but, have at the same times, a strong desire to serve God and a great love for Him.
In this case, we can take heart.
We can cast ourselves into the merciful arms of God.
But, if on the other hand, we are hardened and habitual sinners, then woe betide us!
Perhaps this meditation is the last grace which God will bestow on us!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/11/thought-for-the-day-11-january-the-death-of-the-sinner/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/12/thought-for-the-day-12-january-the-death-of-the-just/

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

Thought for the Day – 9 January – DEATH

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

DEATH

“The greatest lesson in life springs from reflection on death.
Whoever does not learn, how to live, from death, will never learn anything from anybody!

We MUST DIE and we DIE ONLY ONCE.
This is a test which we shall never have a chance to repeat!
This thought should inspire in us a healthy fear of sin and an ardent desire to be more closely united with God and more faithful in the observance of His law.

As a special fruit of this mediation, let us form the resolution of asking for the last Sacraments at the hour of death, instead of waiting until our relatives are obliged to exhort us to receive them.
It is not a sentence but a gift, for which we ask.
It is the greatest gift which God’s mercy could grant us in that final and decisive moment of our lives .

There is another resolution which we ought to make.
We should live everyday as if it were our last but, we should work as tirelessly as if we never had to die!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/08/thought-for-the-day-8-january-death/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/09/thought-for-the-day-9-january-death/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY

Thought for the Day – 8 January – The Apostolate of Suffering

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

The Apostolate of Suffering

The Agony in the Garden by Luca Giordono (1634-1705) Naples, Italy

“Suffering has a still further purpose.
Besides bearing the role of an apostolate in our own lives, it can also be an apostolate for others,
We can offer our sufferings and sorrows to God, not only for our own spiritual advancement but, also for the expiation of the sins of the human race, for our enemies, for the persecutors of the Church (especially those within the Church!) and for all the other suffering members of the Mystical Body of Christ.
In this way, we can accomplish great good and can acquire great merit before God.

As a result of our offering, who knows how many hearts, hardened in sin, or how many souls forgetful of Heaven, may be touched by the grace of God?
Let us suffer with Jesus.
He alone can ease our pain and make it meritorious.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/10/thought-for-the-day-10-january-the-apostolate-of-suffering/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/08/thought-for-the-day-8-january-the-apostolate-of-suffering/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, St PAUL!, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 7 January – The Problem of Suffering

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

The Problem of Suffering

“Jesus is the Head of the Mystical Body of the Church and we are its members.
We ought to suffer with submission and love, as He did.
Rebellion increases and aggravates the pain.
Resignation and love, on the other hand, lighten it, making it meritorious and even welcome.
It is a consolation to suffer with Jesus.
St Paul says: “I rejoice now in the sufferings I have for your sake and what is lacking of the sufferings of Christ, I fill up in my flesh, for His Body, which is the Church” (Col 1:24).
In other words, the Passion of Christ demands our submissive and joyful co-operation in suffering along with Jesus.

The Acts says of the Apostles, “So they departed from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer disgrace for the Name of Jesus.” (Acts 5:41).

“So great is the reward which awaits me,” exclaims St Francis, “every suffering is pure joy to me!” He knew well, that the sorrows of this world are very tiny compared with the wonderful recompense which awaits us in Heaven.
“The sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come that will be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/07/thought-for-the-day-7-january-the-problem-of-suffering/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/07/thought-for-the-day-7-january-the-problem-of-suffering-2/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the KING, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on the POOR, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD

Thought for the Day – 6 January – The Epiphany

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

The Epiphany

“The Magi gave Jesus material gifts too, as symbols of their complete dedication to Him.
They gave Him gold because He was a King, incense because He was God and myrrh because, He was Man.
We often say that we love God and wish to serve and obey Him in all things.
But when we see that this entails sacrifice, we forget our promises.

We must ask ourselves if we are prepared to offer Jesus, gold, that is, to offer Him everything we possess, for the promotion of His glory, for the spread of His Kingdom and for the relief of His poor, to whom we ought always to see and love in them, Christ Himself.
We must examine ourselves thoroughly on this.
It is easy to find excuses for not giving to God and to His poor, in accordance with our means.

We should offer too, the incense of our adoration and unceasing prayer.
There can be no sanctity without prayer.
There can be no real Christians, without sanctity.

Finally, we must offer the myrrh of our mortification.
Mortification, as St Vincent de Paul has said, is the ABC of Christian perfection.
St Paul exhorts us to carry always, in ourselves, the mortification of Jesus.
If we are not mortified, we can never be holy and can never share the joy which the Magi experieced as they lay prostrate before the cradle of our Divine Redeemer.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/06/thought-for-the-day-6-january-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/06/thought-for-the-day-6-january-the-epiphany/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on SIN, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, VENIAL SIN

Thought for the Day – 5 January – Venial Sin

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

Venial Sin

“There is another motive too, which obliges us to carefully avoid even commiting a venial sin.
The path of sin leads us down a smooth and slippery incline towards destruction.
Once we begin to descend, it is difficult to stop the momentum and scramble back up the smooth, slippery, steep incline.
Even to begin on this path, is a disaster.

“He who wastes the little he has, will be stripped bare” (Eccles 19:1).

“He who is faithful in a very little thing, is faithful also, in much and he who is unjust in a very little thing, is unjust also, in much” (Lk 16:10).

Whoever is faithful to God in little things, will receive from Him, the grace to remain faithful too, in greater things but a man who despises the lesser falls, rejects the Divine assistance and so, exposes himself to the danger of falling more seriously.

If we reflect on such dangers, we shall have a real fear of venial sin and shall be always on our guard against it.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/05/thought-for-the-day-5-january-venial-sin/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 4 January– SIN

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

SIN

“Now, let us turn the spotlight on ourselves and think of our past lives.
So many sins and abuses of God’s grace!
Such coldness and ingratitude!
Where has all this brought us?
Spiritually, sin has deprived us of God and of the supernatural life which His grace gives us.
Intellectually, it is an absurdity, a dishonour and a degradation.
Physically, it is an inversion of the right order and often means total ruin.

Let us humbly repent, therefore and make resolutions so firm that we shall be ready to face any sacrifice, even death, in order to put them into practice.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/13/thought-for-the-day-13-september-sin/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/04/thought-for-the-day-4-january-sin/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on MEDITATION, QUOTES on PRAYER, Quotes on SALVATION

Thought for the Day – 3 January– Making a Good Meditation

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

Making a Good Meditation

“Alessandro Manzoni was once asked how he had managed to penetrate so deeply into the human mind.
Newman was asked how he had succeeded in discovering the law of universal gravity.
Manzoni’s reply was: “By thinking about it.”
Newman’s was: “By thinking intensely.”

Now, in our meditations, we must reveal ourselves to ourselves, which is a very difficult thing to do.
It is, nevertheless, supremely important because its purpose, is not literary or scientific but, is the eternal salvation of our souls!
The attaining of such a purpose, demands serious application on our part, as well as, earnest prayer that God will guide us, so that we may lead lives which will be in union with Him and directed towards their eternal goal, the enjoyment of the Beatific Vision of God!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/03/thought-for-the-day-3-january-making-a-good-meditation/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/03/thought-for-the-day-3-january-making-a-good-meditation-2/

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on MEDITATION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SILENCE

Thought for the Day – 2 January – The Necessity of Meditation in Silence

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Necessity of Meditation in Silence

“There are various ways of meditating.
Each one should choose whichever suits his own character and disposition.
It will always be necessary for him, at the outset, however, to place himself in the presence of God, asking Him for light and strength. Then, to reflect on certain truths, in an effort to apply them to his own particular circumstances and needs and finally, to make the necessary resolutions and beseech God to bless them and make them fruitful.

It is very useful, moreover, to recall to mind frequently, during the rest of 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

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/02/thought-for-the-day-2-january-the-necessity-of-meditation-in-silence/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/02/thought-for-the-day-2-january-the-necessity-of-meditation-in-silence-2/

Posted in MARIAN QUOTES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES for the NEW YEAR, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD

Thought for the Day – 1 January – The New Year

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The New Year

“It is suggested in the Imitation of Christ that if we were to get rid of, at least, one habit of sin every year, we should soon be holy.
If we have not tried to do this in the past, let us do it in the future.
This year let us select the principal defect which we possess, the sin into which we are most accustomed to fall.
Let us seek to eradicate it with all the strength of our soul, assisted by the grace of God which will certainly not be denied us.
Let us request, for this purpose, the most powerful patronage of Mary, Most Holy.
Let us pass this day in close union with God and under the maternal mantle of our Heavenly Mother.

Finally, let us promise earnestly that all the days of the New Year, will follow the same pattern.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/01/meditations-with-antonio-cardinal-bacci-1-january-the-new-year/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/01/thought-for-the-day-1-january-the-new-year/

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

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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 DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN Saturdays, MARIAN TITLES, MOTHER of GOD, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 31 December – ‘You Are All Beautiful, Mary’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 31 December – “The Month of the Divine Infant and the Immaculate Conception”

“Hail, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee:
blessed art thou among women”

Luke 1:28

“The very fact
that God has elected her,
proves, that none was ever
holier than Mary;
if any stain had disfigured her soul,
if any other virgin
had been purer and holier,
God would have selected her
and rejected Mary.”

St Jacob of Sarug (c 451-521)

“O daughter of King David
and Mother of God,
the universal King.
O Divine and living object
whose beauty has charmed God the Creator;
your whole soul is completely open
to God’s action and attentive to God alone.
… Your womb will be the abode
of the one whom no place can contain.
Your milk will provide nourishment for God,
in the little Infant Jesus.
Your hands will carry God
and your knees will serve
as a throne for Him
that is more noble
than the throne of the Cherubim.
… You are the temple of the Holy Spirit,
the city of the living God,
made joyous by abundant flowers,
the sacred flowers of Divine grace.
You are all-beautiful
and very close to God,
above the Cherubim
and higher than the Seraphim,
right near God Himself!
Amen”

St John Damascene (675-749)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Tota Pulchra Es, Maria
You Are All Beautiful, Mary
Unknown Author – 4th Century

You are all beautiful, Mary,
and the original stain is not in you.
You are the glory of Jerusalem,
you are the joy of Israel,
you give honour to our people.
You are an advocate of sinners.
O Mary, O Mary,
Virgin most intelligent,
Mother most merciful.
Pray for us,
Plead for us,
To the Lord Jesus Christ.

Tota pulchra es, Maria.
Et macula originalis non est in Te.
Tu gloria Ierusalem.
Tu laetitia Israel.
Tu honorificentia populi nostri.
Tu advocata peccatorum.
O Maria, O Maria,
Virgo prudentissima.
Mater clementissima.
Ora pro nobis.
Intercede pro nobis.
Ad Dominum Iesum Christum.

“Let us promise, therefore,
that we shall not be unworthy children
of so great a Mother.
Let us promise to remain free
from the slightest taint of sin,
in order to please God and our Blessed Mother.
Let us promise, finally, to make daily progress
towards that level of sanctity
which God requires of us, i
n the particular state
in which He has placed us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 30 December – Dissipation

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

Dissipation

“If we forget God in our frantic search for creatures, God leaves us alone.
No longer do we experience His inspiration and the desire to be holy and to gain Heaven.
Our lives become mediocre.
We do not wish to fall into serious sin because we have not lost the fear of God and are still capable of remorse of conscience.
Our intellects and wills, however, have become entangled in worldly objects.
We rarely think of God because, we are preoccupied with worldly affairs.

What is to be the outcome of all this?
We cannot remain in this state very long.
Our spiritual life lacks the supernatural nourishment of grace, with the result that slowly but surely, we slip from dissipation into sin.
“With desolation is all the land made desolate,” laments the Holy Spirit, “because there is none that considereth in the heart” (Jer 12:11).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/30/thought-for-the-day-30-december-dissipation/

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

“The mercy of God, however, should not provide us with a reason for continuing to fall into sin.
On the contrary, it should be a motive for greater gratitude and love.
We cannot claim, that it is impossible for us to conquer temptation.
If we implore God’s grace and employ all the means of resistance at our disposal, temptation cannot overcome us.

How often in the past, when we prayed fervently and fought with determination, have we not successfully routed temptation?
Why can we not do the same again?
Then we shall have interior peace in this life and an everlasting reward in the next.
“God is faithful,” St Paul assures us, “and will not permit you to be tempted beyond your strength but, with the temptation, will also give you a way out that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor 10:13).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on TIME

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

“This does not mean, of course, that we are obliged to spend all our hours engaged either in prayer or in penance, or in apostolic work.
God does not demand this much.
The bow which is extended too far will snap.
We do need rest, sleep and recreation.
But the most pleasant hours should be those which we dedicate to the love and service of God.

The hours, moreover, which we devote to our work, rest or enjoyments, should be spent in the presence of God.
From time to time, we should think of Him and speak to Him.
We should love also, to interweave our conversations, in a natural manner, with spiritual reflections, for the edification of our neighbour.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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,” je 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, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on MERIT, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SAINT of the DAY

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

“Let us endeavour too, like St Stephen, to suffer, pray and work for the conversion of our fellowmen, so many of whom are wandering in the darkness of error or struggling in the clutches of vice.
Let us try, by our sufferings, prayers and good example, to draw down God;s grace on our unhappy brothers.
If we succeed, we shall share in the merits of their good actions and we shall have ensured our own everlasting salvation.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/26/thought-for-the-day-26-december-st-stephen-the-first-martyr/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/26/thought-for-the-day-26-december-st-stephen-the-first-martyr-2/

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

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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 MARIAN REFLECTIONS, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The HOLY FAMILY, THE HOLY FAMILY - FAMILIAE SANCTAE

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

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

A Christmas Novena IX
The Holy Family – Mary

“The Blessed Virgin Mary, is the second model proposed for our imitation in the Holy Family.
She is the purest and most beautiful of creatures ever fashioned by the Hand of God.
As Mother of the Word Incanate, her dignity touches the Divine.
Preserved from all stain of sin from the moment of her conception, she is full of grace.
Except in God Himself, no greater beauty and holiness can be found elsewhere, than in Mary.

We do not read that Mary worked miracles, had ecstasies, or possessed any extraordinary external gifts.
Her sanctity was completely internal.
She trod the ordinary way of perfection, therefore, the way most easily imitated by us and, nevertheless, reached the highest peak of holiness.
Since we are her devoted and affectionate children, let us ask her for the grace to follow her in the way of perfection and of complete resignation to the will of God.
Although we may have to follow her from afar, let us follow with enthusiasm and love..”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HUMILITY, The DIVINE INFANT, The WILL of GOD

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

“Unless you turn and become like little children,” the Infant Jess says to us, “you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 18:2).
He wishes us to be humble, simple and innocent, like children.
As we grow older, unfortunately, many of us become proud, complicated and vain.
We lose the honest candour of childhood

Worldly pretentiousness cannot possibly appeal to Jesus, since He, Who is truly great, chose to become a tiny Infant.
He wishes us to renounce the self-important airs and the intricate methods which we employ, in order to conceal the truth, to disguise our lack of virtue and to assume the appearances of learning and of authority, regardless of the fact that the highest achievement of which we are capable, is to be humble, the most necessary knowledge of all, is to know Jesus Crucified and the best kind of authority, is the ability to control our passions and to subject ourselves to the will of God.

It is, in this sense, that we must become little children before God and before man.
Then Jesus Christ will love us and will grant us His favours.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

Posted in ADVENT REFLECTIONS, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on THE WORLD

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

“Men are normally judged by their actions and by the degree of external success which they have achieved.
God, however, judges them by their intentions and by their internal dispositions.
It is futile and may even be dangerous, to accomplish great thins and to attract the attention and applause of men, unless we have first of all, learned the lesson which the Infant Jesus teaches us in the manger.

In other words, we must be humble and must seek God rather than ourselves, in all our thoughts, desires and actions.
If our actions are to be genuinely pleasing to God, however, they must originate in an interior life of dedication to God and of complete harmony with His will.
If this is lacking, everything is lacking!
Without this interior life of grace and love, we are “as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal” (1 Cor 13:1) and our actions are valueless in the sight of God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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