Tag: antoniobacci

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

Thought for the Day – 12 April – The Resurrection

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Resurrection

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

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

Thought for the Day –11 April – Our Desires

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Our Desires

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Easter: The Herald of Peace

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

Posted in DIVINE MERCY, EASTER, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Meaning of Easter

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

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

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

The Repentance of St Peter

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

Thought for the Day – 7 April – Peter Denies Jesus

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

Peter Denies Jesus

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

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Night of the Passion

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Agony of Jesus

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

Thought for the Day – 4 April – Jesus in Gethsemane

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

Jesus in Gethsemane

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Betrayal of Judas

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, The HOLY EUCHARIST

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

Thought for the Day – 1 April – The Interior Life

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Interior Life

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

Thought for the Day – 31 March – The Redemption

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

The Redemption

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Sons of God

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

Thought for the Day – 29 March – ALMSGIVING

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

ALMSGIVING

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

Thought for the Day – 28 March – TEMPTATION

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

TEMPTATION

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

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

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

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

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

The Passion of Our Lord

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

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

Thought for the Day – 25 March – The Annunciation

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

The Annunciation

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

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

The Presence of God

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Why God Created Us

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

Thought for the Day – 19 March – Our Temperament

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

Our Temperament

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

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

Thought for the Day – 18 March – Charitable Works

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

Charitable Works

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

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

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, QUOTES on VANITY

Thought for the Day – 17 March – Privation

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Privation

“Suffering and want can raise us to great moral heights.
A man who knows how to do without worldly things, shows his superiority over them.
A man who knows how to deny himself for the love of God and offers his suffering to Him, is raised to a higher plane of unity and friendship with God.
A man who strips himself of vanity, becomes humble.
A man who denies himself sleep and food, becomes temperate.
A man who refuses to give leeway to pride and anger, becomes patient and gentle.
A man who restrains his bodily appetites when they threaten to dominate him, purifies his soul and grows nearer to God.

When we cheerfully accept the sufferings and privations of this life from supernatural motives, we are preparing ourselves for the everlasting happiness of Heaven.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/18/thought-for-the-day-18-march-privation/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/18/thought-for-the-day-18-march-privation-2/

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

Thought for the Day – 16 March – Purification

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Purification

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

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on DESPAIR, QUOTES on PRAYER

Thought for the Day – 15 March – The Consolation of Prayer

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Consolation of Prayer

“There are moments when we are overcome by a very deep sadness.
It maybe an illness, the result of which could be death or inability to work.
Perhaps it is an insult or calumny which has crushingly humiliated us.
Or perhaps it is some sin into which we have fallen so seriously that we are close to despair.
Somehow, our cross seems too heavy to bear.

It is now that we are in special need of prayer.
We can find peace and resignation.
God is infinitely good and loves us with a fatherly love.
Let us run confidently to Him.
If we pray with humility and perseverance, we shall always be comforted.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/17/thought-for-the-day-17-march-the-consolation-of-prayer/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/17/thought-for-the-day-17-march-the-consolation-of-prayer-2/

Posted in I BELIEVE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Thought for the Day – 14 March – How We Should Pray

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

How We Should Pray

“Finally, our prayer should be persevering.
Perseverance in prayer is always rewarded by God, especially during times of temptation.
The Gospel is full of examples of the way in which perseverance is rewarded.
Remember the blind man of Jericho, who was rebuked for his persistent entreaties.
Nevertheless, he went on shouting: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Cf Lk 18:34-43).
His prayer was eventually answered.
Remember the Centurion.
Although he was a pagan, he requested the cure of his paralysed servant with such outstanding faith and perseverance that Jesus granted what he asked.
“Not even in Israel,” said Jesus, “have I found such great faith” (Lk 7:9).
Remember the parable of the three loaves, which were so persistently demanded in the middle of the night until they were at last obtained (Cf Lk 11:5).
Remember Mary, the sister of Lazarus and the Samaritan woman.
Remember Jairus and the man suffering from dropsy.
Above all, remember the Canaanite woman who almost snatched a miracles from the Hands of Jesus by her humility and perseverance.

A confident spirit of perseverance always wins the Heart of God, Who sometimes waits before answering our prayers, in order to enkindle our desire, to make us pray more and, to reward our perseverance by a liberal bestowal of His favours.
Let us persevere in total trust, with intense love and in the deepest humility, knowing, without any doubt, that our prayers will be answered.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/16/thought-for-the-day-16-march-how-we-should-pray/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/04/thought-for-the-day-4-march-how-we-should-pray/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Thought for the Day – 13 March – PRAYER

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

PRAYER

“The Saints had their failings and temptations like everyone else.
Some experienced continual spiritual aridity.
Others, like St Anthony and St Benedict, were often tempted against purity, while St Francis de Sales, was strongly inclined towards impatience.
Others, like St Therese of the Child Jesus, were even tempted to despair.
But, they all conquered, by means of prauer.

If we wish to conquer in the same way, we must pray too.
Let us never tire of prayer.
Sooner or later, the Father of Goodness and Mercy, will answer us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/13/thought-for-the-day-13-march-prayer/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/13/thought-for-the-day-13-march-prayer-2/

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

Thought for the Day – 12 March – Detachment from the World

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Detachment from the World

“This is not the same as saying that we should have no interest in worldly affairs.
Far from it.
It is our duty to think about them and make provision for the future.
We cannot and should not look for miracles from God.
We must have obligations to ourselves, or to our family, or to our position in life.
We are in this world to work, not to surrender to apathy or inactivity.
We must engage in worldly activity insofar as our circumstances demand it.

Nevertheless, our hearts should not be engrossed in earthly things, for they belong to God.
In the midst of our other preoccupations, we should adore, love and thank God, the Giver of every good, our Creator and our Redeemer.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/12/thought-for-the-day-12-march-detachment-from-the-world/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/12/thought-for-the-day-12-march-detachment-from-the-world-3/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS

Thought for the Day – 11 March – The Growth of Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Growth of Jesus

“Like Jesus, we must advance in goodness before men, as well as before God.
Our external behaviour should be the candid mirror of our inner sanctity.
The external appearance of courtesy, good manners and holiness, should not be mere ostentation.
It should be a vital expression of interior goodness which, naturally, tends to show itself outwardly, so that all “may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven” (Mt 5:16).
If it is no more than a display, Jesus will say that “they have received their reward” (Cf Mt 6:1,5).
If it is pure hyprocrisy, Jesus will drive away the culprits from Himself because, they are “like whited sepulchres” (Cf Mt 23:27).

Let us make Jesus our constant model, therefore.
Let our outward demeanour always reflect our interior goodness and holiness.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/11/thought-for-the-day-11-march-the-growth-of-jesus/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/11/thought-for-the-day-11-march-the-growth-of-jesus-2/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on MERIT, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on REPARATION, QUOTES on VANITY, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR

Thought for the Day – 10 March – The Hidden Life of Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Hidden Life of Jesus

“There are many who complain that their work is degrading or heavy or unsatisfying.
This is an indication that they are working for themselves, rather than for God.

We should sanctify our work by prayer.
We should meditate on the example of Jesus and remeber that there are many sins for which we must make reparation.
If we offer our work to God, it will not only become meritorious but, much easier to bear.

To work purely for profit is avarice, to work for the good opinion and praise of others, is vanity and to work in order to pass the time – is a waste of time!
The perfect Christian approach, is to work in order to do our duty, to please God, to atone for our sins and to gain Heaven.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/10/thought-for-the-day-10-march-the-hidden-life-of-jesus/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/10/thought-for-the-day-10-march-the-hidden-life-of-jesus-2/