Tag: antoniobacci

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Thought for the Day – 16 February – The Duties of Our State

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

The Duties of Our State

“Everyone finds himself in a certain position in life.
He may be there, either through force of circumstances, or, through somebody else’s desire, or through some secret inspiration from God,
In any case, each of us is in a certain place and God, either wills it or permits it.
We should not complain about our state in life.
No matter what that state is, we can either be saved or damned for all eternity.
In any position, we can do a great deal of good or a great deal of evil, according to the way in which we co-operate with the grace of God.
We should not envy the positions of others.
This would be unjust because, it would be tantamount to questioning the arrangements of Providence, which gives everyone the graces necessary, in his particular state.
It would also be injurious, insofar, as we should be worried and disturbed, instead of working peacefully and earnestly, in the place assigned to us by God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CATHOLIC TIME, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on PRAYER

Thought for the Day – 15 February – The Order of the Day

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

The Order of the Day

“Monks and nuns can have a fixed daily rule of life but this is not possible for everybody.
However, everybody will find it useful to have a general timetable capable of being varied to suit different circumstances.
In constructing a general rule of life for ourselves, we should keep two things in mind, namely, the division of the day into periods and the way in which we shall behave during these periods.

It is hopeless to begin the day without any pre-arranged plan.
Either, there is gong to be order, or disorder.
If there is disorganisation, it will produce two results.
(1) There will be hurry and confusion in fulfilling those duties which have been left over, until the end of the day.
(2) There will be protracted periods of idleness, during which, we shall persuade ourselves, that there will be plenty of time to get everything done before nightfall.

To avoid such a situation, everyone should have a timetable, adapted to his requirements.
Naturally, it should be capable of any reasonable variations, which circumstances may suggest but, in the meantime, it will help us to get through our day, calmly and with results.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

 

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Thought for the Day – 13 February – The Causes of Discontent

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

The Causes of Discontent

“It is hard to find anyone, in this world, who is really content.
Some grumble about poor health, others about not having enough to live on, others about an unsuccessful career.
Some complain about the lack of sympathy and the ingratitude of men, others, about constant temptation, spiritual dryness and the discouragement of frequently falling into sin.
Still others, are confined to a bed of pain for weeks, months or even years at a time.
There are some, too, who must endure mental suffering, which is greater than any physical pain.
Perhaps, they have lost a loved one, who was the centre of their own life upon earth, or perhaps they are suffering from a loss of reputation, the result of some calumny or of some moment of weakness, on their own part.
In short, this world can be compared to quote St Therese of the Child Jesus – to an unsatisfactory hotel, in which we must spend the night, while we are waiting for the breaking of an eternal day in which we shall be able to see God.
He is fortunate, who knows how to live contentedly, or, at least resignedly, in this poor boarding-house, until the dawn of that better life, which is the only object of our earthly journey!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRIDE

Thought for the Day – 12 February – Self-Love

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

Self-Love

“By self-love we mean here, an inordinate love of self.
We are not forbidden to love ourselves.
In fact, this is something natural to us and, therefore, intended by God.
We should love ourselves, however, in a properly ordered manner.
In the first place, we must love God above everything and, therefore, more than ourselves.
God is our creator and our Redeemer and our final end.
Everything comes to us from Him and for this reason, everything must return to Him.
We should not be self-centred but, God-centred.
In other words, we must direct all our actions towards God, not towards ourselves.
We cannot set our own ego in the place which belongs to God, still less above Him.
To do so, would be equivalent of robbing God, because everything is His and we ourselves belong to Him.
If we have any intelligence at all, let us remember that God gave it to us.
If we have sound health, strength, or good looks, let us remember, that these are His gifts.
If we have amassed a great store of cultural or artistic learning as a result of our ability and study, let us not become too attached to it, nor look for praise and admiration.
It is God who gave us this ability and the energy and enthusiasm to cultivate it.
Honour and glory are due to God alone!“

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in GOD is LOVE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD

Thought for the Day – 11 February – The Love of Our Neighbour

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

The Love of Our Neighbour

“The Gospel not only commands us to love God above all things but also, to love our neighbour as ourselves (Cf Mt 13:35-40).
The Christian love of our neighbour, flows necessarily from the love of God.
Our Creator loves all men as His own sons.
Therefore, we ought to love one another as brothers, even as Our Lord loves us.
We should see, in our neighbour, especially if he is in need, the person of Christ Himself, our elder brother, “the first-born among many brethren” (Rom 8:29).

If men sincerely loved one another, not merely as brothers but as much as they love themselves, what problems would be solved!
Who can say how many evils would be abated and how many sorrows would be assuaged?
To transform the world, it would be enough to put into practice the first great commandment of the Gospel, which is the commandment of charity.
Admittedly, the world would not become an earthly paradise, for any such Utopia is an impossibility.
But, it would become a dignified dwelling place of brothers, loving and helping one another.
“Love is the fulfilment of the law,” St Paul very truly says (Rom 13:10).
“Have charity, which is the bond of perfection” (Col 3:14).

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day – 10 February – The Love of God

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

The Love of God

“God’s law is founded on love.
We read in the Gospel how the Pharisees asked Jesus which was the greatest commandment of the Law.
Jesus replied:  “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. And the second is like it.   Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.   On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets” (Mt 22:37-40).

If a man wants to know if he is living a good Christian life, therefore, all he has to do is ask himself if he loves God above everything and his neighbour as himself.
If he lacks this love, he is not a true Christian – everything else is insignificant, if not useless.
“Love God,” says St Augustine “and do what you will.”
Why so?
Because, if anyone loves God sincerely, he does not offend Him.
Moreover, he serves Him diligently and promotes His honour and glory by every means in his power.
Nor does he find it very difficult to do this.
Love gives wings to his feet and pours enthusiasm and fervour into his heart.
“He who loves does not feel tired,” says St Augustine.
“Where there is love,” adds St Bernard, “there is no weariness but a gentle pleasure instead.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in GOD the FATHER, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE

Thought for the Day – 9 February – The Use of Creatures

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

The Use of Creatures 

“God has created all things for Himself, as He is the most perfect being and the final end of all things.
He has made man supreme in the world, however and has made all other creatures subject to him (Cf Gen 1:28)
This God-given supremacy over the universe continues, even after the fall of Adam.
It can no longer be exercised without trouble and suffering, as it was in the state of innocence, however.
Now, it must be acquired, by hard manual labour and by keen intellectual research and study.
After man’s disobedience to God, even the relationship which existed between him and created things was disturbed.
But these things are still a ladder which leads to God, if they are properly used.
They are a distant reflection of His beauty and omnipotence.
“The heavens,” says the Psalmist, “declare the glory of God and the firmament proclaims his handiwork” (Ps 18:2).

Let us listen to the voice of creation, for it speaks to us of God.
St Therese of the Child Jesus wept when she beheld the fragile beauty of a flower and said, “How great is God’s love for us!”
St Francis of Assisi saw the image of the common Creator everywhere around him and called all these things, including fire and water, his brothers and sisters. He even conversed with them in a simple way. He looked upon death itself, as the good sister who was to free him from the slavery of the body and unite him to God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day – 8 February – Doing Everything for the Love of God

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

Doing Everything
for the Love of God

“The beginning of perfection consists in doing the will of God, even in our smallest actions.
But, to do everything for the love of God, is the summit of Christian perfection.
If we aimed always at doing God’s will and acting from the motive of love for Him, we should be contented and at peace, because we should be holy.
The saints are the only people who remain calm and undisturbed in the midst of worldly adversity.
They are always content, because they live in God.
Their lives are in full conformity with His Will, guided by His Love and dedicated to His Service.
As a result, they live in a kind of spiritual stratosphere far above the storms of this world.
There they are above the clouds of pride, ambition, avarice and all the other major vices.
There they see and contemplate everything in the Light of God.
Let us become saints!
Then we shall have solved all the problems of life!.” Amen

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MORALS, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 7 February – Religion and Action

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

Religion and Action

John 14 6 i am the way -the Christian religion is moe than - bacci 7 feb2020

“Jesus says in the Gospel:  “I am the way and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6).
The world was lost in the darkness of error and in the entanglement of vice.
Jesus came to point out the only path which leads to truth and to virtue.
But He was not satisfied merely to show the way and to preach the truth.
There were philosophers who had spoken eloquently and taught wisely on the subject of truth and the virtues.
Nobody, however, was able to give men the strength to follow their precepts.
Many could have repeated the words of the poet:  “Video meliora proboque deteriora sequor;  “I see what it is better to do but I do what is worse” (Ovid, Metamorphoses, VII, 20-21).
Jesus, on the other hand, not only taught the way and the truth but by His grace, gave men a spark of the divine life which was in Him.
The Christian religion is more than a system of doctrines to be firmly held.
It is more than a system of private and public worship of God and veneration of His Saints, more than a mere collection of rites to be observed.
It should also be a way of life in full conformity with the moral precepts given by Jesus Christ.
He is declared to be not only the way and the truth but our very life, in the sense, that He transfuses into us, His own divine life, by means of His grace, with which we must co-operate generously, if we wish to be true Christians.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day – 6 February – Religion and Devotion

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

Religion and Devotion

“St Thomas Aquinas concisely expressed the nature of religion in these words: “The object of religion is to give honour to the One God because, He is the first principle of creation and order in the universe” (Summa Theologiae, II-II, q 81, a 3).

We know that everything is the work of God.
Everything depends on Him, both for it’s being and for it’s continued existence.
This is so from man, down to the minutest insect, from the stars in the sky, to the invisible atom.
It is true that man and the other creatures also work.
In fact, the universe is a gigantic workshop.
But God, is the one and only cause of man and of the whole of nature.
We are only instruments of the divine omnipotence.
Now, justice demands that we give everyone his due.
Everything belongs to God.
Therefore, man out to humble himself before God, in an act of adoration and loving obedience.
From the highest mountains to the depths of the valley, from the stars of the firmament to the tiny flowers of the fields, all creation unconsciously sings of the glory of God.
In the same way, man, a creature of intelligence and free will, should offer himself and all his faculties, in an act of complete homage to his Creator and Lord.
But, there is more to it than that.
God is not only our Creator and Lord, He is also our Redeemer.
The eternal Word of God became man out of love for us.
He gave us His teaching and commandments.
He redeemed us with His Precious Blood and left us the Church, as our Mother and our Infallible Teacher of Truth.
So, if religion is to be complete, it will oblige us to be obedient to whatever God has revealed and to whatever the Church, which He founded, commands and teaches us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day – 5 February – Idleness

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

Idleness

 

“We are entitled to set aside time for lawful repose and for meditation and prayer.
But real idleness is always a sin.
It can easily be the cause of graver faults and of our spiritual ruin.
God gave us material and spiritual powers, as our talents, which we must employ for profit and not bury uselessly in the earth.
The servant who received five talents from God and increased the sum by another five, was rewarded by the praise of his Lord and admission into the kingdom of Heaven.
He dealt in a similar manner with the other servant, who had received two talents and doubled them by his industry.
But the lazy servant, who buried the talent he had received and met his master with empty hands, was condemned and flung into the darkness of Hell (Cf Mt 25:15-30).
This is a frightening lesson which the Gospel teaches us.
It should make us think about the fact that one day we shall have to render an account to God of all the gifts which He has bestowed on us.
Has He given us a great deal?
If so, we shall have to account for it all.
Has He given us only a small amount?
Even so, we shall have to account for every bit of it!
Consider the immense responsibility which becomes ours, along with the gifts of God.
Let us resolve to employ these to the best of our ability, so that when we appear before Him, our hands will not be empty but filled with gains.“

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day – 4 February – “Ora et labora” Work and Sanctity

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

Work and Sanctity

“A man who does not work, cannot be a saint.
But it is not enough to work alone, just as it is not enough to pray alone, in order to become holy.
Either, on it’s own, is too little.
Perfection consists in praying and working.
This is how Jesus spent His Life.
The Apostolic Constitution (Pius XII), Sponsa Christi, urges, even the contemplative Orders, to devote themselves to work.
It assures them, that work will prove no obstacle to their growth in perfection but, will be “a powerful and consistent exercising of all the virtues and the pledge of an effective combination of the contemplative and active life, after the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth” (AAS 1951, p 13).
We must sanctify our work with prayer.
The Benedictines have practiced throughout the centuries, their celebrated motto “Ora et labora,” “Pray and work.”
By means of it, they transformed the world during the darkest centuries of the Church.
They converted impenetrable forests into fertile plains.
They set up centres of work and study which later became flourishing cities.
They appeased the barbarians who were threatening to destroy civilisation.
They built Monasteries and Cathedrals.

Above all, they preached the Gospel to the people and bound them together, in the brotherhood of Christian charity.
This is an illustration of what can be accomplished by work united with prayer.
It produces holiness in the individual and, through him, in human society.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Thought for the Day – 2 February – The Purification of Our Lady

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

The Purification of Our Lady

“When we meditate on the subject of this Feast, we find two outstanding examples to be imitated.
The first is given by Mary.
She was perfectly pure and holy, conceived without original sin and full of grace.
She knew well that she had conceived her Divine Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
So, she was not obliged to observe this humiliating law of purification.
Nevertheless, she fulfilled it and gave God the offering of the poor as a lesson for us, in humility and poverty.
It is so easy for us to excuse ourselves from obeying the law and to make a display of our special privileges before others.
Let us learn from Mary, to love silent submission and detachment from worldly wealth and honours.

The other example is given us by Jesus.
Being God, there was no need for Him to be bought back, in the same way as the first-born sons of the Israelites.
He was the Saviour who had come to redeem the human race from sin and make them heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven.
But He said of Himself, “I have not come to destroy but to fulfil” (Mt 5:17).
A few days earlier He had submitted to the painful and humiliating rite of circumcision.
Now He allows Himself to be offered in the temple as a victim of expiation for all mankind.
These are glorious examples, before which, our pride should bow in shame.
We should be moved to offer ourselves to God, lovingly and without reserve”!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CATHOLIC Quotes, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on VIRTUE

Thought for the Day – 1 February – True Peace

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

True Peace

true peace flourishes in an atmosphere of good - bacci 1 fe 2020

Everybody desires peace but very few people possess it.
A good many profound and beautiful definitions have been attempted.
Cicero called it “tranquilla libertas,” which one might translate as “undisturbed freedom.”
His general idea was that there can be no peace without liberty.
St Augustine defined it as “Hominum ordinata concordia” (De Civitate Dei, XLX, 13) or “Ordered agreement among men.”
St Thomas Aquinas followed on the same lines when he said, that peace was “tranquillitas ordinis” (Summa Theologiae, II-II, q.29, a1 ad 1) or “tranquillity of order.”
There are three necessary elements in peace.
They are order, harmony and liberty.
Right order is the most important.
Everything in us must be in it’s proper place.
As we have shown in the preceding meditation, our lower faculties must be entirely subordinate to right reason and, this must be completely subject to the law of God.

Every act of rebellion against this proper order, creates confusion in our nature and makes peace impossible.
Furthermore, there must be harmony and agreement.
This means that our minds must voluntarily accept and embrace this just order and not merely endure it with reluctance.
As St Thomas Aquinas says, peace is an act of charity, it comes indirectly from justice and directly from charity.   (Summa Theologiae, II-II, q 29, a1, ad 3).
We have perfect peace when this just order holds sway within us provided that we are not enduring it, as if it were a yoke but lovingly accepting it, under the inspiration of divine charity.
This is that genuine peace which gives us the liberty of the sons of God, that freedom from evil, with which Christ has set us free (Cf Gal 4:31, 2 Cor 3:17).
True peace flourishes in an atmosphere of goodness and perishes when it encounters evil.
Whether it is in the field of social relations or in the spiritual life, peace without liberty is not peace at all but slavery and death!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day – 31 January – Blessed are Those who Love Peace

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

Blessed are Those who Love Peace

“Blessed are the peacemakers,” Our Lord says, “for they shall be called children of God” (Mt 5:9).

All those who are in the state of grace and, therefore, living on the supernatural plane, are the adopted sons of God and shares in His divine nature (Cf 2 Peter 1:4), which they will enjoy one day in the Beatific Vision.
Our Saviour, however, refers to those who love peace, as being in a special way, the sons of God.
Why is this?
St Augustine offers the real explanation (Cf De Serm Domini, lib 1, Cap 2).   God is perfect peace and harmony.   In Him, there is no conflict.   His being and His activity, are identical.   He is perfect unity and simplicity, eternal and unaffected by the limitations of space and time.
Now, the son, should be a living image of the father.
Those who reflect, although necessarily in a limited way, this peace, harmony and serene activity in their own personality, deserve to be called, in a special way, the sons of God. They are the true lovers of peace.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day – 30 January – How to Guard Holy Purity

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

How to Guard Holy Purity

st augustine warns us also in his confessions - on purity - bacci - 30 jan 2020

“Purity of heart is a quality which attracts everybody, even those who are evil themselves.   It makes a man seem like an angel in human form, for it shines from his countenance.
Unfortunately, the virtue of purity, is as difficult as it is beautiful.
It is fatal for anyone to cast himself into the mire.
The first sin of impurity is a disaster, because it is often the first link in a tragic chain, which makes him the salve of his lower impulses and of the tyrannical enemy of souls, the devil.

We must resist the earliest suggestions of the flesh, by every means in our power, both natural and supernatural.

St Thomas Aquinas tells us that none of the passions dethrones reason so much as sensuality (Summa Theologiae, II-II, q.53, a.6).
St Augustine warns us also in his Confessions, that lust has it’s cause in a perverse will and if anybody surrenders to it, he acquires the evil habit.
If this habit is not resisted, the sin becomes a frightening necessity.
Resist from the beginning, if you wish to avoid ruin and the slavery of the devil, who cunningly uses this passion, to capture souls.
If a man is overcome by violent temptation and falls into sin, however, he should not lose courage.
God is infinitely good and merciful.
He knows our weakness.
When anyone falls, let him rise immediately.
Let him return to God by repenting and making a good confession.
Let him resolve to make any sacrifice, rather than fall again!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in HOLY ORDERS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE, QUOTES on PURITY, The BEATITUDES

Thought for the Day – 29 January – Blessed are the Clean of Heart

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

Blessed are the Clean of Heart

it is a sublime dignity to belong body and soul to god - bacci 29 jan 2020

“Understood in it’s entirety, as embracing it’s higher grade, that is, perpetual virginity consecrated to God, purity of heart is a gift which only Christianity can give (Encyclical, Sacra Virginitas, Pope Pius XII, 1954).
If we have been called to receive this wonderful gift, let us humbly thank God.
It is a sublime dignity to belong, body and soul, to God.

Sacred Scripture says of men:  “What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man, that you should care for him?   You have made him a little less than the angels and crowned him with glory and honour.   You have given him rule over the works of your hands, putting all things under his feet” (Ps 8:5, Heb 2:7).
But, under a certain aspect, those who are living in virginity, can be said to be superior to the angels.
Since an angel has no body, he offers God only the homage of his spirit.
A virgin, on the other hand, must bear the burden of an earthly body.
He must offer continually, on the altar of his heart (and often, after a heroic battle), not only his soul with it’s appetites and will but also, all the impulses and lower faculties “which wage war against the soul” (1 Pter 2:11).

This is a double sacrifice, which St Ambrose calls, a continual martyrdom of body and soul.
But the reward lies in the joy and peace which flow from this perpetual offering of soul and body to the Immaculate Lamb.
This happiness is a compensation, for any conflict, which must be endured and is, a foretaste of the joys of Heaven.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on MERCY, The BEATITUDES, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 28 January – Blessed are the Merciful

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

Blessed are the Merciful

If we want God to show mercy to us, we must be merciful to those who are in material or spiritual distress.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Mt 5:7)

Let us recall the Gospel parable about the king who was making out the accounts of all his servants.
One man was brought before him who owed him the enormous sum of ten thousand talents.
He had no means of paying the debt.
In order to obtain at least some compensation, the king ordered that this servant should be sold, together with his wife and children.
But the servant wept and implored, so that the king was moved with pity and pardoned him completely.
When the servant had left the king’s presence, he met a fellow servant who owed him a small sum, namely, one hundred pieces of silver.
He threw himself angrily upon him immediately.
The unfortunate fellow began begging for mercy with tears in his eyes but, it was no use.
He was flung into prison and condemned to forced labour until such time as the debt would be paid.
Soon afterwards, the king came to hear of this incident.
He was furious with the cruel servant and ordered him to be put in prison and severely punished (Mt 18:23-25).

This parable refers to all of us.
What debts we have contracted before God!
Nevertheless, He is prepared to forgive us everything, provided that we are also merciful towards our fellowmen.
This should be a comforting assurance.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day – 27 January – The Rich

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

The Rich 

Sacred Scripture has some very severe and terrible things to say to the rich.
“Woe to you rich! for you are now having your comfort” (Lk 6:24).
“Amen, I say to you, with difficulty will a rich man enter the kingdom of heaven.   And further, I say to you, it is easier for a camel top pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 19:23-24, CF Mk 10:24-25, Lk 18:24-25).
St James adds:  “Come now, you rich, weep and howl over your miseries which will come upon you.   Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten.   Your gold and silver are rusted and their rust will be a witness against you and will devour your flesh as fire does.   You have laid up treasure in the last days.   Behold, the wages of the labourers who reaped your fields, which have been kept back by you unjustly, cry out and their cry has entered into the ears of the Lord of Hosts.   You have feasted upon earth and you have nourished your hearts on dissipation in the days of slaughter” (Js 5:1-5).

These passages are not concerned with the rich as such, for men like Abraham, Job and St Louis, the King of France, were wealthy.   They are directed against those who have become absorbed in their wealth (Mk 10:24) and have grown deaf to the rightful promptings of justice and charity.

Nevertheless, it is not only the wealthy and unjust who should reflect seriously on these stern words but also, those who have more than they need in life and are never moved by compassion for their less fortunate fellowmen.
Can we be counted amongst these?

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day – 26 January – Blessed are the Poor

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

Blessed are the Poor 

“Blessed are the rich.”
This, is the judgement of the world.
But Jesus says: “Blessed are you poor” (Lk 6:20).
Whom are we to believe?
Naturally, we must believe Jesus.
A certain amount of confusion could arise, however, in our understanding of this maxim.
It becomes clear from the context of St Luke and still clearer in the words of St Matthew, who writes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Mt 5:3).
It is necessary, therefore, as St Jerome and others have commented, to be poor in our detachment from our possessions.

If a poor man longs for riches and envies and hates the wealthy because of their possessions, he is NOT poor in spirit.
Therefore, he cannot receive the blessing of which Our Lord spoke.
In the same way, a rich man may be attached to his great wealth.
Perhaps, he aims at nothing else but to increase it and, because he is thinking of it all the time, neglects his duty to God and to his neighbour.
Above all, love of riches may causes him to be lacking in justice and charity.
The behaviour of such a man is contrary to the law of God.
Meditate carefully on this point and do not neglect to make, whatever resolutions, seem necessary.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day – 25 January – Mediocrity

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Thought for the Day – 25 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) – Feast of the Conversion of St Paul

Mediocrity

we cannot be content with half-hearted efforsts - bacci 25 jan 2020

“A Christian cannot be satisfied with mediocrity.
He must strive for perfection.
This is the command of Jesus.
“You, therefore, are to be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48).
The same counsel is given in the Old Testament:  “You shall make and keep yourselves holy, because I am holy” (Lev 11:44).
The Apostles had the habit of referring to all the Christians of their time, as holy.
For instance, St Paul addresses the faithful of the church of Ephesus, in this way, (Eph 1:1), while, St Peter describes the Christian community as “a holy nation, a purchased people” (1 Peter 2:9).

We cannot be content with half-hearted efforts but, must work hard to become holy.
“I come,” says Jesus, “that they may have life and have it more abundantly” (Jn 10:10).
Some day we shall either be saints in Heaven, or among the damned in Hell.
Whoever is satisfied with MEDIOCRITY, BETRAYS the mission of Christ.
He returns ingratitude for His infinite goodness and SQUANDERS His divine grace.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day – 24 January – Following Jesus

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Thought for the Day – 24 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) – Friday of the Second week in Ordinary Time, Year A

Following Jesus

John 14 6 i am the way - there is only one reform necessary - bacci 24 jan 2020

“When we have renounced ourselves and have embraced our cross with resignation and love, we must follow Jesus.
We must follow Him in a special way as the infallible Teacher of truth.
The teachings of men cannot satisfy our intellects.
Still less, can they satisfy our hearts.
What they teach is either incomplete or false.
This is proved by the fact that the doctrines of mean have succeeded and replaced one another, down through the centuries while “the word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25).

The teaching of Christ produces an extraordinary renovation in the individual, in the family and in society.
It is this renewal which we call Christianity and Christian civilisation.
There is a wide chasm between paganism and Christianity.
This gulf would be even wider, only for the fact that Christianity has not yet been fully put into practice throughout the universe.
There is only one reform necessary.
This is to realise the Christian ideal everywhere.
We must begin by carrying it out ourselves.
Let us follow Jesus, Who is saying to us:  “I am the way and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6). “He who follows Me does not walk in darkness” (Jn 8:12).

Let us follow our divine Master and we shall be sure that we are travelling towards Heaven!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day – 23 January – Carrying our Cross

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Thought for the Day – 23 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) – Thursday of the Second week in Ordinary Time, Year A

Carrying our Cross

“When we have renounced ourselves in order to do the will of God in every detail, we must embrace our cross everyday.
We must carry it with resignation and love, in the footsteps of Jesus.
Each of us has his cross.
It might be, ill health or financial distress.
It might be, some person whom we feel to be intolerable and with whom we hve to live.
It might be, humiliation or calumny.
It might be, some temptation, which we find hard to fight and which is continually causing us to fall.
It might be, all of these things together.
Whatever it is, it is our cross.

To rebel, would be to make things far worse.
Our cross would only become heavier and more unbearable.
Jesus tells us to embrace it, as He did.
He tells us to bow beneath it’s weight and follow Him.
If we accept His invitation, at once our cross will seem lighter.
A man who is in love, does not feel fatigue.
We must carry our cross out of love of God and in the hope of a heavenly reward.
Then we can say with St Francis de Sales – “Suffering passes but the experience of having suffered for the love God remains.”
We shall understand how true were Our Lord’s words – “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28).

The cross, which we accept, from the hands of Jesus and out of love for Him, is a sweet burden.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL

Thought for the Day – 22 January – Self-Denial

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Thought for the Day – 22 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) – Wednesday of the Second week in Ordinary Time, Year A

Self-Denial  

“Even though it may not have been put into practice very much, contempt for riches had been taught by some of the ancient pagan philosophers.
Nobody, before Christ, however, even thought of demanding self-renunciation, as well.
Self-denial might seem to be a degradation and almost an annihilation of human nature.
It might appear quite impossible.
Nevertheless, Jesus has said:  “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mt 16:24)

Would God have commanded us to do something impossible?   Certainly not!
As St Augustine says, our divine Redeemer did not order us to do anything impossible but, to do whatever is perfect.
Perfection is, admittedly, difficult but it is not impossible.
Should we answer Jesus Christ’s command in the same way as the the disciples did on one occasion:  “This is a hard saying. Who can listen to it?” (Jn 6:61)
No, our reply must be that which St Peter gave when Our Lord asked reproachfully, “Do you also wish to go away?” (Jn6:68)
We must repeat with Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go?   Thou has the words of everlasting life and we have come to believe and to know, that Thou are the Christ, the Son of God” (Jn 6:69).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day – 21 January – Humility

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

Humility

“Humility is the most difficult of all the virtues, because it requires us to deny ourselves.
Jesus warns us, that anyone who wishes to follow Him, must deny himself. “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself” (Mt 16:24).

Humility is necessary if we wish to go straight to Jesus, Who was the first to humble Himself by becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the Cross (Phil 2:8).
The Imitation of Christ contains some profound remarks upon this subject. “Seldom do we find anyone so spiritual as to be stripped of all things… If a man gives his whole substance, still it is nothing.   And if he do great penance, it is but little. And if he attain to all knowledge, he is far off still.    And if he have great virtue and very fervent devotions, there is still much wanting to him, namely, the one thing which is supremely necessary for him.   What is that?   That having left all things else, he leave also himself and wholly go out of himself and retain nothing of self-love.” (Bk II c 2:4).

When he has done all this, remember, he has only given God all that he received from Him.
He has given nothing which was really his.
He has only fulfilled an obligation of restitution.
When he has arrived at this stage of humility, therefore, he should repeat the words of Jesus.   “When you have done everything that was commanded you, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants, we have done what it was our duty to do'” (Lk 17:10).

This is genuine humility, as preached in the Gospel.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day – 20 January – The Pope

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Thought for the Day – 20 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) – Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

The Pope

there is, however, in the world one man - bacci 20 jan 2020

The words with which a great Bishop and orator, Bossuet, began the funeral oration of a great king, are well remembered in history:  “God alone is great.”
This is true in the absolute sense of the word.
We are all insignificant, because any greatness which we can possess, is not ours but comes from God.

There is, in the world, however, one man in whom the greatness of God is reflected, in the most outstanding way of all.
He participates in the authority and, in a certain sense, in the personality of Christ.
This man is the Vicar of Jesus Christ, the Pope.

It is necessary, to think deeply about certain words of our Redeemer, which the protestants and schismatics of every age seem to be anxious to forget.
These words were addressed to Peter and through him, to all his successors in the Church, which was destined to last till the end of time (Mt 29:20).   “Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.   And I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven and, whatever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven and whatever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed also in heaven.” (Mt 16:19-19).   And again: “Feed my lambs … Feed my lambs … Feed my sheep” (Jn 21:15-17).

These words need to be thought about rather than explained.
The Church is compared to a building which must rest upon one foundation stone – the Pope.
The Church is compared to a flock, which has only one shepherd – the Pope.
To him, is entrusted the divine power of binding and loosing upon earth.
This power, is granted to him personally.
It is given to the other Apostles, only as a group, united to him.

Antonio Cardinal Baccithe church is compared to a building - bacci - 20 jan 2020

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Thought for the Day – 19 January – The Church – Jesus’ Masterpiece

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Thought for the Day – 19 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) – The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

The Church

“Jesus Christ did not found the Church only as the Mystical Body, of which He is the Head and we are the members.
He also made it a visible and hierarchical society, the supreme authority in doctrine and morals, the distributor of His grace and of the means of Redemption.
If He had not done this, it would be impossible to understand how men could have carried on the saving work of the Redeemer, throughout the centuries.

The Church is Jesus’ Masterpiece.
It is empowered by His grace and authority, to enlighten men and guide them safely along the path of sanctity.
Jesus said to His Apostles and through them to their successors: “He who hears you, hears me and he who rejects you, rejects me” (Lk 10:16).
He also said: “I am with you all days, even unto the consummation of the world” (Mt 28:20).

This is why obedience is our first duty to the successors of the Apostles, in other words, to the hierarchical Church.
We must obey the Church, as we would obey Christ.
Anybody who makes exceptions or compromises in this matter, is not a true Christian!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Thought for the Day – 18 January – The Veneration and Imitation of the Saints

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Thought for the Day – 18 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) – Saturday of the First week in Ordinary Time, Year A

The Veneration and Imitation of the Saintswhat a wonder a saint is - bacci 18 jan 2020

“If anyone has the good fortune during his lifetime to meet a Saint, he should be very grateful to God.
What a wonder a Saint is!
He is a man, in whom God lives in the fullness of His grace, in such a way, that St Paul could say:  “It is now no longer I that live but Christ, lives in me.” (Gal 2:20).

He is a man of great spiritual tranquillity, who, by being master of things outside himself, as well as of the inner powers of his own being, can pay the full homage of love and obedience to God.
He is a man from whose glance, there flashes, the living image of God.
He can be found on a bed of pain, in the rags of a beggar, beneath the purple of a Cardinal, in the solitude of a hermitage, or in the hurly-burly of modern life.
It is all the same, because he is no longer involved with himself, nor with the world.
He seeks God alone, Who is his love and his glory.
Such is a Saint.
If we are not lucky enough to meet him in reality, we can and should, read and meditate about his life.
The literature of the Saints, is a practical complement to the Gospel, because, it shows us, how the Gospel should be lived.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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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) – Friday of the First week in Ordinary Time, Year A

“The Vicissitudes of Life”

life is a battle we must be armed - bacci 17 jan 2020

“There are times, when life is like a stream which flows peacefully between two flower-strewn grassbanks.
The sun shines brightly overhead and the whole world seems to smile.
The days pass pleasantly and the future is full of fair promise.
Virtue itself, seems to flower effortlessly, in our hearts.
But God grants these intervals of rest during our earthly voyage, so that we may renew our energy.

Life is a battle.
Therefore, we have to be armed and ready and always on the alert (Job 7:1)
“Wait here and watch” (Mt 26:38).
We must resolve to be prepared, from the earliest hour of the morning, to face the difficulties and temptations which can arise at any moment.
We must be armed with the weapons of the spirit, which we can easily obtain, if we live all the time, in the presence of God.
If we fail to acquire this habit of spiritual watchfulness, the trials and temptations of the day, will catch us off our guard and there is a danger that we may yield.’

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, The LAST THINGS

Thought for the Day – 16 January – Heaven 1

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Thought for the Day – 16 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) – Thursday of the First week in Ordinary Time, Year A

Heaven 1

in comparison with the poor pleasures of this world bacci 16 jan 2020 heaven 1

“Faith teaches us, that the soul which is in the state of grace and has expiated all the temporal punishments due to it’s sins, goes immediately to Heaven when it is separated from the body.
There, the soul enjoys eternal happiness.   It sees God, face-to-face.   It sees Him without any intervention of created things but, as He is, in Himself, in the Unity and Trinity of His infinte perfections.

In this beatific vision, the intellect remains completely satisfied, because, in God, there is every truth, beauty and goodness.
The will abandons itself entirely to the will of God, desiring nothing else and loving nothing else but God alone.
There springs from this abandonment, a love which satisfies every desire, an inexpressible joy and a boundless peace.
The happy soul will see the Blessed Virgin, too and she will smile upon it with maternal tenderness.
It will see the Angels and Saints gathered around the King of Kings and the Queen of Heaven, singing their praises.
St Paul, who was taken up to the third Heaven, tells us, that it is impossible to imagine or to describe, the unknown joys which are experienced there.
In comparison with the eternal happiness of Heaven, the poor pleasures of this world are empty shadows.
We cannot imagine the happiness of those, who have gained Heaven, by their good lives upon earth.
The concept of Heaven is so beautiful and immense, that it caused the Saints to desire death as a means of going there.
They welcomed suffering, too, because it brought them nearer to their goal.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci