Tag: frlorenzoscupoli

Posted in HOLY COMMUNION, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 26 April – The Manner in Which We Ought to Receive the Blessed Sacrament (Part Two)

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Thought for the Day – 26 April – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

LIV: … The Manner in which We Ought
to Receive the Blessed Sacrament (Part Two)

“You will recall, we are discussing various requirements to be observed for approaching this Divine Sacrament, at three different times:
Before Communion (completed in Part One);
At the moment of reception of Communion (No 2 below);
After Communion (No 3 below).

  1. When we are about to receive the Body of Our Lord, let us quickly consider the faults committed since our last Communion and, in order to conceive a more perfect sorrow, let us remember that we committed them as callously as if Christ had not died for us on Calvary’s tree – such a remembrance should fill us with shame and fear, for having basely preferred a trifling compliance to our own will, to the obedience due to so gracious a Master.
    But when we consider that, in spite of this ingratitude and infidelity, this God of all charity still condescends to visit us and live within us, then let us approach Him with confidence and open hearts; for when He lives within, no tainted affections of the world may steal in.
  1. After Communion, we are to remain in profound recollection, adoring Our Lord with great humility and saying within our souls: “Thou seest, O God, of my soul,
    my wretched propensity to sin;
    Thou seest how domineering is this passion
    and that, of myself, I cannot resist.
    It is Thou Who must fight my battles
    and if I share in the combat,
    it is Thee from Whom I must expect
    the Crown of victory!     ” Then addressing ourselves to the Eternal Father, let us offer to Him, this beloved Son, Who now dwells within our breast; let us offer Him thanksgiving for innumerable benefits and implore Him, for the grace which will make our victory complete.

Finally, let us resolve to fight courageously against the enemy from whom we suffer most.
Thus we may expect victory, since if we are not wanting in petition, God is not wanting in bestowing and, sooner or later, victory will be ours!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/25/thought-for-the-day-25-april-the-manner-in-which-we-oughtto-receive-the-blessed-sacrament-part-one/

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, HOLY COMMUNION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on SIN, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 25 April – The Manner in which We Oughtto Receive the Blessed Sacrament (Part One)

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Thought for the Day – 25 April – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

LIV: … The Manner in which We Ought
to Receive the Blessed Sacrament (Part One)

“The Motives for approaching this Divine Sacrament are many, from which it follows that there are various requirements to be observed at three different times:
Before Communion
At the moment of reception of Communion
After Communion

  1. BEFORE COMMUNION: Whatever be our motive, we must, if stained with mortal sin, cleanse ourselves in the Sacrament of Penance.
    And with all sincerity of heart, we must offer ourselves to Jesus Christ, consecrating our souls and all their faculties to His service.
    For, it is in this Sacrament that He bestows to mankind, His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, together with the immense and inexhaustible treasure of His Infinite merits.
    And as all of our gifts to Him are insignificant, when compared to His gifts to us, we should desire nothing less, than the totality of merits gained by the created beings of the universe, to offer as a gift deserving His regard.
    If our desire is victory over spiritual adversaries, we should meditate for some time previous to the reception of Communion on the incomprehensibly ardent desire, of our Saviour to be one with us in suppressing our inordinate appetites.

In order, however, to formulate some idea of this Divine wish in our regard, we might consider two things.
The first is the ineffable joy with which Wisdom Incarnate dwells among us, for He calls it His delight [Prov VIII:31].
The second is the implacable hatred He bears toward mortal sin, inasmuch as it is both an insuperable obstacle to that much-desired intimate union with Him and in utter opposition to His Divine perfections.
For as God is sovereignly good, a Light undimmed and Beauty inviolate, He must inevitably hate sin which is all malice, all darkness and all corruption.
So burning indeed is this hatred of God for sin that the entire dispensation of the Old and New Testaments, has been ordained for its destruction.
Several of God’s Saints have said that Divinity would have suffered a thousand deaths on a thousand Golgothas, if the smallest faults could be annihilated within us.
These considerations, rudimentary as they are, may enable you to see ,how much our Saviour desires to dwell within our hearts to expiate therefrom, our common enemies; thus we should welcome Him with all the fervour of which we are capable.
The joyful expectancy of His arrival will raise our courage and inspire us to war anew on our predominant passion, by performing many
acts of the contrary virtue.
Particularly should this be so on the evening before and on the morning of our reception of Holy Communion.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in GOD is LOVE, QUOTES on MEDITATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The PASSION, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 20 April – Meditation on the Sufferings of Christ (Part One)

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Thought for the Day – 20 April – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

LI: … Meditation on the Sufferings of Christ
(Part One)

“That which I previously prescribed concerning the method of praying and meditating on the sufferings of our Lord and Saviour, regarded only the petition of those things of which we stand in need – now, we are to proceed to the adoption of the proper sentiments from our considerations.
For instance, if you have chosen the Crucifixion and its attendant circumstances, as the subject of your Meditation, you may dwell on the following considerations.

Consider firstly, the arrival of Jesus on Mount Calvary.
His executioners rudely stripped Him, tearing the garments off which
adhered to the torn flesh of His lacerated body.
Consider next the fresh wounds made in His Sacred Head by the Crown of Thorns, removed and reset by his barbarous executioners.
Next,visualise Him nailed to the Cross with spikes, driven through the flesh and bone into the wood with a large hammer.
Consider that His hands, not reaching the places designed for them, were stretched so violently that all His bones were dislocated, enabling the onlookers to count His very bones [Psalm XXL:18].
Then think of the actual elevation of the Cross,and the weight of Christ’s body resting on nails which tore gaping wounds in His hands and feet, giving Him excruciating pain.

If, by these and similar considerations you wish to enkindle the flames of Divine love within your heart, try to attain, by meditation, a sublime knowledge of the Infinite Goodness of your Saviour, Who, for you, condescended to suffer so much.
For the more you advance in the knowledge of His love for you, the greater will be your love and affection for Him.
Being convinced of His extraordinary charity, you will naturally conceive a sincere sorrow for having, so often and so heinously, offended Him, Who offered Himself as a sacrifice for your offences.

Proceed then to make acts of hope, considering that this great God on the Cross, had no other plan than to extirpate sin from the world, to free you from the devil, to expiate your crimes, to reconcile you to His Father and to provide a resource for you in all your necessities.
But if, after contemplating His passion, you consider its effects, your sorrow will be turned into joy.
For observe that by Christ’s Death, the sins of humanity were blotted
out, the anger of a Sovereign Judge appeased, the powers of Hell
defeated, death itself vanquished and the places of the fallen Angels filed in Heaven.
And the joy arising from such reflections will be increased by thinking of the joy with which the Holy Trinity, the Blessed Virgin, the Church Militant and Triumphant received the glad, tidings of the Redemption of Mankind.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on MEDITATION, The COMMUNION of SAINTS, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 19 April – Meditation and Prayer through the Intercession of the Saints and the Angels

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Thought for the Day – 19 April – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

L: … Meditation and Prayer through the
Intercession of the Saints and the Angels

“The TWO following METHODS of obtaining the protection of the Saints and Angels, maybe of great assistance.

The first method is to address yourself to the eternal Father, laying before Him the hymns of Heavenly choirs, the labours, persecutions and torments suffered by the Saints on earth for love of Him.
Then, in recalling their fidelity and love, beseech Him to grant your petitions.

The second method is to invoke the Angels, those blessed spirits, earnestly desirous, not only of our earthly perfection but, of our greater Heavenly perfection.
Earnestly beseech them to assist you in subduing your evil inclinations and conquering the enemies of your salvation and beg a particular remembrance at the hour of death.

Sometimes think over the extraordinary graces God has granted to the Saints and Angels and rejoice as if they had been bestowed upon yourself.– rather, let your joy be even greater, for His having bestowed such favours upon them, rather than upon yourself, for such was His Will and you should bless and praise God in the accomplishment of His Divine Plan.

To facilitate the regularity and performance of this exercise, it would be well to assign the different days of the week to the different orders of the blessed.
On Sunday, implore the intercession of the nine Angelic choirs; on Monday, invoke Saint John the Baptist; on Tuesday, the Patriarchs and Prophets; on Wednesday, the Apostles; on Thursday, the Martyrs; on Friday, Bishops and Confessors; on Saturday, the Virgins and other Saints.
But let no day pass without imploring the assistance of Our Lady, the Queen of all the Saints, your Guardian Angel, the glorious Archangel Saint Michael, or any other Saint to whom you have any particular devotion.
Moreover, beseech daily the eternal Father, His Divine Son and the Blessed Virgin that you may be particularly under the protection of Saint Joseph, the worthy spouse of the most chaste of virgins.
Then addressing yourself to this loving protector, ask with great humility, to be received into his care.
For innumerable are the instances of assistance afforded to those who have called upon St Joseph in their spiritual or temporal necessities.
Particularly, has he aided them when they stood in need of Light from Heaven and direction in their prayers.

And if God shows so much regard for the other Saints who have loved and served Him here below, how much consideration and deference will He not show, for the person He so honoured, as to pay him filial homage and obedience?”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in MARIAN REFLECTIONS, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 18 April – Considerations to Produce Confidence in the Assistance of the Blessed Virgin

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Thought for the Day – 18 April – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XLIX: … Considerations to Produce Confidence
in the Assistance of the Blessed Virgin

“Whoever wishes to have recourse to the Blessed Virgin with confidence, must observe the following motives.

  1. Experience teaches us that a vessel which has contained perfumes, preserves their odour, especially if the perfume is in the container for any length of time, or if any remains in it, yet here, there is but a limited power, similar to the warmth carried from a fire, the source of that warmth.
    If such be the case, what are we to say of the charity and compassion of the Blessed Virgin, who for nine months, bore, and still carries in her heart, the only Son of God, the uncreated charity which knows no bounds?
    If, as often as we approach a fire, we are affected by its heat, have we not reason to believe that, whoever approaches the heart of the Mother of Mercies, ever burning with her most ardent charity, must be profoundly affected, in proportion to the frequency of his petitions, the humility and confidence in his heart?
  2. No creature ever loved Jesus Christ more ardently, nor showed more perfect submission to His Will, than Mary, His Mother.
    If then, this Saviour, immolated for us sinners, gave His Mother to us, an advocate and intercessor for all time, she cannot but comply with His request and will not refuse us her assistance.

Let us, then, not hesitate to implore her pity.
Let us have recourse to her with great confidence in all our necessities, as she is an inexhaustible source of blessings, bestowing her favours in proportion to the confidence placed in her.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in GOD the FATHER, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on MEDITATION, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 17 April – A Method of Prayer Based on the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin

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Thought for the Day – 17 April – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XLVIII: … A Method of Prayer Based on
the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin

“Besides the Methods of Meditation already mentioned, there is another which is addressed particularly to the Blessed Virgin Mother.
We firstly consider the eternal Father, then Jesus Christ Our Lord and finally, the Blessed Mother.

With regard to the eternal Father, there are two considerations.
The first is the singular affection He cherished, from all eternity for this most chaste Virgin whom He chose to be the Mother of His Divine Son.
The second is the eminent sanctity He was pleased to bestow upon her and the many virtues she practiced in her lifetime.
Meditating on the affection of the eternal Father for our Lady, you must begin by raising your mind above all created beings – look forward to the vast expanses of eternity, enter into the Heart of God and see, with what delight He viewed the person destined one day, to become the Mother of His Son; beseech Him, by that delight, to give you sufficient strength against your enemies, especially those who most grievously afflict you.

Contemplate, then, the virtues and heroic actions of this incomparable Virgin.
Make an offering of each or all of them to God, as they are of such efficacy, as to obtain for you, divine assistance in your particular necessities.

After this address yourself to Jesus, begging Him to be mindful of that loving Mother who, for nine months carried Him in her womb, and, from the moment of His birth, paid Him the most profound adoration.
For this was her acknowledgment that this Child was at once God and Man, her Creator and her Son.
With compassion she saw Him poorly accommodated in a humble stable, nourished Him with her pure milk, kissed and embraced Him a thousand times, with maternal fondness and throughout His Life and at His Death, suffered for Him beyond expression.
Present this picture to the Saviour that He may be compelled, as it were, by such powerful motives, to hear your prayers.

Appeal to the Blessed Virgin herself, reminding her of her commission ,from all eternity, to be the Mother of Mercy and the Refuge of sinners and that, after her Divine Son, you place your
greatest confidence in her intercession.
Present to her the fact, asserted by the learned and confirmed by miracles that no-one ever called upon her with a lively faith and love, was left unaided.

Finally, remind her of the sufferings of her Son for your salvation that she may obtain of Him, the grace necessary to make proper use of His sufferings for the greater glory of that loving Saviour!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in QUOTES on MEDITATION, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 16 April – Another Method of Meditation 

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Thought for the Day – 16 April – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XLVII: … Another Method of Meditation

“There is another method of prayer and meditation besides
the one to which we have referred.

In this latter method, having considered the poignant sufferings of your Saviour and His patient endurance of them, you proceed to two other considerations of equal importance.
The one, is the consideration of Christ’s Infinite merits and , the other, of that satisfaction and glory which the eternal Father received from His obedience – an obedience unto death, even the Death of the Cross.
You must represent these two considerations to the Divine Majesty, as two powerful means of obtaining the grace you seek.

This method is applicable, not only to all the Mysteries of Our Lord’s Passion but, to every exterior or interior act He performed in the course of His Passion.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in QUOTES on MEDITATION, QUOTES on PATIENCE, The PASSION, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 15 April – On Meditation 

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Thought for the Day – 15 April – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XLVI: … On Meditation

“When a considerable length of time [as a half-hour, hour, or an even longer period] is to be spent in prayer, it is advisable to make a meditation on some feature of our Saviour’s Life or Passion; the reflections naturally arising from such meditation, should then be applied to the particular virtue we are striving to attain.

If, for instance, you need patience, contemplate the Mystery of your Saviour Scourged at the Pillar.
Consider firstly, the blows and revilements hurled at Him by the soldiers as they brutally drag their innocent victim to the appointed place as ordered.
Secondly, consider Him stripped of His garments, exposed to the piercing cold.
Thirdly, picture those innocent hands, bound tightly to the pillar.
Fourthly, consider His Body, torn with whips until His Blood moistened the earth.
And finally, envision the frequency of the blows, creating new wounds, re-opening others on that Sacred Body.

Dwelling on these or similar details, calculated to inspire in yourself, a love of patience, you should try to feel within your very soul the inexpressible anguish so patiently borne by your Divine Master.
Then consider the excruciating agony of His spirit and the patience and mildness with which that agony was endured by Him, Who was ready to suffer even more for God’s glory and your welfare.

Behold, then, your Master, covered with Blood, desiring nothing more earnestly than your patient acceptance of affliction and, be assured, that He implores for you, the assistance of the Heavenly Father that you may bear, with resignation, not only the cross of the moment but the crosses to come.

Strengthen, therefore, by frequent acts, your resolution to suffer, with joy and, raising your mind to Heaven, give thanks to the Father of mercies, Who didst send His Only Son into this world to suffer indescribable torments and, to intercede for you in your necessities.

Conclude your meditation by beseeching Him to grant you the virtue of patience, through the merits and intercession of this beloved Son, in Whom He is well pleased.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in Holy Name PRAYERS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The HOLY NAME, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 14 April – On Mental Prayer 

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Thought for the Day – 14 April – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XLV: … On Mental Prayer

“MENTAL PRAYER is the elevation of our minds to God, asking of Him, either expressly or tacitly, those things of which we stand in need.
We ask for them expressly, when we say in our hearts:
“O my God, grant me this request
for the honour of Thy holy Name”
OR
“Lord, I am firmly convinced
that this petition is Thy Will
and, for Thy greater honour,
I ask this petition.
Accomplish, therefore, Thy Divine Will in me.”

When harassed by the attacks of the enemy, let us say:
“Come swiftly, O Lord, to my assistance
lest I fall a prey to my enemy.”
OR
“O God, my refuge and my strength,
help me speedily, lest I perish.”

When temptation continues, we must continue the same prayer, courageously resisting the foe and, when the fury of the combat has passed, let us address ourselves to the Almighty, imploring Him to consider our weakness in the face of the enemy’s strength:
“Behold, my God, Thy creature,
the work of Thy hands, a man redeemed
by Thy Precious Blood.
And behold, Satan trying to carry him
from Thee to utterly destroy him.
It is to Thee I fly for aid and it is in Thee
that I place my entire confidence,
for I know that Thou alone art Infinitely good and powerful.
Have pity on a miserable creature who stumbles
blindly, though willfully, into the path of his enemies,
as do all who forsake the assistance of Thy grace.
Help me, therefore, my only hope,
O sole strength of my soul!”

We tacitly ask favours of God when we present to Him our necessities, without making any particular request.
Placing ourselves in His Divine presence, we acknowledge our incapacity to avoid evil or do good, without His aid.
We are, nevertheless, inflamed with a desire of serving Him.
Thus we must fix our eyes upon Him, waiting for His assistance with unbounded confidence and utter humility.
The confession of our weakness and the desire to serve Him, this act of faith so performed, is a silent prayer which will infallibly obtain our request from Heaven.
The more sincere the confession, the more ardent the desire and the more lively the faith, the greater will be the efficacy of the prayer before the throne of God.

There is another method of prayer similar to this but more concise, consisting as it does, in but a single act of the soul.
The soul presents her requests to the Almighty, adverting to a favour already asked and still sought, although not formally expressed.

Let us endeavour to cultivate this kind of prayer and employ it on all occasions; for experience will convince us that nothing is easier, yet nothing more excellent and efficacious!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 13 April – On Prayer (Part Four)

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Thought for the Day – 13 April – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

The Fourth Weapon of the Spiritual Combat
XLIV: … On Prayer (Part Four)

“Continue perseveringly in prayer; for humble perseverance vanquishes the invincible.
And, if the importunity of the widow in the Gospel, inclined to her request the unjust judge, laden with iniquity, shall a like perseverance fail to incline to our petitions that Good God, Who is Himself the plenitude of goodness?!

And, although the Lord should delay to hear and even seem to reject your prayer, pray on still and still hold fast firm and lively confidence in His aid; for, in Him, there is no lack but an Infinite superabundance of all things needful for the grace we ask.

Therefore, unless there be some fault on your part, you may rest assured either of obtaining all your petition, or something which will be more profitable to you, or, it may be, both together and the more He seems to repulse you, the more do you humble yourself in your own sight, considering your own de-merits and fixing your eyes steadfastly on the mercy of God.

Establish thus, more and more, your confidence in Him which will be most acceptable to your Lord, if you maintain it more lively and entire, the more it is assailed.

Lastly, give thanks always to God, acknowledging Him to be no less good and wise and loving, when some things are denied, than if all were granted you.
Happen what may, do you remain ever steadfast and joyful in humble submission to His Divine Providence.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/10/thought-for-the-day-10-april-on-prayer-part-one/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/11/thought-for-the-day-11-april-on-prayer-part-two/
PART THREE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/12/thought-for-the-day-12-april-on-prayer-part-three/

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 12 April – On Prayer (Part Three)

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Thought for the Day – 12 April – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

The Fourth Weapon of the Spiritual Combat
XLIV: … On Prayer (Part Three)

“5. Let your petitions be ordinarily preceded by thanksgiving for previous mercies, in the following or similar forms:
“O Lord, Who, of your goodness,
have created and redeemed me
and on so many and numberless occasions,
unknown to me, have delivered me
out of the hands of my enemies;
help me now and refuse not my petitions,
although I have been ever rebellious
and ungrateful to you.”
And if, while you are praying for any particular virtue, some painful occasion for its exercise should present itself, fail not to return thanks to God for the opportunity thus afforded you which is no small token of His loving-kindness.

  1. As prayer derives its efficacy and its power of propitiating God and inclining Him to our desires from the goodness and mercifulness of His own nature, from the merits of the Life and Passion of His Only-Begotten Son and from His promise to hear us, conclude your petitions with one or more of the following sentences:
    “Of Thine great mercy, O Lord,
    grant me Thine grace.
    May the merits of Thine Son
    obtain for me my petition.
    Remember Thine promises, O my God
    and incline Thine ear to my prayer.”
    And at other times ask for graces through the merits of the Virgin Mary and the, Saints, who have great power with God and are greatly honoured by Him because, in this life they greatly honored His Divine Majesty!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/10/thought-for-the-day-10-april-on-prayer-part-one/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/11/thought-for-the-day-11-april-on-prayer-part-two/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on VIRTUE, SELF-DISTRUST, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 11 April – On Prayer (Part Two)

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Thought for the Day – 11 April – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

The Fourth Weapon of the Spiritual Combat
XLIV: … On Prayer (Part Two)

“3. When you pray, let it be your intention to will God’s Will alone and not your own, as well in asking as in obtaining that is, pray because God Wills you to pray and desire to be heard, insofar and, no farther, than He Wills. Your intention, in short, should be to unite your will to the Will of God and not to draw His Will to yours.
And this because ,your will, being infected and ruined by self-love, often errs and knows not what to ask but the Divine Will, being always united to ineffable goodness, can never err.
The Will of God is, therefore, the rule and ruler of all other wills and, it deserves and Wills to be followed and obeyed by all.
Ask, therefore, always such things as are conformable to God’s Will and, if you be in doubt whether anything be so or not, ask it on the condition of its being according to the Will of God.
And those things, (such as all virtues) which you certainly know to be agreeable to Him, ask rather, in order to serve and please Him thereby, than for any other motive, how spiritual so-ever.

  1. Be careful when you go to prayer to adorn yourself with works corresponding to your petitions and, after you have prayed, labour more earnestly still, to fit yourself for the grace and virtue you desire to obtain.
    For the exercise of prayer must be so continually accompanied by the exercise of self-discipline that the one may involve the other; otherwise, to pray for a virtue and take no trouble to obtain it, would be rather to tempt God than to serve Him!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/10/thought-for-the-day-10-april-on-prayer-part-one/

Posted in I BELIEVE!, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 10 April – On Prayer (Part One)

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Thought for the Day – 10 April – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

The Fourth Weapon of the Spiritual Combat
XLIV: … On Prayer (Part One)

“If self-distrust, trust in God,and spiritual exercises, be so needful, as has been already shown, in this conflict, needful above all is prayer (the fourth weapon above-mentioned) by means of which, we may obtain, from the Lord our God, not these alone but all other good things.
For prayer is the instrument for obtaining all the graces which flow down upon us, from that Divine Source of love and goodness.

By prayer, well used, you will put a sword into the Hand of God wherewith to fight and conquer for you!
And to use it well, you must be well exercised in the following practices, or be striving to become so.

  1. You must have an earnest desire to serve His Divine Majesty in all things, in the way most acceptable to Him.
    In order to enkindle this desire, consider well that God is supremely worthy to be served and honoured for His Supreme Excellencies, His Wisdom, Goodness, Majesty, Beauty and all His other Infinite perfections.
    That, to serve you, He laboured and suffered for three-and-thirty years; binding up and healing the putrefying sores envenomed by the poison of sin, not with oil, or wine, or linen but with the precious stream which flowed from His most Sacred veins and with His most pure Flesh torn by scourges, thorns and nails.
    And, consider further, the great value of this service.
    By it we gain the mastery over Satan and ourselves and are made the children of God Himself.
  2. You must have a lively faith and confidence that the Lord will give you all things needful for His service and your good.
    This holy confidence is the vessel which Divine Mercy fills with the treasures of His grace and the larger and more capacious it is, the more richly laden will our prayer return into our bosom.
    For how shall the Almighty and unchanging God fail to impart to us His gifts, when He has, Himself commanded us to ask for them, promising, too, to give us His Spirit, if we ask with faith and perseverance?”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY SPIRIT, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on JUDGING, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, SELF-DISTRUST, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 9 April– Of the Temptation to Form Rash Judgements of Our Neighbour (Part Two)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 9 April– The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XLIII: … Of the Temptation to Form
Rash Judgements of Our Neighbour (Part Two)

“And know that, whenever you are so unhappy as to think any evil of your brother, then there is some root of the same evil in your own heart which, in proportion as it is ill-disposed itself, gives a ready welcome to anything like itself!

Whenever, therefore, it comes into your mind to judge another for some fault, despise your own self as guilty of the same and say, in your heart,:

“How can a wretch like me, laden with this
and far worse faults, dare to lift up my head
to see and judge the faults of others!”

And thus, will the weapon which, directed against another, would have wounded you, being turned against yourself, bring healing to your wounds.

If the error committed be clear and manifest, find some compassionate excuse for it and believe that in your brother are some hidden virtues, for the sake of which the Lord has suffered him to fall, or to be, for some time, subject to this failing that he may become vile in his own sight and that, being also despised by others on this account, he may reap the fruit of humiliation and render himself more acceptable to God and so, his gain may become greater than his loss.

But if the sin be not only manifest but grievous and wilfully obstinate, turn your thoughts upon God’s awful judgements.
Then you will see men who were once great sinners attaining high degrees of sanctity and others, who seemed to have reached the sublimest heights of perfection, falling into the lowest depths of perdition!

Therefore, fear and tremble for yourself, far more than for any other.
And, be assured that every good and kindly feeling towards your neighbour is the gift of the Holy Ghost and that, all rash judgement, all contempt and bitterness towards him, flow from our own evil hearts and the suggestions of Satan.
If, then, any imperfection of another has made an impression on your mind, rest not, nor give slumber to your eyes, until, to the utmost of your power, you have effaced it from your heart!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/08/thought-for-the-day-8-april-of-the-temptation-to-form-rash-judgements-of-our-neighbour-part-one/

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Posted in QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on VIRTUE, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 5 April–Of the Time to be Given to the Exercise of Each Virtue and Of the Signs of Progress (Part Two)

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Thought for the Day – 5 April– The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XL: … Of the Time to be Given to the Exercise
of Each Virtue and Of the Signs of Progress (Part Two)

“And the greater the alacrity and joyfulness of spirit which accompanies these acts, the greater may be our hope that we have derived protit from this exercise.

We must beware, however, of assuming, as a certainty, that we have acquired any virtue, or entirely subdued any one passion, even though, after a long time and after many struggles, we may have ceased to feel its motions within us.
For here too, the arts and devices of Satan and our own deceitful nature, may find place, since that which is really vice seems to our lurking pride, to be virtue.
Besides, if we look to the perfection to which God calls us, we shall hardly persuade ourselves, however great the progress we have made in the way of holiness, that we have even crossed its threshold!

Return, therefore, to your first exercises, as a young soldier and a newborn babe but just beginning to struggle, as if you had hitherto done nothing.

And remember to attend rather to advancement in holiness, than to an examination of your progress; for the Lord God, the true and only Searcher of our hearts, gives this knowledge to some and withholds it from others, according as He sees that it will lead to pride or to humility and, as a loving Father, He removes a danger from one, while to another, He offers an opportunity of increase in holiness.

Therefore, although the soul does not perceive its progress, let it continue these exercises; for they shall be seen when it will please the Lord, for the soul’s greater good, to make it known to it.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/04/thought-for-the-day-4-april-of-the-time-to-be-given-to-the-exercise-of-each-virtue-and-of-the-signs-of-progress-part-one/

Posted in QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on TIME, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on Will (Sensual or Inferior), THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 4 April–Of the Time to be Given to the Exercise of Each Virtue and Of the Signs of Progress (Part One)

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Thought for the Day – 4 April– The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XL: … Of the Time to be Given to the Exercise
of Each Virtue and Of the Signs of Progress (Part One)

“It is not for me to determine the time to be given to the exercise of each several virtue.
This must be regulated by the state and necessities of individuals, by the progress they are making in their spiritual course and, by the judgement of their director.

But, if we set ourselves faithfully and diligently to work after the manner I have described, there is no doubt but that, in a few weeks’ time, we shall have made no little progress.

It is a sign of advancement in holiness if we persevere in our exercises of virtue amid dryness, darkness and anguish of spirit and the withdrawal of spiritual consolation.

Another clear indication will be the degree of resistance made by the senses to the performance of acts of virtue; for the weaker this resistance, the greater will be our progress.
When, therefore, we cease to experience any opposition or rebellion in the inferior and sensual will and, more especially, in sudden and unexpected assaults, we may look upon it as a sign that we have acquired the virtue.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on JOY, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on WATCHING, The KINGDOM of GOD, The SECOND COMING

Quote/s of the Day – 4 April – ‘… For us, a Light from His Light has arisen…’

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Quote/s of the Day – 4 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – Easter Thursday

“Our Lord Jesus Christ
Has appeared to us from the bosom of the Father.
He has come and drawn us out of the shadows
And enlightened us with His joyful Light.

Day has dawned for humankind,
Cast out the power of darkness.
For us, a Light from His Light has arisen
That has enlightened our darkened eyes.

Over the world He has made His glory arise
And has lit up the deepest depths.
Death is no more, darkness has ended,
The gates of hell are shattered.

He has illumined every creature,
All the shades from times long past.
He has brought about salvation and given us Life;
Next He will come in glory.

Our King is coming in His great glory:
Let us light our lamps
and go out to meet Him (Mt 25,6);
Let us be glad in Him, as He has been glad in us
And gives us gladness, with His glorious Light.

My friends, arise! make yourselves ready
To give thanks to our Saviour King,
Who will come in His glory and make us joyful
With His joyous Light in the Kingdom.”

St Ephrem (306-373)
Father of the Church

(Hymn I on the Resurrection)

Posted in QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on VIRTUE, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 24 March – Do Not Shun Any Opportunity which Offers the Attainment of Virtue

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Thought for the Day – 24 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXVII: … Do Not Shun Any Opportunity
which Offers the Attainment of Virtue

“We have seen very clearly that we must go forward without ever stopping in the way of perfection.
To this end, we ought to be very careful and vigilant, not to let slip any opportunity which may present itself for the attainment of any virtue.
For they have very little knowledge of this way, who avoid, as much as they can, all such adverse things as might greatly assist their progress.

For, not to forget my accustomed advice, if you would acquire the habit of patience, it is not expedient to avoid those persons, actions, or thoughts which move you to impatience.
Withdraw not, therefore, from the society of anyone because it is disagreeable but, whilst conversing and holding intercourse with those who most annoy you, keep your will always ready and disposed, to endure whatever may befall you, however wearisome and annoying; for otherwise, you will never learn to be patient.

In like manner, if you find any occupation irksome, either in itself, or because of the person who imposed it upon you, or because it hinders you from doing something else more pleasing, do not, therefore, shrink from undertaking and persevering in it, although it disquiets you and although you think to find peace by neglecting it; for this would be no true peace, as proceeding, not from a soul
purified from passion and adorned with virtues, neither could you ever, in this way, learn to suffer.

I would say the same of harassing thoughts — which, at times, will annoy and disturb your mind.
There is no need to drive them entirely from you, for besides the pain they occasion, they accustom you too, to bear contradiction.
And to give you contrary advice, would be to teach you rather to shun labour, than to attain to that virtue which you have in view.

It is very true that it becomes every man and especially the tried soldier, to defend himself on these occasions with vigilance and dexterity – now confronting his enemies, now evading them, according to the measure of spiritual strength and virtue which he has attained.

But, for all this, he must never actually turn back and retreat, so as to leave behind all opposition, for, even if we thereby save ourselves for the time, from the peril of falling, we shall risk exposing ourselves, more to future attacks of temptation, not being armed and fortified beforehand, by the exercise of the contrary virtue.
This counsel, however, applies not to the sins of the flesh, of which we have already spoken more particularly.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on WATCHING, QUOTES on Will (Sensual or Inferior), THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 23 March – Proceed with Unceasing Watchfulness in the Exercise of Virtue

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Thought for the Day – 23 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXVI: … Proceed with Unceasing Watchfulness
in the Exercise of Virtue

“One of the most important and necessary means for the attainment of virtue, besides what has been already taught, is to press forward continually to the end we have proposed to ourselves, lest by standing still, we fall back.

For, when we cease to produce acts of virtue, many unruly passions are generated within us by the violent inclination of the sensitive appetite and, by other exterior influences, whereby virtue is destroyed, or at least diminished and moreover, we thus lose many gifts and graces with which our Lord might have rewarded our further progress.

Therefore, the spiritual journey is different from the course of the earthly traveller; for he, by standing still, loses nothing of the ground already gained as is the case with him, who travels heavenward.
And moreover, the weariness of the earthly pilgrim increases with the continuance of his bodily motion, while, in the spiritual journey, the farther a man advances, the more does his vigour and strength increase!

For, by the exercise of virtue, the resistance of the inferior part of the soul which made the way difficult and wearisome, grows daily weaker while the superior part, wherein the virtue resides, is estalished, in the same proportion and strengthened.

Hence, as we advance in holiness, the pain which accompanied the progress, gradually diminishes and, a certain secret joy which, by the Divine operation, is mingled with that pain, increases hourly more and more.
And thus, proceeding with increasing ease and delight, from virtue to virtue, we at last reach the mountaintop, where the perfected spirit henceforth labours
without weariness but, rather with joy and ecstasy because, having now tamed and conquered its unruly passions and overcome itself and all created things, it dwells forever blessed in the bosom of the Most High and there, while sweetly labouring, takes its rest. Amen.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on VIRTUE, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 22 March – Of the Means Whereby Virtues are Acquired (Part Two)

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Thought for the Day – 22 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXV: … Of the Means Whereby Virtues
are Acquired (Part Two)

“The Sacred Words of Holy Scripture, either uttered with the lips or pondered in the heart, as may best suit our case, have a marvellous power to aid us in this exercise.
We should, therefore, have many such in readiness to bear upon the virtue we wish to practice and these, we should repeat continually throughout the day and especially, at each rising of the rebellious passion.
For instance, if we are striving to attain the virtue of patience, we may repeat the following words, or others like them:

“My children, suffer patiently the wrath which is come upon you.” Baruch 4:25.
“The patience of the poor, shall not perish for ever.” Psalm 9:18.
“The patient man is better than the valiant and he who ruleth his spirit, than he who taketh cities.” Proverbs 16:32.
“In your patience you shall possess your souls.” Luke 21:19.
“Let us run with patience to the fight proposed to us.” Hebrews 12:1.

To the same end, we may, in like manner, use such prayers as the following:

“When, O my God, shall this heart of mine be armed with the buckler of patience?”
“When shall I learn to bear every trouble with a quiet mind, so I may please my Lord?”
“O most dear sufferings which liken me unto my Lord Jesus, crucified for me!”
“Only Life of my soul, I shall ever, for Thy glory, live contented amid a thousand torments!”
“How blessed shall I be, if, in the midst of the fire of tribulation, I burn with the desire of even greater sufferings!”

Let us use these short prayers and others suitable to our advancement in holiness so that we may acquire the spirit of devotion.
These short prayers are called Ejaculations because they are darted like javelins towards Heaven.
They have great power to speed us towards virtue and will penetrate even to the heart of God, if only they have these two accompaniments for their wings:

+++ The one – a full certainty that our exercise of virtue is greatly pleasing to our God.
+++ The other – a true and fervent desire for the attainment of virtue, for the sole end of pleasing His Divine Majesty.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/21/thought-for-the-day-21-march-of-the-means-whereby-virtues-are-acquired-part-one/

Posted in GOOD RESOLUTIONS, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES, The HEART, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 21 March – Of the Means Whereby Virtues are Acquired (Part One)

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Thought for the Day – 21 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXV: … Of the Means Whereby Virtues
are Acquired (Part One)

“For the attainment of holiness, we need, besides all that has been already described, a great and generous heart, a will which is neither slack nor remiss but firm and resolute and withal, a certain expectation of having to pass through many bitter and adverse trials.

And furthermore, there are particular inclinations and affections which we may acquire by frequently considering how pleasing they are to God, how excellent and noble in themselves and, how useful and necessary to us, inasmuch as from them and in them, all perfection has its origin and end.

Let us, then, make a steadfast resolution every morning to exercise ourselves therein, according to the occasions which may arise in the course of the day; during which, we should often examine ourselves, to see, whether or not, we have fulfilled them, renewing them afterwards more earnestly.
And all this with especial reference to that virtue which we have in hand.

So also, let the examples of the Saints and our prayers and meditations on the life and passion of Christ, which are so needful in every spiritual exercise, be applied principally to the particular virtue in which we are, for the time exercising ourselves.

Let us do the same on all occasions which may arise, however variant in kind, as we shall presently explain more particularly.

Let us so inure ourselves to acts of virtue, both interior and exterior,that we may come at last to perform them with the same promptness and facility, with which, in times past, we performed others agreeable to our natural will.
And, as we said before, the more opposed such acts are to these natural wishes, the more speedily will the good habit be introduced into our soul.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, The FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 20 March – Virtues Are To Be Gradually Acquired,One At A Time and By Degrees

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Thought for the Day – 20 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXIV: Virtues Are To Be Gradually Acquired,
One At A Time and By Degrees

“Although the true servant of Christ who aspires to perfection should set no limit to his advancement, there are some kinds of spiritual fervour which require to be restrained with a certain discretion, lest, being initially embraced too ardently, they should give way and forsake us in the midst of our exercise.

Hence, besides what has been said as to moderation in exterior exercises, we
have to learn, moreover that even interior virtues, are best acquired gradually and in their due order – for thus, what is small in the beginning soon becomes great and permanent.
Thus, for instance, we should not ordinarily attempt to rejoice in afflictions and to desire them, until we have firstly passed through the lower degrees of the virtue of patience.

Neither would I have you give your chief attention to all, or to many virtues at once but, initially to one and then to the others – for thus, will the virtuous habit be more easily and firmly planted in the soul.
For, by the constant exercise of a single virtue, the memory recurs to it more promptly on all occasions, the intellect grows quicker to discern new methods and reasons for attaining it and, the will inclines more readily and fervently to its pursuit, than if occupied with many virtues at one and the same time.

And, by means of the uniformity of the exercise, the acts which relate to any single virtue are produced with less effort from the conformity between them. The one calls forth and aids his fellow and, by their mutual resemblance, they make a deeper impression upon the heart which is prepared and disposed, for the reception of new seed, by having already brought forth similar fruits.

These reasons have the greater force, as we know assuredly that whoever exercises himself well in one virtue, learns, at the same time, how to exercise himself in another and thus, by the inseparable connection between them, all grow together with the increase of one, as rays proceeding from one and the same Divine Light.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on VICE, QUOTES on VIRTUE, SELF-DISTRUST, The HEART, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 18 March –Instructions for Mortifying Passions,to Attain the Necessary Virtues (Part Two)

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Thought for the Day – 18 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXIII: … Instructions for Mortifying Passions,
to Attain the Necessary Virtues (Part Two)

“And a last 3 points of advice:

+++ 4. Let your whole heart desire nothing, think of nothing, crave nothing, long for nothing but to conquer that passion with which you are struggling and to attain its contrary virtue.
Be this your world, your Heaven, your earth, your whole treasure and all with
the sole view of pleasing God.
Whether eating or fasting, labouring, or resting, watching or sleeping, at home or abroad, whether engaged in devotion or in manual labour, let all be directed to the conquest and extinction of this passion and, to the attainment of the contrary virtue.

+++ 5. Wage unceasing war against earthly pleasures and comforts, so will no vice have much power to assail you.
For all vices spring from this one root of pleasure – when this, therefore, is cut away by hatred of self, they lose their strength and power.
For, if with one hand you will try to fight against some particular sin, or pleasure and, with the other dally, with other earthly enjoyments, although their guilt be not mortal but only venial, your battles will be difficult and bloody, your victories infrequent and uncertain.
Keep, therefore, constantly in mind these Divine words:
“He that loveth his life shall lose it and he that hateth
his life in this world keepeth it unto life eternal.” John 12:25.

“Brethren, we are not debtors to the flesh,
to live according to the flesh.
For if you live according to the flesh, you shall die. ”

+++ 6. Lastly, it would be well, it maybe even necessary, for you to make, in the first place, a general Confession, with all the necessary conditions that you may be the better assured of your Lord’s favour, to Whom Alone you must look for all grace and victory!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/17/thought-for-the-day-17-march-instructions-for-mortifying-passionsto-attain-the-necessary-virtues-part-one/

Posted in LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VIRTUE, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 17 March –Instructions for Mortifying Passions,to Attain the Necessary Virtues (Part One)

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Thought for the Day – 17 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXIII: … Instructions for Mortifying Passions,
to Attain the Necessary Virtues (Part One)

“Although I have said so much on the course to be pursued in order to conquer self and adorn it with all virtues, there still remain, some other points concerning which, I would give you some advice.

+++ 1. In your endeavours after holiness, never, be persuaded to use such spiritual exercises as select formally, different virtues, for different days of the week, setting apart one for the attainment of each.
But, let the order of your warfare and your exercise, be to combat those passions which have always injured and still continue to assault and injure you and, to adorn yourself and that, with all possible perfection, with their contrary virtues.
For having once acquired these virtues, all others will be readily attained, as occasion offers, with little comparative exertion.
And occasions will never be wanting, for all the virtues are linked together in one chain and he who possesses one in perfection, has all the others ready on the threshold of his heart.

+++ 2. Never set a fixed time, such as days, or weeks, or years, for the attainment of any virtue but, as an infant newly born, a soldier just enlisted, fight your way continually towards the summit of perfection.
Never stand still, even for a moment – for to stand still in the way of virtue and perfection, is not to regain breath or courage but, to fall back, or to grow feebler
than before.
By standing still, I mean flattering ourselves that we have perfectly acquired the virtue in question and so, taking less heed of the occasions which call us to fresh acts of it, or of little failures therein.
Therefore, be careful, be fervent, be watchful – that you neglect not the slightest opportunity of exercising any virtue.
Love all such occasions and especially those which are attended with the greatest difficulty because, habits are quickest formed and deepest rooted, when the difficulties to be overcome, are greatest!
Love those occasions, therefore which present such difficulties.
Fly from those only and, with rapid step, with all diligence and speed which might lead to the temptation of the flesh.

+++ 3. Be prudent and discreet in those exercises which may prove injurious to bodily health, such as – self-chastisement by means of disciplines, hair-cloths, fasts, vigils, meditations and the like – for these virtues must be acquired slowly and by degrees, as will be hereafter explained.
As to other virtues which are wholly internal, such as – the love of God, contempt of the world, self-abasement, hatred of vicious passions and of sin, meekness and patience, love towards all men, towards those who injure us and the like, – it is not necessary to acquire these gradually, nor to mount by degrees to perfection therein but, you should strive, at once, with all your might, to practice each without delay and with all possible perfection!

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 16 March – The Last Artifice of the Devil –Making even Virtue, an Occasion of Sin! (Part Five)

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Thought for the Day – 16 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXII: … The Last Artifice of the Devil –
Making even Virtue, an Occasion of Sin!
(Part Five)

“I should never weary of telling you this: –

If you would give praise to God, accuse yourself and desire to be accused by others.
Humble yourself with all and below all, if you would exalt Him in yourself and yourself in Him.

Would you find Him? – exalt not yourself, or He will fly from you.
Abase yourself to the utmost and He will seek you and embrace you.
And the more you humble yourself in your own sight and the more you delight to be accounted vile by others and to be spurned as a thing abominable, the more lovingly will He esteem and embrace you.

Account yourself unworthy of so great a grace bestowed on you by your God, Who suffered shame for you, in order to unite you to Himself.
Fail not to return Him continual thanksgiving and be grateful to those who have been the occasion of your humiliation and, still more, to those who have trampled you under their feet, thinking that you have endured it reluctantly
and not with your own goodwill.
Yet were it even so, you must suffer no outward token of reluctance to escape you.

If, notwithstanding all these considerations which are only too true, the cunning of the devil and our own ignorance and evil inclinations, should yet prevail over us, so that thoughts of self-exaltation will still molest us and make an impression on our hearts, then is the time to humble ourselves the more profoundly in our own sight.
For we see by this proof that we have advanced but a little way in the spiritual life and in true self-knowledge, inasmuch as we are unable to free ourselves from those annoyances which spring from the root of our empty pride.

So shall we extract honey from the poison and healing from the wound!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/12/thought-for-the-day-12-march-the-last-artifice-of-the-devil-making-even-virtue-an-occasion-of-sin-part-one/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/13/thought-for-the-day-13-march-the-last-artifice-of-the-devil-making-even-virtue-an-occasion-of-sin-part-two/
PART THREE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/14/thought-for-the-day-14-march-the-last-artifice-of-the-devil-making-even-virtue-an-occasion-of-sin-part-three/
PART FOUR:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/15/thought-for-the-day-15-march-the-last-artifice-of-the-devil-making-even-virtue-an-occasion-of-sin-part-four/

Posted in "Follow Me", GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 15 March – The Last Artifice of the Devil –Making even Virtue, an Occasion of Sin! (Part Four)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 15 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXII: … The Last Artifice of the Devil –
Making even Virtue, an Occasion of Sin!
(Part Four)

“Further, I would advise you to be very reserved in making known the gifts which God may have bestowed upon you, for this is almost always displeasing to your Lord, as He, Himself, plainly shows us in the following lesson.

Appearing once in the form of a child to a devout servant of His, she asked Him, with great simplicity, to recite the Angelical Salutation.
He readily began:
“Ave Maria, gratia plena,
Dominus tecum, benedicta tu in mulieribus”
and then stopped, being unwilling to praise Himself in the words which follow. And while she was praying Him to proceed, He withdrew Himself from her,
leaving His servant full of consolation because of the heavenly doctrine which, by His example, He had thus revealed to her.

Do you also learn to humble yourself and to acknowledge yourself, with all your works, to be the nothing which you are.
This is the foundation of all other virtues.
God, before we existed, created us out of nothing and now, that we exist through
Him, He wills that the whole spiritual edifice should be built on this foundation the knowledge that of ourselves we are nothing.
And the deeper we dig into this knowledge, the higher will the building rise.
And, in proportion, as we clear away the earth of our own misery, the Divine Architect will bring solid stones for its completion.

And never imagine that you can dig deep enough — on the contrary, think this of yourself, that if anything belonging to a creature could be infinite, it would be your unworthiness!
With this knowledge, duly carried into practice, we possess all good, without it, we are little better than nothing, although we should do the works of all the Saints and be continually absorbed in God.

O blessed knowledge, which makes us happy on earth and blessed in Heaven!
O Light, which, issuing from darkness, makes the soul bright and clear!
O unknown joy which sparkles amid our impurities!
O nothingness which, once known, makes us lords of all!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/12/thought-for-the-day-12-march-the-last-artifice-of-the-devil-making-even-virtue-an-occasion-of-sin-part-one/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/13/thought-for-the-day-13-march-the-last-artifice-of-the-devil-making-even-virtue-an-occasion-of-sin-part-two/
PART THREE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/14/thought-for-the-day-14-march-the-last-artifice-of-the-devil-making-even-virtue-an-occasion-of-sin-part-three/


Posted in ACT of CONTRITION, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, QUOTES on VANITY, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 14 March – The Last Artifice of the Devil –Making even Virtue, an Occasion of Sin! (Part Three)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 14 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXII: … The Last Artifice of the Devil –
Making even Virtue, an Occasion of Sin!
(Part Three)

“Consider next, that not only do all the works which you have done. fall short of the Light which has been given you to know them and the grace to execute them but too, that in themselves, they are very imperfect and are deficient of that pure intention and due diligence and fervour, with which they should be performed and which should always accompany them.

If, then, you will well consider this, you will see reason, rather for shame, than for vain complacency because, it is but too true that the graces which we receive pure and perfect from God, are sullied in their use, by our imperfections.

Again, compare your works with those of the Saints and other servants of God — for by such comparison, you will find that your best and greatest, are of base alloy and of little worth.
Next, measure them by those which Christ wrought for you in the Mystery of His life and of His continual Cross and setting aside the consideration of His Divinity, view His works in themselves alone — considering both the fervour and the purity of the love with which they were wrought and, you will see that all your works are indeed, as nothing.

And lastly, if you will raise your thoughts to the Divinity and the boundless Majesty of your God and the service which He deserves at your hands, you will plainly see that your works should excite in you not vanity but fear!

Therefore, in all your ways, in all your works, however holy they maybe, you must cry unto your Lord with all your heart, saying:
“God be merciful to me a sinner!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/12/thought-for-the-day-12-march-the-last-artifice-of-the-devil-making-even-virtue-an-occasion-of-sin-part-one/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/13/thought-for-the-day-13-march-the-last-artifice-of-the-devil-making-even-virtue-an-occasion-of-sin-part-two/

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VANITY, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 13 March – The Last Artifice of the Devil –Making even Virtue, an Occasion of Sin! (Part Two)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 13 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXII: … The Last Artifice of the Devil –
Making even Virtue, an Occasion of Sin!
(Part Two)

“Again, in the life of grace and the performance of good works, what good or meritorious deed, could your nature perform by itself, if deprived of Divine assistance?

For, considering, on the other hand, the multitude of your past transgressions and moreover, the multitude of other sins from which, God’s compassionate Hand, has alone withheld you, you will find that your iniquities, being multiplied, not only by days and years but, by acts and habits of sin, (one evil habit drawing another after it), would have swelled to an almost infinite amount and so, have made of you, another infernal Lucifer!

Hence, if you would not rob God of the praise of His goodness but cleave faithfully to Him, you must learn, day-by-day, to think more humbly of yourself.
And be very careful to deal justly in this judgement of yourself, or it may do you no little injury.
For, if in the knowledge of your own iniquity, you surpass a man who, in his blindness, accounts himself to be something, you will lose exceedingly and fall far below him in the action of the will, if you desire to be esteemed and regarded by men, for that which you know yourself, not to be.

If, then, you desire that the consciousness of your vileness and sinfulness should protect you from your enemies and make you dear to God, you must not only despise yourself, as unworthy of any good and deserving of every evil but, you must love to be despised by others, detesting honours, rejoicing in shame and
stooping on all occasions to offices which others hold in contempt.
You must make no account at all of their judgement, lest you be, thereby, deterred from this holy exercise.
But take care that the end in view be solely your own humiliation and
self-discipline, lest you be in any degree influenced by a certain lurking pride and spirit of presumption which, under some specious pretext or other, often causes us to make little or no account of the opinions of others.

And should you perchance come to be loved, esteemed, or praised by others for any good gift bestowed upon you by God, be not moved, a single step, thereby but, collect yourself steadily within the stronghold of this true and just judgement of yourself, first turning to God and saying to Him with all your heart :

“O Lord, never let me rob Thee of Thy honour
and the glory of Thy grace.
To Thee be praise and honour and glory,
to me, confusion of face.”

And then say mentally of him who praises you:

“Whence is it that he accounts me good,
since truly, my God and His works, are alone good?”

For by thus, giving back to the Lord that which is His own, you will keep your enemies afar off and prepare yourself to receive greater gifts and favours from your God.

And if the remembrance of good works exposes you to any risk of vanity, view them instantly, not as your own but as God’s and say to them :

“I know not how you did appear and originate in my mind,
for you derived not your being from me
but the good God and His grace created, nourished and preserved you.
Him alone, then, will I acknowledge as your true
and first Parent, Him will I thank
and to Him, will I return all the praise.
Amen!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/12/thought-for-the-day-12-march-the-last-artifice-of-the-devil-making-even-virtue-an-occasion-of-sin-part-one/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on VANITY, QUOTES on VIRTUE, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 12 March – The Last Artifice of the Devil –Making even Virtue, an Occasion of Sin! (Part One)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 12 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXII: … The Last Artifice of the Devil –
Making even Virtue, an Occasion of Sin!
(Part One)

“The cunning and malicious serpent never fails to tempt us, by his artifices, even by means of the very virtues we have acquired, thus, leading us to regard them and ourselves with complacency, they may become our ruin, exalting us on high, that we may fall into the sin of pride and vainglory!

To preserve yourself from this danger, choose for your battlefield, the safe and level ground of a true and deep conviction of your own nothingness – that you are nothing, that you know nothing, that you can do nothing and have nothing but misery and sin and deserve nothing but eternal damnation.

Entrench yourself firmly within the limits of this truth and suffer not yourself to be enticed, so much as a hair’s breadth therefrom, by any evil thought, or anything else which may befall you; knowing well that there are so many enemies, who would slay or wound you, should you fall into their hands.

In order to acquit yourself well in this exercise of the true knowledge of your own nothingness, observe the following rule:

“As often as you reflect upon yourself
and your own works and worth,
consider always what you are of yourself
and not what you are by the aid of God’s grace
and so, esteem yourself,
as you shall thus find yourself to be.”

Consider first the time before you were in existence and you will see yourself to have been, during all that abyss of eternity, a mere nothing and, that you did nothing and could have done nothing, towards giving yourself an existence!

Next, consider the time since you did receive a being from the sole bounty of God.
And here, also, if you leave to Him that which is His own, (His continual care of you which sustains you every moment of your life), what are you of yourself but still a mere nothing?!

For, undoubtedly, were He to leave you for one moment to yourself, you would instantly return to that first nothingness from whence you were drawn by His Almighty Hand.
It is plain that, in the order of nature and viewed in yourself alone, you have no reason to esteem yourself, or to desire the esteem of others!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on VANITY, SELF-DISTRUST, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 11 March – Of the Devil’s Artifices, In Order to Draw Us Away, From the Path of Holiness (Part Three)

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Thought for the Day – 11 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXXI: … Of the Devil’s Artifices, In Order
to Draw Us Away, From the Path of Holiness
(Part Three)

“Lastly, I would here warn you of a hidden deceit of our self-love which is wont, on certain occasions, to cover and justify our faults.
For instance, a sick man who has but little patience with his sickness, conceals his impatience under the cover of zeal for some apparent good — saying, that his vexation arises, not really from impatience under his sufferings but, is a reasonable sorrow because he has incurred it by his own fault, or else because others are harassed or wearied by the trouble he gives them, or by some other cause.

In like manner, the ambitious man, who frets after some unattained honour, does not attribute his discontent to his own pride and vanity but to some other cause, which he knows, fullwell, would give him no concern did it not touch himself.

So neither would the sick man care, if they, whose fatigue and trouble on his account seems to give him so much vexation, should have the same care and trouble on account of the sickness of another.
A plain proof that the root of such men’s sorrow is not concern for others, or anything else but an abhorrence of everything which crosses their own will!

Therefore, to avoid this and other errors, bear patiently, as I have told you, every trial and every sorrow, from whatever cause arising.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/09/thought-for-the-day-9-march-of-the-devils-artifices-in-order-to-draw-us-away-from-the-path-of-holiness-part-one/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/10/thought-for-the-day-10-march-of-the-devils-artifices-in-order-to-draw-us-away-from-the-path-of-holiness-part-two/