Tag: natureandgrace

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on NATURE - GOD'S CREATION

Thought for the Day – 19 July – Nature and Grace

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Nature and Grace

“Although there is a contrast between grace and nature, there is also a certain harmony because God made us for Himself, as St Augustine says and our hearts will never be at rest, until they rest in Him.
Grace is a supernatural graft, which elevates our nature and makes it capable of attaining everlasting life.
It is necessary to take away all the shoots of the old tree stump and to care for the new branches,
Only then shall we begin to approach Christian perfection.

“Therefore, O Lord, let Thy grace always go before and follow me and make me ever intent upon good works, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Amen.” (The Imitation of Christ Bk III C 55).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/21/thought-for-the-day-21-july-nature-and-grace/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/22/thought-for-the-day-22-july-nature-and-grace/

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION

Thought for the Day – 22 July – Nature and Grace

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Nature and Grace

“Two extremes must be avoided in the relationship between nature and grace.
The first is that of the regorists, who see, in human nature, nothing but confusion and the propensity towards evil and, therefore, advocate an iron domination completely lacking in any understanding of human frailty.
They believe that perfection must be achieved swiftly, by means of the most ferocious privations and penance.
This excessively severe approach to the spiritual life, can lead to discouragement and eventual collapse.

The way of perfection is an ascending ladder, which must be climbed, step-by-step.
Falls must be expected but it is necessary to rise again at once, with renewed courage, knowing that when we reach the top, we shall find rest and peace.

The other extreme is an attitude of superficial ease.
There is no emphasis on the necessity of grace, nor on the need for prayer and faithful co-operatin with God’s grace, in order to perform good works.
Instead, there is a kid of natural decency and lukewarm virtue, which, ignores the necessity for mortification and the spirit of sacrifice.
Anyone who sets out on this path, can never be a fervent and active Catholic.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/21/thought-for-the-day-21-july-nature-and-grace/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ORIGINAL SIN, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PRAYER

Thought for the Day – 21 July – Nature and Grace

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

Nature and Grace

nature and grace - bacci 21 july 2020

“Observe diligently, the motions of nature and grace,” says The Imitation of Christ, “for they move with great contrariety and subtlety and, can hardly be distinguished but by a spiritual man and, one that is inwardly enlightened” (Bk III c54).

The struggle between fallen nature and grace is due to original sin, which extinguished in us the supernatural life and gave rise to the disharmony which exists between our lower faculties and reason and between reason and God.
Even the Saints experienced this fearful internal battle between good and evil.
“I see another law in my members,” says St Paul, “warring against the law of my mind” (Rom 7:23).
Elsewhere he complains that “the flesh lusts against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh” (Gal 5:17) and that the temptations of the flesh assailed him so strongly, that he pleaded with God to save him.
But God’s reply to his entreaties was: “My grace is sufficient for thee, for strength is made perfect in weakness” (Cf 2 Cor 12:7-9).

This does not mean that human nature is substantially corrupt and incapable of doing good as a result of sin.
The inclination towards goodness and towards God, remains and is very strong in our better moments.
Nevertheless, we need the helping hand of God, so that this inclination may express itself in good actions worthy of an everlasting reward.
For this reason, we should pray humbly and constantly, for the precious gift of divine grace.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci