Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Mary.
HEART of Mary, I honour thee as the Heart most pleasing to our Lord, and most intimately united to his. I love thee as the Heart of the best of Mothers, and I rejoice in thy glorious prerogatives. Prostrate before thee, O Heart of Mary, I make thee this humble act of reparation for all the outrages which thou hast received from me and from all mankind. I humbly confess that I have been guilty of the greatest ingratitude towards thee ; but seeing that, through thee, the Divine mercy has so often had regard unto me, I venture, even yet, to hope that thou wilt not abandon me. In this sweet confidence I am animated by a most earnest desire to be more faithful and more devoted to thee. I pray thee to accept all the good that henceforth I am resolved to do, to present it to thy dear Son Jesus, so that, through thee, my most loving Saviour may pour down his benedictions more and more on me. and on all who are dear unto me. Amen.
O Holy Virgin ! thou art my good Mother, and by excellence the Mother of pure love. Thou hast obtained for me many favours during life ; beg for me one more which will crown all the rest ; that is, to love my God—to love him purely—to love him ardently—to love him constantly as long as I shall live on earth—that I may have the happiness to love him eternally with thee in heaven. Amen.
AN ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE MOST HOLY HEART OF MARY.
O HEART of Mary, ever Virgin! O heart the holiest, the purest, the most perfect, that the Almighty hath formed in any creature; O heart, full of all grace and sweetness, throne of love and mercy, image of the adorable Heart of Jesus, heart that didst love God more than all the seraphim, that didst procure more glory to the most holy Trinity than all the saints together, that didst endure for love of us the bitter dolors at the foot of the cross, and dost so justly merit the reverence, love, and gratitude of all mankind, I give thee thanks for all the benefits which thou hast obtained for me from the divine Mercy; I unite myself to all the souls that find their joy and consolation in loving and honouring thee. O heart most amiable, the delight and admiration of the angels and the saints, henceforth thou shalt be to me, next to the Heart of Jesus, the object of my tenderest devotion, my refuge in affliction, my consolation in sorrow, my place of retreat from the enemies of my salvation, and, at the hour of my death, the surest anchor of my hope. Amen.
O HOLY Mother of God, glorious Queen of heaven and earth! I choose thee this day for my Mother, and my Advocate at the throne of thy divine Son. Accept the offering I here make of my heart. May it be irrevocable. It never can be out of danger whilst at my disposal; never secure but in thy hands. Obtain for me at present the gift of true repentance, and such graces as I may afterwards stand in need of, for the gaining of life everlasting. Amen.
HEART of Mary, I honour thee as the Heart most pleasing to our Lord, and most intimately united to his. I love thee as the Heart of the best of Mothers, and I rejoice in thy glorious prerogatives. Prostrate before thee, O Heart of Mary, I make thee this humble act of reparation for all the outrages which thou hast received from me and from all mankind. I humbly confess that I have been guilty of the greatest ingratitude towards thee ; but seeing that, through thee, the Divine mercy has so often had regard unto me, I venture, even yet, to hope that thou wilt not abandon me. In this sweet confidence I am animated by a most earnest desire to be more faithful and more devoted to thee. I pray thee to accept all the good that henceforth I am resolved to do, to present it to thy dear Son Jesus, so that, through thee, my most loving Saviour may pour down his benedictions more and more on me. and on all who are dear unto me. Amen.
O Holy Virgin ! thou art my good Mother, and by excellence the Mother of pure love. Thou hast obtained for me many favours during life ; beg for me one more which will crown all the rest ; that is, to love my God—to love him purely—to love him ardently—to love him constantly as long as I shall live on earth—that I may have the happiness to love him eternally with thee in heaven. Amen.
AN ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE MOST HOLY HEART OF MARY.
O HEART of Mary, ever Virgin! O heart the holiest, the purest, the most perfect, that the Almighty hath formed in any creature; O heart, full of all grace and sweetness, throne of love and mercy, image of the adorable Heart of Jesus, heart that didst love God more than all the seraphim, that didst procure more glory to the most holy Trinity than all the saints together, that didst endure for love of us the bitter dolors at the foot of the cross, and dost so justly merit the reverence, love, and gratitude of all mankind, I give thee thanks for all the benefits which thou hast obtained for me from the divine Mercy; I unite myself to all the souls that find their joy and consolation in loving and honouring thee. O heart most amiable, the delight and admiration of the angels and the saints, henceforth thou shalt be to me, next to the Heart of Jesus, the object of my tenderest devotion, my refuge in affliction, my consolation in sorrow, my place of retreat from the enemies of my salvation, and, at the hour of my death, the surest anchor of my hope. Amen.
O HOLY Mother of God, glorious Queen of heaven and earth! I choose thee this day for my Mother, and my Advocate at the throne of thy divine Son. Accept the offering I here make of my heart. May it be irrevocable. It never can be out of danger whilst at my disposal; never secure but in thy hands. Obtain for me at present the gift of true repentance, and such graces as I may afterwards stand in need of, for the gaining of life everlasting. Amen.
From Challoner's Meditations:
FEBRUARY 6.
On turning from sin to God.
CONSIDER, first, that, in the conversion of a sinner, there must be two principal ingredients; the turning away from sin, with a sincere sorrow for having offended God; and the returning to HIM, to embrace his holy law, and to dedicate the remainder of our lives to his love and service. Happy exchange of that worst of evils, sin, for the very source of all good, and the foundation of all true happiness, which is to be derived from godliness alone, and a virtuous life.
Consider, secondly, that this turning away from sin must be effectual. We must not content ourselves with a slight sorrow for our sins, and faint purposes of amendment. We must renounce sin with our whole heart detest it above all evils and avoid, with horror, all such company, or other occasions, as expose us to relapse. We must be absolutely determined never more to offend God mortally, upon any consideration! whatever. To pretend to be true converts without this, is mere delusion.
Consider, thirdly, that the true convert must arise and return to his heavenly Father, with a contrite and humble, but loving heart, to be henceforward the eternal servant of his divine love. He must remember that "many sins are forgiven to him that loveth much," (Luke vii.) and that he who has been the greatest debtor is the most obliged to love with his whole heart that merciful creditor, who so readily remits his immense debts. His whole life, for the future, must bear testimony for his love and gratitude.
Conclude to prove yourself a true convert, by renouncing all your criminal affections, and by embracing, with your whole soul, the Lord Jesus who died upon the cross for your salvation.
FEBRUARY 6.
On turning from sin to God.
CONSIDER, first, that, in the conversion of a sinner, there must be two principal ingredients; the turning away from sin, with a sincere sorrow for having offended God; and the returning to HIM, to embrace his holy law, and to dedicate the remainder of our lives to his love and service. Happy exchange of that worst of evils, sin, for the very source of all good, and the foundation of all true happiness, which is to be derived from godliness alone, and a virtuous life.
Consider, secondly, that this turning away from sin must be effectual. We must not content ourselves with a slight sorrow for our sins, and faint purposes of amendment. We must renounce sin with our whole heart detest it above all evils and avoid, with horror, all such company, or other occasions, as expose us to relapse. We must be absolutely determined never more to offend God mortally, upon any consideration! whatever. To pretend to be true converts without this, is mere delusion.
Consider, thirdly, that the true convert must arise and return to his heavenly Father, with a contrite and humble, but loving heart, to be henceforward the eternal servant of his divine love. He must remember that "many sins are forgiven to him that loveth much," (Luke vii.) and that he who has been the greatest debtor is the most obliged to love with his whole heart that merciful creditor, who so readily remits his immense debts. His whole life, for the future, must bear testimony for his love and gratitude.
Conclude to prove yourself a true convert, by renouncing all your criminal affections, and by embracing, with your whole soul, the Lord Jesus who died upon the cross for your salvation.
Today, February 6, is the day of those 26 Christian souls who were cowardly murdered for their faith in Nagasaki, Japan. The 26 martyrs of Japan were a group consisting of five Franciscan missionaries, one Indian, three Japanese Jesuits and seventeen Japanese laymen (three of whom were but teenagers) who were condemned to crucifixion by orders of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was persuaded by the English pirate William Adams to ban Catholicism in Japan and only allow Protestant ((((merchants)))) to enter the country (Dutch and British).
Holy martyrs faithful to Christ our Lord, pray for us that our faith in the one true God may not waver either now or at the moment of our death. Amen.
Holy martyrs faithful to Christ our Lord, pray for us that our faith in the one true God may not waver either now or at the moment of our death. Amen.
Dr Michael Yeadon cancelled for speaking out against the "pandemic".
Forwarded from Gulag 2020
Twitter
Ben Mulroney
Michael Yeadon, a highly successful scientist and researcher in medicine and pharmaceuticals has been attacked personally and professionally. His "crime" - providing analysis and expert opinion that doesn't correlate with the gov't narrative. This is shocking…
Gulag 2020
https://twitter.com/mulroneyb/status/1357943271515906048?s=28
Give this channel a sub, by the way. It's very possibly the best anti-Plandemic channel on Telegrams. Other channels like 'Covid Red Pills' and 'Stop The Lockdown' are good too, but if you want the more in-depth knowledge of how the numbers and statistics are fake and how we're being lied to, this is the channel to sub to.
After about 9 months of posting I don't know why they only have 157 subs.
After about 9 months of posting I don't know why they only have 157 subs.
The Principal Heresies and Other Errors of Vatican II
by John Daly
Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religious Nostra Aetate, paragraph 4
"It is true that the Church is the new people of God, yet the Jews should not be spoken of as rejected or accursed as if this is followed from Holy Scripture."
For evidence of the true doctrine in relation to this remarkable assertion, we may start with Our Lord's parable recorded in Matthew 21:33-45 and the Church's traditional interpretation of it. "The rejection of the Jews and the conversion of the Gentiles are here foretold, as Christ teaches in verse 43," says Cornelius a Lapide in his commentary on this passage...
http://www.holyromancatholicchurch.org/heresies.html
by John Daly
Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religious Nostra Aetate, paragraph 4
"It is true that the Church is the new people of God, yet the Jews should not be spoken of as rejected or accursed as if this is followed from Holy Scripture."
For evidence of the true doctrine in relation to this remarkable assertion, we may start with Our Lord's parable recorded in Matthew 21:33-45 and the Church's traditional interpretation of it. "The rejection of the Jews and the conversion of the Gentiles are here foretold, as Christ teaches in verse 43," says Cornelius a Lapide in his commentary on this passage...
http://www.holyromancatholicchurch.org/heresies.html
"And from this wholly false idea of social organisation they do not fear to foster that erroneous opinion, especially fatal to the Catholic Church and the salvation of souls, called by our predecessor, Gregory XVI, insanity, namely that the liberty of conscience and worship is the proper right of every man, and should be proclaimed by law in every correctly established society... Each and every doctrine individually mentioned in this letter, by Our Apostolic authority We reject, proscribe and condemn; and We wish and command that they be considered as absolutely rejected by all the sons of the Church."
-Pope Pius IX, Quanta Cura
-Pope Pius IX, Quanta Cura
INTROIT Ps. 43:23-26
Awake! Why are you asleep, O Lord? Arise! Cast us not off forever! Why do you hide your face and forget our troubles? Our bodies are pressed to the earth. Arise, O Lord, help us, and free us!
Ps. 43:2. O God, our ears have heard, our fathers have spoken to us.
V. Glory be . . .
COLLECT
O God, You see that we place no trust in our ability and actions. May the prayers of the Doctor of the Gentiles defend us against all adversity. Through Our Lord . . .
EPISTLE II Cor. 11:19-33; 12:1-9
Brethren: For you gladly suffer the foolish: whereas yourselves are wise. For you suffer if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take from you, if a man be lifted up, if a man strike you on the face.
I seek according to dishonour, as if we had been weak in this part. Wherein if any man dare (I speak foolishly), I dare also. They are Hebrews: so am I. They are Israelites: so am I. They are the seed of Abraham: so am I. They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as one less wise): I am more; in many more labours, in prisons more frequently, in stripes above measure, in deaths often. Of the Jews five times did I receive forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods: once I was stoned: thrice I suffered shipwreck: a night and a day I was in the depth of the sea.
In journeying often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils from my own nation, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils from false brethren: In labour and painfulness, in much watchings, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness: Besides those things which are without: my daily instance, the solicitude for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is scandalized, and I am not on fire?
If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed for ever, knoweth that I lie not. At Damascus, the governor of the nation under Aretas the king, guarded the city of the Damascenes, to apprehend me. And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall: and so escaped his hands. If I must glory (it is not expedient indeed) but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ: above fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not, or out of the body, I know not: God knoweth), such a one caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I know not: God knoweth): That he was caught up into paradise and heard secret words which it is not granted to man to utter.
For such an one I will glory: but for myself I will glory nothing but in my infirmities. For though I should have a mind to glory, I shall not be foolish: for I will say the truth. But I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth in me, or any thing he heareth from me.
And lest the greatness of the revelations should exalt me, there was given me a sting of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to buffet me. For which thing, thrice I besought the Lord that it might depart from me. And he said to me: My grace is sufficient for thee: for power is made perfect in infirmity. Gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
GRADUAL Ps. 82:19, 14
Let the nations know that You whose name is God, alone are the Most High over all the earth.
V. O my God, whirl them about like chaff before the wind!
TRACT Ps. 59:4, 6
You have shaken the earth, O Lord, and thrown it into confusion.
V. Repair the cracks in it, for it is tottering.
V. That they may flee out of bowshot; that Your chosen ones may escape.
Awake! Why are you asleep, O Lord? Arise! Cast us not off forever! Why do you hide your face and forget our troubles? Our bodies are pressed to the earth. Arise, O Lord, help us, and free us!
Ps. 43:2. O God, our ears have heard, our fathers have spoken to us.
V. Glory be . . .
COLLECT
O God, You see that we place no trust in our ability and actions. May the prayers of the Doctor of the Gentiles defend us against all adversity. Through Our Lord . . .
EPISTLE II Cor. 11:19-33; 12:1-9
Brethren: For you gladly suffer the foolish: whereas yourselves are wise. For you suffer if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take from you, if a man be lifted up, if a man strike you on the face.
I seek according to dishonour, as if we had been weak in this part. Wherein if any man dare (I speak foolishly), I dare also. They are Hebrews: so am I. They are Israelites: so am I. They are the seed of Abraham: so am I. They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as one less wise): I am more; in many more labours, in prisons more frequently, in stripes above measure, in deaths often. Of the Jews five times did I receive forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods: once I was stoned: thrice I suffered shipwreck: a night and a day I was in the depth of the sea.
In journeying often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils from my own nation, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils from false brethren: In labour and painfulness, in much watchings, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness: Besides those things which are without: my daily instance, the solicitude for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is scandalized, and I am not on fire?
If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed for ever, knoweth that I lie not. At Damascus, the governor of the nation under Aretas the king, guarded the city of the Damascenes, to apprehend me. And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall: and so escaped his hands. If I must glory (it is not expedient indeed) but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ: above fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not, or out of the body, I know not: God knoweth), such a one caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I know not: God knoweth): That he was caught up into paradise and heard secret words which it is not granted to man to utter.
For such an one I will glory: but for myself I will glory nothing but in my infirmities. For though I should have a mind to glory, I shall not be foolish: for I will say the truth. But I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth in me, or any thing he heareth from me.
And lest the greatness of the revelations should exalt me, there was given me a sting of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to buffet me. For which thing, thrice I besought the Lord that it might depart from me. And he said to me: My grace is sufficient for thee: for power is made perfect in infirmity. Gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
GRADUAL Ps. 82:19, 14
Let the nations know that You whose name is God, alone are the Most High over all the earth.
V. O my God, whirl them about like chaff before the wind!
TRACT Ps. 59:4, 6
You have shaken the earth, O Lord, and thrown it into confusion.
V. Repair the cracks in it, for it is tottering.
V. That they may flee out of bowshot; that Your chosen ones may escape.
GOSPEL Luke 8:4-15
At that time, when a very great multitude was gathered together and hastened out of the cities, unto him, he spoke by a similitude. "The sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the way side. And it was trodden down: and the fowls of the air devoured it. And other some fell upon a rock. And as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And other some fell among thorns. And the thorns growing up with it, choked it. And other some fell upon good ground and, being sprung up, yielded fruit a hundredfold." Saying these things, he cried out: "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."
And his disciples asked him what this parable might be. To whom he said: "To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to the rest in parables, that 'seeing they may not see and hearing may not understand.' Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. And they by the way side are they that hear: then the devil cometh and taketh the word out of their heart, lest believing they should be saved. Now they upon the rock are they who when they hear receive the word with joy: and these have no roots: for they believe for a while and in time of temptation they fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they who have heard and, going their way, are choked with the cares and riches and pleasures of this life and yield no fruit. But that on the good ground are they who in a good and perfect heart, hearing the word, keep it and bring forth fruit in patience."
OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 16:5, 6-7
Keep my steps steadfast in Your paths, that my feet may not falter. Incline Your ear and hear my words. Show Your wondrous kindness, O Savior of those who trust in You, O Lord.
SECRET
May the sacrifice we offer You, O Lord, bring us new life and keep us safe. Through our Lord . . .
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 42:4
I will go in to the altar of God, to God who gives joy to my youth.
POSTCOMMUNION
Almighty God, we humbly ask that those who are nourished with Your Sacrament may live a life of worthy service pleasing to You. Through Our Lord . . .
At that time, when a very great multitude was gathered together and hastened out of the cities, unto him, he spoke by a similitude. "The sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the way side. And it was trodden down: and the fowls of the air devoured it. And other some fell upon a rock. And as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And other some fell among thorns. And the thorns growing up with it, choked it. And other some fell upon good ground and, being sprung up, yielded fruit a hundredfold." Saying these things, he cried out: "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."
And his disciples asked him what this parable might be. To whom he said: "To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to the rest in parables, that 'seeing they may not see and hearing may not understand.' Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. And they by the way side are they that hear: then the devil cometh and taketh the word out of their heart, lest believing they should be saved. Now they upon the rock are they who when they hear receive the word with joy: and these have no roots: for they believe for a while and in time of temptation they fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they who have heard and, going their way, are choked with the cares and riches and pleasures of this life and yield no fruit. But that on the good ground are they who in a good and perfect heart, hearing the word, keep it and bring forth fruit in patience."
OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 16:5, 6-7
Keep my steps steadfast in Your paths, that my feet may not falter. Incline Your ear and hear my words. Show Your wondrous kindness, O Savior of those who trust in You, O Lord.
SECRET
May the sacrifice we offer You, O Lord, bring us new life and keep us safe. Through our Lord . . .
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 42:4
I will go in to the altar of God, to God who gives joy to my youth.
POSTCOMMUNION
Almighty God, we humbly ask that those who are nourished with Your Sacrament may live a life of worthy service pleasing to You. Through Our Lord . . .
From Challoner's Meditations:
JANUARY 7.
The Wise Men's journey to Bethlehem.
CONSIDER, first, that the wise men, immediately upon the apparition of the star, set out to seek their Saviour whom it denoted, in Judea. For by an ancient tradition, and by the prophecy of Balaam, (Numbers xxiv. 17,) they understood that was the place of his nativity. Wherefore, going to Jerusalem, where it was most likely they should hear news concerning him, they inquire, "Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and we are come to adore him," (Matthew ii. 2. ) But as the kingdom of Christ was not of this world, and was to be established upon the ruins of worldly pride, and of all the pomps of Satan, he chose for his birth the humble stable of Bethlehem, before all the stately palaces of Jerusalem, as more agreeable to his kingdom, the kingdom of humility and of truth. Happy those souls whose eyes are ever open to this heavenly truth, and shut to the vanities of the world. For thus do they become themselves the kingdom of Christ, even that kingdom in which he shall reign for ever!
Consider, secondly, how Herod was troubled on hearing of the birth of this new king; and so was all Jerusalem with him. How much more happy was the dispositions of the wise men, who desired, at all events, to find Christ, and gladly embraced the directions of those, who, by their office, were qualified to point him out. to them? But, alas! how miserable were those priests and scribes, who, directing the wise men to our Saviour, took no pains to seek him themselves! See this never be your case.
Consider, thirdly, that, upon leaving Jerusalem, the star again appeared to the wise men, and conducted them to Bethlehem, and to the place where our Saviour lay. They were filled with exceeding great joy; and, going in, they found him whom their souls desired, and humbly adored their infant Lord. Oh! how precious, how lovely, how consoling is that light, which conducts the soul to Christ, her sovereign good! But then, generally speaking, it sheds its beams upon those only, who resolutely conquer every difficulty and opposition in their search after truth, and are quite in earnest to find Christ.
Conclude to imitate the wise men in their ready obedience to the divine call, in their diligence in seeking Christ, and in their faithful perseverance; and you will undoubtedly arrive at the object of your pious inquiries, your sovereign and eternal good.
JANUARY 7.
The Wise Men's journey to Bethlehem.
CONSIDER, first, that the wise men, immediately upon the apparition of the star, set out to seek their Saviour whom it denoted, in Judea. For by an ancient tradition, and by the prophecy of Balaam, (Numbers xxiv. 17,) they understood that was the place of his nativity. Wherefore, going to Jerusalem, where it was most likely they should hear news concerning him, they inquire, "Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and we are come to adore him," (Matthew ii. 2. ) But as the kingdom of Christ was not of this world, and was to be established upon the ruins of worldly pride, and of all the pomps of Satan, he chose for his birth the humble stable of Bethlehem, before all the stately palaces of Jerusalem, as more agreeable to his kingdom, the kingdom of humility and of truth. Happy those souls whose eyes are ever open to this heavenly truth, and shut to the vanities of the world. For thus do they become themselves the kingdom of Christ, even that kingdom in which he shall reign for ever!
Consider, secondly, how Herod was troubled on hearing of the birth of this new king; and so was all Jerusalem with him. How much more happy was the dispositions of the wise men, who desired, at all events, to find Christ, and gladly embraced the directions of those, who, by their office, were qualified to point him out. to them? But, alas! how miserable were those priests and scribes, who, directing the wise men to our Saviour, took no pains to seek him themselves! See this never be your case.
Consider, thirdly, that, upon leaving Jerusalem, the star again appeared to the wise men, and conducted them to Bethlehem, and to the place where our Saviour lay. They were filled with exceeding great joy; and, going in, they found him whom their souls desired, and humbly adored their infant Lord. Oh! how precious, how lovely, how consoling is that light, which conducts the soul to Christ, her sovereign good! But then, generally speaking, it sheds its beams upon those only, who resolutely conquer every difficulty and opposition in their search after truth, and are quite in earnest to find Christ.
Conclude to imitate the wise men in their ready obedience to the divine call, in their diligence in seeking Christ, and in their faithful perseverance; and you will undoubtedly arrive at the object of your pious inquiries, your sovereign and eternal good.
From Challoner's Meditations:
FEBRUARY 8.
On doing penance for our sins.
CONSIDER, first, that sentence of our Lord, "except you do penance, you shall all perish," (Luke xiii. 5.) The virtue of penance always was and ever will be absolutely necessary for every soul that has at any time in life fallen from God by wilful sin. There is no medium; either penance or hell fire must be our choice. Hence the prophets in the old Testament, and all apostolical preachers in the New, continually enforce the necessity of penance. St. John the Baptist endeavored to prepare the people for the coining of Christ by the same method, (Matth. iii. ) Thus also did our Lord himself open his mission, (Matth. iv. )
Consider, secondly, that we cannot be true converts without hating and detesting our sins above all evils, because they offend our God who is infinitely good. Hence there naturally flows in all true penitents a sincere and effectual desire, of making him due satisfaction, according to their weak abilities, chastising their sinful flesh: it was the occasion of their fall, and is still continually waging war against the spirit, unless brought into subjection by penitential exercises.
Consider, thirdly, how the holy scriptures frequently put us in mind of "turning to God with fasting, weeping and mourning;" of "doing penance in sackcloth and ashes," &c. Numberless instances are there mentioned, of the divine mercy obtained by these means accompanied with a contrite spirit. Nor can any pretended assurance of the pardon of our sins exempt us from doing penance; since notwithstanding the prophet had certified David on the part of God himself, that "the Lord had taken away his sin, (2 Sam. xii. 13,) he mingled ashes with his bread, and tears with his drink, and every night lamented bitterly his fall.
Conclude to imitate this royal penitent as far as you are able; and make the best atonement you can, by fervent acts of repentance.
FEBRUARY 8.
On doing penance for our sins.
CONSIDER, first, that sentence of our Lord, "except you do penance, you shall all perish," (Luke xiii. 5.) The virtue of penance always was and ever will be absolutely necessary for every soul that has at any time in life fallen from God by wilful sin. There is no medium; either penance or hell fire must be our choice. Hence the prophets in the old Testament, and all apostolical preachers in the New, continually enforce the necessity of penance. St. John the Baptist endeavored to prepare the people for the coining of Christ by the same method, (Matth. iii. ) Thus also did our Lord himself open his mission, (Matth. iv. )
Consider, secondly, that we cannot be true converts without hating and detesting our sins above all evils, because they offend our God who is infinitely good. Hence there naturally flows in all true penitents a sincere and effectual desire, of making him due satisfaction, according to their weak abilities, chastising their sinful flesh: it was the occasion of their fall, and is still continually waging war against the spirit, unless brought into subjection by penitential exercises.
Consider, thirdly, how the holy scriptures frequently put us in mind of "turning to God with fasting, weeping and mourning;" of "doing penance in sackcloth and ashes," &c. Numberless instances are there mentioned, of the divine mercy obtained by these means accompanied with a contrite spirit. Nor can any pretended assurance of the pardon of our sins exempt us from doing penance; since notwithstanding the prophet had certified David on the part of God himself, that "the Lord had taken away his sin, (2 Sam. xii. 13,) he mingled ashes with his bread, and tears with his drink, and every night lamented bitterly his fall.
Conclude to imitate this royal penitent as far as you are able; and make the best atonement you can, by fervent acts of repentance.