"Confession periodically renewed - the Confession of 'devotion' - has always accompanied the ascent to holiness in the Church."
Pope John Paul II
For Reflection:
How frequently do I make use of the Sacrament of Penance? What does this tell me about how seriously I take my call to holiness?
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"Confession heals, confession justifies, confession grants pardon of sin, all hope consists in confession; in confession there is a chance for mercy."
St. Isidore of Seville
For Reflection:
How have I experienced the benefit of Confession as a source of healing? Justification? Release from sin? To what extent does this encourage me to make more frequent use of this sacrament?
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"Have you sinned? Go into the church and wipe out your sin. As often as you might fall down in the marketplace, you pick yourself up again. So too, as often as you sin, repent your sin. Do not despair."
St. John Chrysostom
For Reflection:
These words remind us that growth in holiness requires perseverance and hope. How does the Sacrament of Penance offer both of these virtues?
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"You who are baptized: Conquer the darkness by the light of your candles, and the silence by your hosannas!"
St. Ephraem the Syrian
For Reflection:
This quote reminds me that my baptism is meant to be a sign to the world. In what specific way(s) can I be a light in the darkness and proclaim the glory of God in the midst of my daily duties?
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"Baptism is ransom, forgiveness of debts, death of sin, regeneration of the soul, a resplendent garment, an unbreakable seal, a chariot to heaven, a royal protector, a gift of adoption."
St. Basil the Great
For Reflection:
How blest am I to have been baptized! Which parts of St. Basil's quote speak most profoundly to my soul? For which am I most grateful?
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"Baptism initiates us into the Christian life. Often, the dignity of the baptized person is veiled by the ordinary circumstances of his life, so, like the saints, we must strive hard to live in accordance with that dignity at all costs."
Francis Fernandez
For Reflection:
To what extent does my daily life reflect the dignity of my baptism? In what specific areas must I strive to live more in union with that dignity? Am I willing to cooperate with grace for this transformation to take place?
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"A sacrament is a remembrance of the past (Christ's Passion), a proof of the present (grace), and a promise of the future (eternal life)."
St. Thomas Aquinas
For Reflection:
Today I will ponder this great three-fold definition of a sacrament to increase my fervency and devotion to the sacraments of the Church.
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"Christ's good is communicated to all Christians, even as the power in the head is shared by all the members. This communication is effected by the sacraments of the Church, in which the power of Christ's passion operates, the effect of which is the bestowal of grace for the remission of sins."
St. Thomas Aquinas
For Reflection:
According to these words of St. Thomas Aquinas, what is the purpose and benefit of the sacraments? How does this enhance my appreciation of the gift God has given me through them?
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Feast of St. John Bosco, Priest
(1815 - 1888)
On the Disciplining of Boys:
"There must be no hostility in our minds, no contempt in our eyes, no insult on our lips. We must use mercy for the present and have hope fo rthe future, as is fitting for true fahters who are eager for real correction and improvement."
St. John Bosco
For Reflection:
How can I apply this advice in my dealings with children - mine or those entrusted to me? How does this advice apply to my interactions with all people? What relationship does this have to St. Paul's instruction from yesterday's Grace Line?
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"My brothers, your thoughts should be wholly directed to all that is true, all that deserves respect, all that is honest, pure, admirable, decent, virtuous, or worthy of praise. Then will the God of peace be with you."
Philippiams 4:8,9
For Reflection:
Based on this passage from Scripture, what is the relationship with my thoughts and my level of peace? Change one, change the other. Hmmmm.
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