December 24
Day 23: Daily Gracelines: ADVENTure with Mary
Theme: The third Sunday of Advent is all about JOY. The third week of Advent begins on Guadete Sunday. We are reminded of His birth and coming, and we await rejoicing!
Grace: I pray for the grace of joy as I await my Lord! Regardless of what happens this week, I will rejoice in God.
Reflection: "O Jesus, I ask only for peace -- peace and, above all, love that is without measure or limits." - St. Therese of Lisieux
Challenge: This reflection from St. Therese reminds us that "perfect love casts out fear." Our Lady was the perfect example of perfect love. Ask her to show you where you need to love more? Who do you need to forgive so that you might experience fully the peace of Christ on Christmas day?
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St. Francis adoring the Christ Child (Fabrizio Santafede 1560-1623)
A well-researched biography of Saint Francis of Assisi must of necessity resound with the same two overriding themes: his deep, intense love for and devotion to his Savior, Jesus Christ; and his commitment to a radical living out of his Master’s example of poverty.
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ST asks:
"What do you know about 'mindfulness meditation.'™ Is it okay for hospitals to be using it on patients?"
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December 23
Day 22: Daily Gracelines: ADVENTure with Mary
Theme: The third Sunday of Advent is all about JOY. The third week of Advent begins on Guadete Sunday. We are reminded of His birth and coming, and we await rejoicing!
Grace: I pray for the grace of joy as I await my Lord! Regardless of what happens this week, I will rejoice in God.
Reflection: "Mother of mercy and of hope obtain for the men and women of the third millennium the precious gift of peace; peace in hearts and families, in communities and among peoples; peace above all for those Nations where people fight and die every day.
Obtain that every human being of every race and culture may encounter and accept Jesus, who came down to earth in the mystery of Christmas to give 'His' peace to us.
O Mary, Queen of Peace, give us Christ, the world's true Peace!"
- St. John Paul II
Challenge: Where do you need more peace in your life? Ask the Child Jesus to grant you the precious gift of His peace this Christmas.
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December 22
Day 21: Daily Gracelines: ADVENTure with Mary
Theme: The third Sunday of Advent is all about JOY. The third week of Advent begins on Guadete Sunday. We are reminded of His birth and coming, and we await rejoicing!
Grace: I pray for the grace of joy as I await my Lord! Regardless of what happens this week, I will rejoice in God.
Reflection: "With Christ joy is constantly born anew." - Pope Francis
Challenge: What can you do to today to prepare your heart more deeply to receive the joy of the Child Jesus on Christmas Day?
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December 21
Day 20: Daily Gracelines: ADVENTure with Mary
Theme: The third Sunday of Advent is all about JOY. The third week of Advent begins on Guadete Sunday. We are reminded of His birth and coming, and we await rejoicing!
Grace: I pray for the grace of joy as I await my Lord! Regardless of what happens this week, I will rejoice in God.
Reflection: "One filled with Joy preaches without preaching." -St. Teresa of Calcutta
Challenge: What is the underlying meaning of this quote? Do you believe that you are truly filled with joy based on your interactions and encounters with others? Do you "preach without preaching"? Today, ask our Lord to open your heart to a greater outpouring of joy, and await His lovely gift.
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With World Youth Day 2019 just one month away, pilgrims are being asked to prepare for this pilgrimage the best way possible – with prayer.
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December 20
Day 19: Daily Gracelines: ADVENTure with Mary
Theme: The third Sunday of Advent is all about JOY. The third week of Advent begins on Guadete Sunday. We are reminded of His birth and coming, and we await rejoicing!
Grace: I pray for the grace of joy as I await my Lord! Regardless of what happens this week, I will rejoice in God.
Reflection: "The soul of the one who serves God always swims in joy, always keeps holiday, and is always in the mood for singing." - St. John of the Cross
Challenge: Are you swimming in joy and rejoicing this week? If not, place it at the foot of the cross and give God any discouragement you are experiencing. Surely, He will transform it!
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"In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace." (Excerpt from the Canticle of Zechariah, Lk 1:78-79)
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December 19
Day 18: Daily Gracelines: ADVENTure with Mary
Theme: The third Sunday of Advent is all about JOY. The third week of Advent begins on Guadete Sunday. We are reminded of His birth and coming, and we await rejoicing!
Grace: I pray for the grace of joy as I await my Lord! Regardless of what happens this week, I will rejoice in God.
Reflection: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” - Galatians 5:22-23
Challenge: What fruits are you struggling with this Advent? How is our Lord calling you to grow deeper in these virtues? Ask Mother to storm heaven with prayers for you today!
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