August 13
"As a Christian, you are another Christ. As a militant, you continue the work of Christ. Imitate Christ, therefore, and let our Blessed Mother form you as she formed Christ.
-Emil Neubert, SM, STD
Today’s Reflection:
Like any good Christian mother, Our Blessed Mother desires to form you into "another Christ." Her knowledge, perfection and skill surpasses all earthly mothers. How does this knowledge impact the degree to which you will entrust yourself to Jesus through Mary?
Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDSOnce again, the latest Pew Research study has found continued erosion in belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist among Catholics and it has kicked off another round of hand-wringing among the faithful. We've been blaming poor catechesis for decades, and nothing's changed. Maybe we need to take a look at some new ideas.
The saints were very aware of the shortness of life and how quickly it passes by. As we get older, time seems to pass even more quickly. That is why striving to live in the present moment is so important. It allows us to focus on the opportunity at hand. Whether it is a time of work or play, a time with friends or co-workers, taking advantage of the present moment is a key to living the fullness of the gift of our lives.
Mixed into the ordinary daily events of life are Kairos moments. These are the instances of great opportunity, when God’s grace and chronological time intersect. Often, the hustle and bustle of our modern culture, obscures our ability to recognize them. If we don’t take time to examine our lives, we can completely miss them. As the Greek philosopher Socrates stated, “The life that is unexamined is not worth living.” But, how do we recollect and ponder?
Our Lady provides us the way through her own example. St Luke tells us that she spent daily moments of recollection by pondering the events of her day, especially those regarding her Son, in the confines of her heart. This is a most fruitful practice. It is the perfect opportunity to hear with the ears of our heart and to see with the eyes of our soul. Following is an abbreviated version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced. It is one good method to use:
1. Become aware of God’s presence. 2. Review the day with gratitude. 3. Pay attention to your emotions. 4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. 5. Look toward tomorrow. (https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/)
If you don’t already do something like this, I highly recommend you try incorporating it into your nightly routine. Give it a whirl and see what an impact it can have in your life. And, may I share with you my gratitude for the impact you are having in the lives of others? Your support to our mission enables us to share with God’s daughters the gift of their feminine genius, as well as to help them recognize the Kairos moments in their lives. As a result, they are empowered to bring God’s love and healing into their marriages, families, homes, parishes, schools and communities – Kairos moments in action, you might say.
And, speaking of Kairos moments in action, we often witness this very reality at our Women of Grace events. Here are just a couple of such moments from this summer’s Women of Grace events. They include the installation ceremony of our newest Regional Coordinator, Alicia McDermott, and the presentation of completion certificates to Benedicta Institute graduates, Deanna Williston and Lauren Ghasten.
Given the challenges of this our day and time and considering the recent carnage we have experienced, the light of God’s love and His presence in the life of man is more critical than ever. The genius of authentic femininity can do much to aid humanity in not falling. Please continue to make a difference in the world today through the work of Women of Grace. We are truly grateful for your partnership!
Keep recollecting! Keep pondering. Keep praying!
May the abundant life of Jesus Christ be yours and may God bless you
With gratitude and blessings,
Founder and President
August 12
"Mary must be terrible to the devil and his crew, as an army ranged in battle, principally in these latter times, because the devil, knowing that he has but little time, and now less than ever, to destroy souls, will every day redouble his efforts and his combats. He will presently raise up cruel persecutions and will put terrible snares before the faithful servants and true children of Mary, whom it give him more trouble to conquer than it does to conquer others."
-St. Louis De Montfort, True Devotion to Mary
Today’s Reflection:
What does this passage reveal to you about the times in which we live and your role in them?
August 11th, the Feast of Saint Clare of Assisi (1194 – 1253), offers an opportunity to explore the life of a woman of shining virtue. Her religious vocation was a direct outgrowth of that of her contemporary and mentor, the beloved Saint Francis (1182 – 1226).
August 11
"It is not an empty flattery to bestow on Mary the title of Queen of the Apostles. Just as she assisted the Apostles, the teachers of the infant church with the support and advice of a mother, so we must affirm that at all times and in all ways she accords her assistance to all those who inherit the office of the Apostles."
-Pope Benedict XV
Today’s Reflection:
Mary's role as Queen of Apostles did not end with the coming of the Holy Ghost. In fact, it was only beginning. Just as she interceded for the Apostles and the early Church, she desires to intercede for us in our task of conquering the world for Christ, through the power of her spouse, the Holy Spirit.
August 10
"Behold thy Mother."
-John19:27
Today’s Reflection:
Our Lord Jesus confided His mother to us. She gave Him natural life. She gives us supernatural life. She sustains and nurtures supernatural life in us by the grace of light, love, and strength that she obtains on our behalf through her intercession.
As Christ's militants, we are called to imitate Mary, as a spiritual mother to others, through our own intercession, prayers, and love. Who can you spiritually mother today?
There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
