January Gracelines
"What are our real trials? By what name shall we call them? One cuts herself out a cross of pride; another, on of causeless discontent; another, one of restless impatience or peevish fretfulness. Yet we know certainly that our God calls us to a holy life, that he gives us every grace, every abundant grace; and though we are weak of ourselves, this grace is able to carry us through every obstacle and difficulty."
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
For Reflection:
Have I cut out a cross for myself - one that I have fashioned rather than the Lord? Could this be why this cross is so heavy? Today, I will lay down before our Lord this cross of my own fashioning, knowing and trusting that He is giving me the grace to carry the cross He has placed upon my shoulder.