August 5
"Pride is an illusion, a lie and a thief. And since it is a truth of faith that we are nothing, he who esteems himself and thinks that he is someone is a seducer who deceives himself."
-St. John Eudes
Today's Reflection:
Why is pride so lethal to the spiritual life? How does pride seduce us? (See tomorrow's Grace Line for one saint's explanation.)
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“The way to destroy bad habits is by watchfulness and by doing often those things that are opposites to one’s besetting sins.”
-St. John Vianney
How do we grow in virtue?
St. John Vianney, whose feast we celebrate today, offers us the sage advice of "doing often those things that are opposites to one's besetting sins."
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August 4
"True humility does not make a show of herself or use many humble words;
for she desires not only to conceal all other virtues, but most of all
to conceal herself."
-St. Francis de Sales
Today's Reflection:
How does the Blessed Virgin Mary exemplify these words?
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August 3
"The state of marriage is one that requires more virtue and constancy than any other. It is a perpetual exercise in mortification."
-St. Francis de Sales
Today's Reflection:
To what extent have I discovered this for myself? How can the virtue of humility help me?
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August 2
"We shall never learn to know ourselves except by endeavoring to know God; for, beholding His greatness, we realize our own littleness; His purity shows us our foulness; and by meditating upon His humility we find how very far we are from being humble."
-St. Teresa of Avila
Today's Reflection:
According to St. Teresa of Avila, why is meditating on the attributes of God an appropriate way to begin to cultivate the virtue of humility? Where do you most see yourself in the reflection above?
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August 1
"Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance."
-St. Augustine
Today's Reflection:
Consider St. Augustine's statement about humility. Why do you think humility is the foundation of all the other virtues? Why is the appearance of any other virtue merely pretense if humility is lacking?
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July 31
"With Christians, a poetical view of things is a duty. We are bid to color all things with hues of faith, to see a divine meaning in every event."
-Cardinal John Henry Newman
Today's Reflection:
Do I "color all things with hues of faith?" Do I see "a divine meaning in every event?" If I were to do so, how would this encourage the virtue of humility in me? What one situation or circumstance am I presently facing that can give me this opportunity?
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July 30
"Fast from bitterness - feast on forgiveness. Fast from self-concern - feast on compassion for others. Fast from personal anxiety - feast on eternal truth. Fast from anger - feast on patience. Fast from words that destroy - feast on words that build up. Fast from discontent - feast on gratitude. Fast from discouragement - feast on hope."
-Susan Tassone
Today's Reflection:
What "fast" should I engage? What are three practical ways I can employ its antidote today?
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July 29
"Let all acknowledge St. Michael as their protector, and be devout to him, for he cannot despise those who pray to him.... But he guards them through life, directs them on their way, and conducts them to their eternal home."
-St. Lawrence Justinian
Today's Reflection:
It gives me comfort when I realize that the Archangel Michael not only defends and protects souls during this life but also is our special advocate and consoler at the hour of death. He will come to do battle with our enemies on our behalf. I will invoke St Michael daily to lend his assistance at the critical hour of death.
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“Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; 42 one thing is needful.[a] Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:38-42
Are you a Martha, a Mary, or a Lazarus?
Today is the Memorial of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. In the scripture passage above, we see that Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.” While Martha, “was distracted with much serving.” She even complained that Mary wasn’t doing her part and the Lord, rebuked her saying that Mary had chosen the better part and He would not take it away from her.
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