July 20
"One should always remember that such virtues as surrender, humility, obedience, and the ability to serve and sacrifice presuppose a high degree of spiritual activity, enabling one to ignore one's own selfish demands. Mary is never servile but free and responsible."
-Jutta Burggraf
Today’s Reflection:
What is the difference between a servile action and a free and responsible one? Which marks my service to others?
July 19
"For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter;..."
-Matthew 12:34-36
Today’s Reflection:
Are my words life-giving or life-threatening? How does this affect my mission of spiritual motherhood?
July 18
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
-John 13:34
Today’s Reflection:
Is there a family member or community member who currently is difficult to love? How can I bring love into this situation? Which feminine quality does it require?
July 17
"Not all women have fruits of their own womb, but all women are called upon to be mothers: that is, self-giving, self-sacrificing in the silence of their loving heart."
-Alice Von Hildebrand, Ph.D.
Today’s Reflection:
In what ways can I nurture life in others? Am I willing to make the sacrifice?
July 16
"Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’"
-Luke 1:39-45
Today’s Reflection:
Using this scripture passage to guide me, how do I see the virtues of generosity, fortitude, fidelity, devotion, compassion, and hope in the Blessed Virgin Mary?
July 14
"Rejoice always, pray constantly."
-1 Thessalonians 5:16
Today’s Reflection:
How can I discipline myself to turn my thoughts and attention to God during the course of the day?
July 13
"A few moments of recollection and meditation each morning n the presence of God transforms and perfumes the whole day, life flowers cast when night comes, whose fragrance at dawn anoints everything they have touched."
-Elisabeth Leseur
Today’s Reflection:
How can prayer perfume the day?
July 12
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path."
-Psalm 119:105
Today’s Reflection:
Why should prayerful reading of Scripture be part of my prayer time?
