An analysis of the activity level of both Houses of Congress by The Washington Times has found that the current Democratic-led Senate produced fewer pieces of legislation than at any time in its recorded history.
Monthly Archives: January 2012
Mary’s Heart
“Mary, give me your Heart: so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate; your Heart so full of love and humility that I may be able to receive Jesus in the Bread of Life and love Him as you love Him and serve Him in the distressing guise of the poor.”
Blessed Mother Teresa
For Reflection:
St. Louis de Montfort tells us that when we entrust ourselves to her, Mary shares with us the operations of her own soul. Blessed Mother Teresa, as well as St. Maximilian in the preceding quote, give us insight into the soul of Mary. How do these qualities of Mary speak to strength and courage as well as humility and meekness? To what extent do you desire to share these aspects of Mary’s interior life? Go to her now and ask her as you humbly offer yourself to Jesus through her.
Was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pro-Life?
The niece of Martin Luther King and pro-life champion Dr. Alveda C. King says her uncle’s definitely against abortion, a stance that was “supported by everything he said.”
Girl’s Death Prompts Call for End to Cyberbullying
A nine year-old girl suffering from Huntington’s Disease, who was the victim of a neighbor’s cyberbulling campaign, has died, sparking a renewed discussion about the dangers of using the Internet to malign others.
Gay Activists Attack Girl Scouts’ Right to Speak
Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
A 14 year-old girl scout and her family who initiated a boycott of Girl Scout cookies in order to stop the organization from using funds to promote liberal causes, has been the subject of vile attacks by gay activists who were so intolerant of her viewpoint that they had her YouTube video silenced and exposed her real name to the public.
The Vast Difference Between Lalaloopsy and Voodoo Dolls
UA writes: “. . . (M)y daughter 6 years old for Christmas got a doll call lalaloopsy, it says in the box “sew magical , sew cute, but im starting to have the feeling that this doll looks like a budu doll. Please, if you have some information, I will really appreciate it. I am a young mom trying to raise my kids to love, serve and honor God, and I’m really careful about that. . .”
“O Immaculata!”
“She is a breath of divine power, a most pure effusion of the Most High; hence nothing sullied can ever contaminate her. She is a reflection of the eternal light, a spotless mirror of God’s activity, an image of his excellence…She is indeed more beautiful than the sun, surpasses all the constellations, and compared to light itself, she is more brilliant.”
St. Maximilian Kolbe on the Blessed Virgin
For Reflection:
Using the gift of your imagination, meditate on this quote. Which description strikes you the most? Why? How does it enhance your appreciation and understanding of Mary? In his writings, St. Maximilian Kolbe says to Our Lady with wonder, “Who are you, O Immaculata!” How does this quote incite the same wonder in you?
The Greatest Saints
“The greatest saints, those richest in grace and virtue will be the most assiduous in praying to the most Blessed Virgin, looking up to her as the perfect model to imitate and as a powerful helper to assist them.”
St. Louis de Montfort
For Reflection:
Consider all of the great saints who have had a deep devotion to Our Lady. List a few of their names. In them, how do you see the imitation of Mary? To what extent does this inspire you to trust yourself more and more to her care and maternal beatitude? Tomorrow’s GraceLine gives us more reason to consider our consecration to her.
Queen of Hearts
“Prayer is powerful beyond limits when we turn to the Immaculata who is queen even of God’s heart.”
St. Maximilian Kolbe
For Reflection:
How is it that Mary is queen even of God’s heart? How would this enhance the prayers we entrust to her? What is your greatest need at the moment? Formulate a prayer to Mary, Queen of God’s Heart and entrust your concern, worry, difficulty, desire to her now.
Speaking of Pentecost
“The Divine Spirit…came to many just souls, although not so openly. Blessed is the soul who longs for this grace which enkindles, enlightens, and consumes all that is earthly and carnal and raises it up to a new union with God Himself. As your true and loving Mother, I want you to have this happiness, and therefore I again urge you to prepare your heart by trying to maintain an unshatterable inner peace and calm, no matter what happens.”
Mary to Venerable Mother Mary of Agreda
Mysticism-(etymology-relating to a mystery) a religious tendency and desore of the human soul toward intimate union with God through contemplation and love which is not sought for its own sake, and is always informed by revelation and ascetical theology. St. Thomas Acquinas defines it as cognition dei experimentalis (experiential knowledge of God). It does not necessarily include phenomena such as visions and ecstasies. True mysticism cannot be induced by techniques, practices, or effort. It is a gift from God, a consolation bestowed by Him and Him alone.
For Reflection:
According to the definition for mysticism, how do Mary’s words indicate this? How can we prepare ourselves to receive this outpouring of the Holy Spirit? Reread the quote for January 11. What does this good saint recommend we do? What one thing can you entrust to Mary today?
