The Birthday of Our Lady

                        Woman                                   

MaryWomanDipped in the instincts of heaven,

Robed in the garments of earth,

Maiden and Mother and Queen,

Wearing each crown at thy birth: 

Threefold thy gift to the world,

Pluck’d from God’s ripening sky,

Tending the altar of life,

Kindred to angels on high.

            – Thomas O’Hagan                                    

 

For Reflection: 

“Tending the altar of life…”    In addition to bringing Jesus into the world, how else does Sacred Scripture show Mary as “mother?” I will do likewise in three ways today as a special birthday present to her. 

Mary, my Mother,

On this your birthday, bring me to the fullness

Of life through your Son, Jesus Christ,

My Lord.

Amen.

Academy of Love

st FrancisdeSales3“Mount Calvary is the academy of love.”

                   -St. Francis de Sales

 

 

For Reflection: 

Contemplating the scene of the crucifixion, what three persons do I see enrolled in this “academy of love” besides Jesus and how is their love expressed? Today, in what ways can I follow their example and in what way(s) am I willing to enroll in the “academy?”