Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
True to form, the abortion industry is doing everything in its power to capitalize on the coronavirus emergency by using this pandemic to expand access to abortion. Thanks to the vigilance of the pro-life movement, many of their efforts have been successfully thwarted.
March 25
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
“The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
‘Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.’
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
‘Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end.’
But Mary said to the angel,
‘How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?’
And the angel said to her in reply,
‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God.’
Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.’
Then the angel departed from her.”
-Luke 1:26-38
Today’s Reflection
Lent is a time of humility. A time when we listen more closely for the voice of God. A time when we seek to live more completely His will in our lives. Our Blessed Mother has much to teach is in this regard. She is the perfect example of receptivity, trust, and surrender. Her “fiat” or “yes” was complete and eternal. Ponder today’s Gospel reading and ask Our Lady to show you the areas where you haven’t yet given your fiat. Beg the Holy Spirit for the grace to do so.
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Right about now, most of the planet is experiencing “cabin fever.” After almost two weeks of confinement, we’re sick of having no where to go but the grocery store and the pharmacy. Well, if you were part of the New Age “vision board” craze, you would simply hang pictures of fun things to do on a poster board along with uplifting positive words like, “go shopping” and “have a party” and – poof! – this whole coronavirus mess would be over. Can that really work?
March 24
“Are you capable of risking your life for someone? Do it for Christ.”
– St. John Paul II
Today’s Reflection
There are occasions when in prayer, we are filled with zeal, and a willingness to risk everything for the Lord. But most of the time “risking your life for someone” is the small act of laying down your pride, your way of doing things, your ideas, your opinions. It means being humble and obedient to the will of God. Risk your life for Christ today in the big and small ways in which He leads you.
Dear Women of Grace family,
As a means of daily support and inspiration, we will temporarily be sharing our Daily Gracelines with our entire email audience. We hope it is a source of daily encouragement for you as we walk through these challenging times together. We are praying for you. If you are not a subscriber, click here to subscribe.
With love and prayers,
Your Women of Grace Family
If you enjoy Daily Gracelines, please prayerfully consider making a donation to support and sustain our apostolate so that we may continue to provide this and all of our resources designed to nourish and grow your Catholic faith.
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March 22
“As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst…He knows your weakness. He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you.”
– St. Teresa of Calcutta
Today’s Reflection
How is Jesus thirsting for your love? Is it time with Him? Is He calling you to forgive? Does He want you to love someone you find to be a challenge to love? Spend some quiet time today asking the Lord how you can quench His thirst.
March 21
“There are ways of being crucified that do not involve rough wood or heavy nails, but a love beyond our capacity to love, which means a love that has been given to us by God…”
-Catherine Doherty
Today’s Reflection
Who is God calling you to love beyond your capacity this Lent? Go love them today.
According to a decree issued today by the Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary, a plenary indulgence is being granted for Catholics who are afflicted with COVID-19 and those who care for them, as well as those who pray for them.
March 20
“It is better not to fast and be thereby humbled, than to fast and to be
self-satisfied therewith.”
-Pascal: Pensees (17th century)
Today’s Reflection
We must always be on the lookout for wrong intentions. They can creep into everything we do, even spiritual exercises. Take a moment today to renew your intentions for this Lent and remember to do so from time to time throughout this holy season.
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Women of Grace® study programs give you the blessed privilege of witnessing the magnificent movement of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the women who attend – and you will experience His dynamic power and grace in your own life as well. As your study group learns about the great gift of authentic femininity and how to live it out in our world today, hearts will be healed, lives will be changed, and souls will be saved. This is indeed a time of transformation, renewal, and deepening commitment. Read the rest…
