February 14
“God created us to live in loving union with Him for all eternity.”
Today’s Reflection:
What more could one ask for on the day we celebrate St. Valentine than to know that God desires spousal union with us for all eternity? If there is a longing or expectation that hasn’t been met today, rest in the knowledge that you are completely and utterly loved by God.
January 28
“The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
-Mark 12:28-31
Today’s Reflection:
The passage reveals an important truth to us about the virtue of charity: true love of neighbor flows from true love of God. Jesus tells the scribe that the first commandment is to love God with the entirety of our being. Then we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. The love of God is a prerequisite for love of neighbor and
for every charitable action.
Practicing the corporal works of mercy is a practical way to grow in the virtue of charity. Seek at least one way that you can do so this week.
(1) Feed the hungry.
(2) Give drink to the thirsty.
(3) Clothe the naked.
(4) Shelter the homeless.
(5) Visit those in prison.
(6) Comfort the sick.
(7) Bury the dead.
January 24
“The chief exercise of prayer is to speak to God and to hear God speak
in the bottom of your heart.”
St. Francis de Sales
Today’s Reflection:
Prayer is the gateway to friendship and intimacy with God. Do you have a regular and consistent time of prayer? Are there ways you can improve your prayer time? What one step will you take today?
January 23
“[She] kept all these things in her heart.”
-Luke 2:51
Today’s Reflection:
Prayer is the answer. Prayer is what the Blessed Virgin Mary did when she faced the contradictions of her life as Mother of the Messiah. It was in her heart that Our Lady found the grace and consolation she needed. In our barren times, how do we need to pray more, not less?
Dearest Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
January 4
“So God created man in His own image.” -Genesis 1:26
Today’s Reflection:
What does this passage tell us about ourselves and who we were created to be? What does it tell you about all of human life?
January 3
“God is love.” – John 4:16
Today’s Reflection:
What is love? What are its characteristics? What is the true purpose of love?
January 2
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Today’s Reflection:
Why would God do such a thing even as man often stubbornly opposes His divine will? As we enter this New Year, how can you more freely accept God’s amazing gift to us, Jesus Christ?
Reflection: “Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.” – Col. 3:12
Challenge: Let us enter into the New Year free from the burden of unforgiveness. Pray for the grace to forgive. And if you can not forgive, pray for the desire to forgive.
Reflection: “The birth of Christ brought a healing message of peace to the world, but to receive it, faith and humility are required: Who has time to listen to His word and to become enfolded and entranced by His love?” – Pope Benedict XVI
Challenge: Ask Our Lady to share with you her faith and humility that you might enter into the fullness of God’s peace and love as you continue your journey through the Christmas season. How can you bring this peace and love to others?
