For Christ’s dear sake

December 8

Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

Mary Immaculate

“Pure as the snow,” we say. Ah! never flake

Fell through the air

One-tenth as fair

As Mary’s soul was made for Christ’s dear sake.

Virgin Immaculate,

The whitest whiteness of the Alpine snows,

Beside thy stainless spirit, dusky grows.

“Pure as the stars.” Ah! never lovely night

Wore in its diadem

So pure a gem

As that which fills the ages with its light.

Virgin Immaculate,

The peerless splendors of they soul by far

Outshine the glow of heaven’s serenest star.

-Eleanor C. Donnelly

 

 

New life

December 3

“To be a field for the word means to be earth which allows itself to be absorbed by the seed, which assimilates itself to the seed, renouncing itself so as to make the seed germinate. With her motherhood Mary transfused into it her very substance, body and soul, so that a new life might come forth…Mary makes herself completely available as the soil, she allows herself to be used and consumed so as to be transformed into him.

-Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI) on Mary’s motherhood

I ask only for peace

December 24
“O Jesus, I ask only for peace — peace and, above all, love that is without measure or limits.”
– St. Therese of Lisieux
Today’s Reflection:
This reflection from St. Therese reminds us that “perfect love casts out fear.” Our Lady was the perfect example of perfect love. Ask her to show you where you need to love more. Who do you need to forgive so that you might experience fully the peace of Christ on Christmas day?
  

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