June 1

“Here is your mother.”

-John 19:27

Today’s Reflection

In 2018, Pope Francis decreed the Monday after Pentecost to be celebrated as the memorial, “Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church.” During these challenging times, what does it mean to you to know that Our Lord Jesus gave us his own mother, to intercede, guide and protect us, His Church?

May 31

“Reconcile men with life and above all, we beseech you, watch carefully over the future of our race. Hold back the hand of man, who, in a moment of folly, might attempt to destroy human civilization…Women of the entire universe…you to whom life is entrusted at this grave moment in history, it is for you to save the peace of the world.”

-Documents of Vatican II Closing Speeches, “To Women”

Today’s Reflection

This mandate from the Pope Paul VI, in conjunction with the Council Fathers, issues to women a magnanimous call and mission – to save the peace of the world. This is your call and your mission in union with Mary and her Son, Jesus Christ, by virtue of the fact that God has given you life at this moment in the history of man. What is your response? Do you trust that He is giving you every grace and spiritual blessing you need? How have you seen yourself, through the course of this month, already living out this call? Thank Our Lady for her maternal beatitude and the grace she has advocated for you through these last 30 days.

May 30

“How are Catholic women to accomplish their providential role as spiritual mothers (with Mary) of the human race?

• They are to know Jesus from daily intimacy with Him in prayer
• They are to receive Jesus by often receiving Him into their hearts
• They are to love Jesus, by spending themselves in serving the needs of Christ’s children as they have never done before…
Love is proved by service. It is in spending ourselves for others that we mainly show our love for Our Lord…”

-Father John Hardon, S.J.

Today’s Reflection

Reflect on the statement “Love is proved by service.” How is God asking you to show your love of Him through service (Consider the culture of the day as well as your personal circumstances.)? What one step of spiritual maternity can you take today? Perhaps right this very moment?

May 29

“How are Catholic women to accomplish their providential role as spiritual mothers (with Mary) of the human race?

• They are to know Jesus from daily intimacy with Him in prayer…
• They are to receive Jesus by often receiving Him into their hearts…
God has made the hearts of women naturally self-giving. But their womanly nature must be fortified on the Sacrament of Love to give them the heroic strength needed to mother the Church today.”

-Father John Hardon, S.J.

Today’s Reflection

In what ways are you, a woman, naturally self-giving? Read Paragraphs 1391-1401 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Why are these fruits of the Holy Eucharist fortification for the work entrusted to us as women today? Of these fruits, which do you most need to develop and make use of? Why? Why do you think the work entrusted to today’s spiritual mothers requires heroic strength?