A BEAUTIFUL LADY

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WEDNESDAY’S BLESSING

On September 19, 1846, a beautiful lady appeared to Maximin Giraud and Melanie Calvat on a slope of the French Alps near Grenoble.  As the Lady of La Salette, the children noticed a globe of fire falling on the ground where they stood.

“Come near, my children; do not be afraid.  I am here to tell you great news.  If my people refuse to submit, I will be forced to let go the arm of my Son.  It is so strong and so heavy, I can no longer hold it back.”

The people in the area were experiencing a great potato famine.

As the beautiful lady rose into the sky, weeping she acclaimed, “Very well, my children, make this known to all my people, and pray, live rightly.”

In this our time of famine for truth and justice, we can come to this beautiful lady.

O Lady of La Salette, Reconciler of sinners, pray for us.

SUNRISE PRAISE

Art by Freydoon Rassouli

WEDNESDAY’S BLESSING

“God of all joy and giving,

We thank you for your love,

for the joy you bring,

for the sunrise at dawn,

and the sunset at dusk,

for our Blessed Mother Mary.

and all the saints in heaven.

for family and friends,

for the food that we share.

Praise to our Lord forever and ever.  Amen.”

–Thomas Merton

WAITING IN SILENCE

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WEDNESDAY’S BLESSING

I am curious for some Advent “waiting” to nourish the mind.  It’s that time of year we commemorate the birth of Jesus and reflect on his Second Coming.  May these Advent quotes fill you with joyful anticipation.

“The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before.  So stay.  Sit.  Linger.  Tarry.  Ponder.  Wait,  Behold.  Wonder: There will be time enough for running.  For pushing.  For now, stay.  Wait.  Something is on the horizon.”

–Jan Richardson

“Everything that is worthwhile must be waited for.”

–Carlo Carretto

“Advent:  the time to listen for footsteps.  You can’t hear footsteps when you’re running yourself.”

–Bill McKibben

“Into this world, this demented inn in which there is absolutely no room for him at all, Christ comes uninvited.”

–Thomas Merton

“Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving others with God’s own love and concern.”

–St. Mother Teresa

Are you having fun yet?

STREAMS OF GOODNESS

Image by Hello Giggles

WEDNESDAY’S BLESSING

In looking over what I have written so far this year, the theme of ‘goodness’ continues to flow as it was often shared in my writing group.  In fact, this quote came from that situation:

“Your center is goodness, a fountain of goodness.  You should do what you can to make it flow, find out how to prime it…make it more.”

–Sharon Graham

I believe, goodness cannot be exhausted.  A smile, a cheerful disposition, a giving heart, encouraging someone, being faithful and committed are everyday gifts that can be goodness giving.  We can celebrate the goodness of God within marriage, friendships, or in celibacy, a career or vocation.  God is the essence of who we are and what we have.  Let us boast for Him for everything He provides.

LIKE A WARM CUP OF TEA

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WEDNESDAY’S BLESSING

Like a warm cup of tea to soothe a fretful mind, a sensible dose of spirituality comes handy.  As I continue to declutter my life, I rediscover  wisdom tidbits from the Decalogue of Pope John XXIIII to share with you.

“Only for today, I will seek to live the livelong day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once.”

Isn’t this a hopeful way to continue this week together?

There are 9 more to come…

THERESE’S LAST POEM

Therese Doing Dishes

by Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS

WEDNESDAY’S BLESSING

In May 1897 Therese of Lisieux wrote her last poem entitled “Why I Love You, O Mary.”  In the 25 verses, she describes Mary’s humbleness, hidden life, union with Jesus and Mary is our mother.

“If you give yourself  completely to Mary, she will give herself completely to you.”  —Saint Louis de Montfort

Therese’s first verse evokes her love for Mary:

“Oh! I would like to sing, Mary, why I love you.  Why your sweet name thrills my heart…If I gazed on you in your sublime glory, I could not believe that I am your child.”

In verse 6 she notes, “You make me feel that it’s not impossible to follow in your footsteps, O Queen of the elect.  Near you, Mary, I like to stay little.  I learn how to practice ardent charity.”

Verse 22 explains, “You love us, Mary as Jesus loves us.  To love is to give everything.  It’s to give oneself.”

“Mary’s maternal love helps us to recognize and accept peacefully our limitations and fragility.”  —Father Jacques Philippe, Community of the Beatitudes

Therese urges us “The more that you love your smallness and your poverty, the more Jesus will give you grace.”

That, is a blessing to behold, don’t you agree?