"Then the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons." - Gen. 3:7
Today's Reflection:
What effect did the sin of disobedience have on Adam and Eve? What ripple effect did that have on the whole of mankind? How does disobedience impact you in your day to day walk with God? What remedies can you employ today to grow in humility and obedience to God's will?
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?
Mary Virgin and Mother
Oh, Virgin Joy of all the world art thou In whose white, fragrant steps the countless throng On souls elect doth follow God with song: Creation's Queen, whose bright and holy brow The multitude of Saints, like stars, endow With changeful splendors, flashing far and strong: The Main unshadow'd by the primal wrong: God's Lily, chosen in His shrine to bow All these thy glories are, and still a grace More high, more dread, and yet more sweet and fair, Doth bind thy royal brows, O Mary blest. God called thee Mother; yea, His sacred face The tender likeness of thine own doth wear. And thou art ours - we trust Him for the rest.
-St. Elizabeth Seton
For Reflection: Today is the Solemnity of Mother of God. What references do we see to this title of Mary in the Saint's poem? Which touches you most deeply and why? Consider the title the Saint gives to Our Lady - Creation's Queen. Ponder the way in which all of creation's surrender to God is found most perfectly in Mary's "fiat" to God. Journal your thoughts. How can you unite your "yes" to God in hers?
Reflection: "May the Virgin Mary, whom today we venerate with the title of Mother of God, help us to contemplate the face of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. May she sustain us and accompany us in this New Year: and may she obtain for us and for the whole world the gift of peace. Amen!"
Challenge: Where is God leading you in 2019? Spend time with the Lord this week asking Jesus and Mary to send you the grace of wisdom through the power of the Holy Spirit.
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?
Reflection: "A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more." -1 John 2:2
Challenge: Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents, a day when the blood of innocent children cries out and we remember them with reverence and love. It is also a day when that points to the obedience of St. Joseph who heeded the warning of the angel and took Mary and Jesus into Egypt to escape this massacre. Ponder these mysteries.
As we draw closer to the New Year, how is God asking you to be more obedient to His will? Where is He calling you to change? What one resolution will make the greatest impact in your relationship with Him?
Reflection: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life." -John 3:16
Challenge: As you have journeyed with Mary through Advent into the Christmas season, ponder how God has worked in your life, drawing you closer to Himself through the joys and challenges of your time of preparation. Make note of the many ways you are grateful for the gift of faith and belief in Christ.
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