December 23: Blessings for Christmas

Please drop by the parish office to retrieve your “gift copy” of the collection of reflections from Mother Teresa: Do Something Beautiful for God. There is so much happening right now within our hearts, minds, and souls. All of this makes it easy to lose sight of what matters most and get absorbed in what matter least. In the midst of all the activity and noise in our lives, we owe it to ourselves to hear Mother Teresa say, “Do something beautiful for God with your life.”

There are many quotes attesting to Mother Teresa’s love for Mary and her love for prayer, yet this particular quote reveals not only her own vulnerability, but how she got the support she needed: “If you ever feel distressed during your day — call upon our Lady — just say this simple prayer: ‘Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.’ I must admit — this prayer has never failed me.”

This simple prayer is not only easy to remember, but also one we can say at any moment of the day. Whether we are trying to manage unruly kids, or dealing with a difficult job at work, or getting tired by home-confinement, or worn out by all the other difficulties of living in the time of a worldwide pandemic, it’s a reminder to call on Mary our mother as we might call on our earthly mothers. However, the real beauty of this prayer is that when we choose to say it, we are honoring two mothers of the Church: The Blessed Mother and Mother Teresa.

***

Let the Star of Hope blaze through discouragement, doubt, and disgruntledness.

Let the Star of Kindness radiate through what you think, feel, and do today.

Let the Star of Remembrance glitter in thoughts of good deeds and good people.

Let the Star of Laughter sparkle in your eyes and in your smile.

Let the Star of Joy dance in the corners of your heart that have forgotten to sing.

Let the Star of Patience permeate that which you find difficult and irritable.

Let the Star of Love encompass your heart, a ray of welcome for everyone you meet.

(Joyce Rupp, Out of the Ordinary)

footer-logo
Translate »