Dec 1 Fri
“Be done unto me…” was Mary’s answer to God’s plans. From the moment of the Annunciation, Mary gave herself to the salvation of souls, in perfect union with her Son.
Mary understands the plans of God regarding her vocation, and the reason why she had received so many graces from the Holy Spirit. And she is responsive to these plans of God. The same holds true of everyone’s vocation. All the minute incidents that go to make up our existence take on a new interest and meaning.
Mary is humble, and trusts in the Almighty, to whom she has dedicated herself completely. Our Mother is the Teacher of unlimited self-giving. Ask of this good Mother that her answer, with the generosity it shows, may gain strength in your soul.
‘Ecce ancilla Domini... Behold the handmaid of the Lord.’ We can tell Jesus in the intimacy of our prayer: Lord, count on me for whatever you want. I do not want to put any limits on your grace or on whatever you are asking of me each and every day. Don’t stop making demands ... and continue to grant me the continual support of your strength.
Mary, from the beginning, shows a complete openness to the mission and work of Christ. Learn from her to be available for the plans of God through your complete dedication to the call you have received. May you be able to say at the end of a truly great life: ‘Lord, I’ve always made an effort to fulfill your Will. My only objective has always been to please you.’
Your specific vocation is God’s greatest gift to you. It is the reason for your being created, and is therefore your sure way to happiness. From all eternity the Lord has provided you with all the graces necessary for you to fulfill his Will.
The greatness of man consists in discerning this Will of God, and in carrying it out. To discern our vocation is to find the pearl of great price. When we spend our entire existence in carrying out our calling, we get to understand the deepest meaning of our being, and possess the fullness of life.
God wants the vast majority to stay right where they are, in all earthly occupations in which they work; in the factory, the laboratory, the farm, the trades, the streets of the big cities and the trails of the mountains... There they should be apostles, behaving in such a way that people should be able to recognize the Master in his disciples.
Today, offer bougainvilleas, which spreads all over, as a symbol of your generous apostolic zeal.
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