It's occurred to me recently that humility is a prerequisite for receptivity. In order to receive, we must be aware of what we lack and be willing to accept gifts from God and from others. Humility is the virtue that gives us that self-awareness.
Tag: prayer
My Liturgical New Year’s Resolutions
I like trying to set goals, even if my weakness (or God's plans) change them. So, here's what I want to try this year.
Almost a Mary, Sometimes a Martha
Before I rest on my laurels, I need to decide what makes a Mary and a Martha in my own context, in my own life.
Praying the Rosary: It’s a Journey
Day by day, bead by bead, the rosary bringing me closer to Jesus and his mother—and I'm bringing my daughter there with me.
“Reflecting on Them in Her Heart”: Pondering Versus Ruminating
What made Mary's reflection different from rumination? How can an anxious person like me imitate her, deepening my relationship with God by pondering the good and bad things that happen in my life rather than ruminating on the negative?
Developing a Rosary Habit
I've always wanted to have a devotion to the rosary. It was a combination of factors that drew me in, from photos of beautiful rosaries on the internet to the idea of the prayer being, in the words of St. Padre Pio, "the weapon against the evils of the world today." I've also always had … Continue reading Developing a Rosary Habit
My Next Decade: Turning My Focus Outward
When I was six years old, my cousin turned seven on April 7, excited about her "golden birthday." I remember being jealous, because my golden birthday would be my 30th — and, of course, by then, I'd be too old to enjoy it. I am 30 today, August 30. And I do not feel too old to … Continue reading My Next Decade: Turning My Focus Outward
Marian Consecration: Not a One-Stop Shop
You consecrate yourself to Mary, and then you're done, right? You can coast through life and then be welcomed with open arms to those pearly white gates. Not exactly. And that's not what I expected when I consecrated myself to Mary earlier this year. But I think I did expect my journey to be a … Continue reading Marian Consecration: Not a One-Stop Shop
Why We Need Pro-Life Prayer
Yesterday, I attended NC Right to Life's annual prayer breakfast with a small group of friends from the Raleigh Catholic young adults group. Several of us were even given the opportunity to help lead a prayer, which was a moving experience in itself. I've heard of the breakfast, which is followed by a march, but … Continue reading Why We Need Pro-Life Prayer
Spiritual New Year’s Resolutions
It’s that time of year again: the time when we make well-intentioned resolutions that most of us never follow through on. (We all know what the road to hell is paved with, right?) I am the queen of resolutions, especially at the new year. Like most people, I love the idea of a blank slate, … Continue reading Spiritual New Year’s Resolutions
Everyday Roses 