Extract
Elizabeth said to Mary, “At the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leapt for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled”. (Luke 1:44-45)
Thought
“There are many roads leading to Jesus Christ. For me, the veneration of the Blessed Virgin is the best.” (St Peter Canisius)
Note: It was St Peter who added the second part to our Hail Mary i.e. “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”
Reflection
Mary Mother of Jesus, keep me in your care, guide me safely through life’s snares and accompany me to the Kingdom of heaven.
Prayer: Working (Jacob Boehme)
Give me, dear Lord, a pure heart and a wise mind,
that I may carry out my work according to your will.
Save me from all false desires,
from pride, greed, envy and anger,
and let me accept joyfully every task you set before me.
Let me seek to serve the poor
the sad and those unable to work.
Help me to discern honestly my own gifts
that I may do the things of which I am capable,
and happily and humbly leave the rest to others.
Above all, remind me constantly that I have nothing except what you give me,
and can do nothing except what you enable me to do.
