Preparing for Consecration

Knowledge of Self

Prayers, examinations, reflection, acts of renouncement of our own will, of contrition for our sins, of contempt of self, all performed at the feet of Mary, for it is from her that we hope for light to know ourselves. It is near her, that we shall be able to measure the abyss of our miseries without despairing.

The True Devotion being an easy, short, sure and perfect way to arrive at that union with Our Lord which is Christlike perfection, we shall enter seriously upon this way, strongly convinced of our misery and helplessness.

Reflection

As people of this worldly place, we tend to worry; trust does not seem to come easy.  Being caught up in this world and in our reliance on ourselves makes it that much harder to hear what God is telling us: "Be like a child, trust like a child, abandon your material wealth, abandon your worries and depend on Me for everything; let Me provide for you, trust Me."  Perhaps we look at our childhood and find ourselves yearning for simpler times.  So, do it – simplify!  Wake up each morning, give your Father in Heaven all your worries and count on your mother, Mary, for guidance.  Trust that you will be able to walk with God and receive by the grace of the Holy Spirit everything you need to journey through any circumstances you encounter in this day! – Bernadette Harmon

Luke, Chapter 18, Verses 15-30

Jesus and the Children

¹⁵ Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. ¹⁶ But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. ¹⁷ Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."

The Rich Aristocrat

¹⁸ And a ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" ¹⁹ And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. ²⁰ You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.'" ²¹ And he said, "All these I have observed from my youth." ²² And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." ²³ But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich.

The Danger of Riches

²⁴ Jesus looking at him said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." ²⁶ Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" ²⁷ But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

The Reward of Renunciation

²⁸ And Peter said, "Lo, we have left our homes and followed you." ²⁹ And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there is no man who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, ³⁰ who will not receive manifold more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life."