Two Sunday thoughts
Laura DeMaria
A very happy 26th Sunday in ordinary time for you. (Is “ordinary time” capitalized?)
First thought: I have been thinking about the Rosary a lot recently, and its power for the pray-er and the pray-ee. Also, did you know that Our Lady revealed to St. Dominic and Blessed Alan de la Roche (how is dude not a saint yet?) 15 promises for those who devoutly prayed the Rosary? Here’s the list.
I don’t fully understand all the promises, but this one is my favorite: “The Rosary will make virtue and good works flourish, and will obtain for souls the most abundant divine mercies; it will substitute in hearts love of God for love of the world, and will lift them to the desire of heavenly and eternal things. How many souls shall sanctify themselves by this means!”
Will make virtue and good works flourish, indeed! That is quite a promising promise. And: will substitute in hearts love of God for love of the world. Amen.
Side note - I was speaking with a priest this week and learned that virtues are not earned. They are a gift from God, like faith. Well then! I imagine I will be turning that over and researching for some time to come.
Anyway, pray your Rosary, everybody.
Second thought - I noticed this weekend that I really like the writing of my fellow Catholic Stand contributor, Suellen Brewster, so here is me recommending you read her articles. You can tell her spirituality comes from a contemplative place, and I was not surprised by her reference St. Ignatius and maybe even the Spiritual Exercises somewhere. Take a look - it’s a good activity for a Sunday.
Please pray for me, and I will do the same for you.