“When this day is cast aside, and that terrible night comes, or rather day — night indeed for sinners, but day for the righteous — when the play is ended, when the masks are removed, when each person is judged with his works, not each person with his wealth, not each person with his office, not each person with his authority not each person with his power, but each person with his works, whether he is a ruler or a king, a woman or a man, when he requires an account of our life and our good deeds, not the weight of our reputation… when the masks are removed, then the truly rich and the truly poor are revealed.” –Saint John Chrysostom (+ 407)
If I try my hardest to be a true Christian in thought, word and action in this life, the crown of righteousness will await me!
Intention: Lord, please bless America. Please bless America!
Wednesday: Sea of Love
1st Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection of Our Lord
Scripture:
I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s
dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and
they will be his people and God himself will always be with
them [as their God]. He will wipe every tear from their eyes,
and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain,
[for] the old order has passed away.”
—Revelation 21:3–4
Reflection:
When we leave this life, all of our sufferings, difficulties and
tribulations will appear to be surreal, compared to the beautiful
appearance of Jesus, Who will be awaiting us in the next life.
Prayer:
If it please God, I look forward to being in heaven one day, and
being in a sea of love – loving and being loved by all, including
Jesus. Lord, infuse Your love into all families, so that divisions
no longer exist within them, but only love. Amen.
Wednesday: Invisible Realms
2nd Glorious Mystery: The Ascension of Our Lord
Scripture:
Behold, the kingdom of God is among you.
—Luke 17:21
Reflection:
Jesus has ascended and sits at the right hand of the Father.
He consoles us when we can sense His presence within us.
When we cannot sense His presence, could it be that we are
consoling Him?
Prayer:
Lord, grant me a deep trust in You—that You are always with
me in the invisible realms, and that I am never alone, even when
I cannot feel You. Amen.
Wednesday: Courageous
3rd Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the
Holy Spirit on Our Lady and the Apostles
Scripture:
I command you: be firm and steadfast! Do not fear nor be
dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go.
—Joshua 1:9
Reflection:
When the gifts of the Holy Spirit came upon Mary and the
disciples, there was a pronounced change in the disciples,
whereby timid men became courageous. And though it was
dangerous to do so, they proclaimed the Kingdom of Heaven
in Jesus’s name.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth and Wisdom, bestow upon our civic
leaders Your gifts of wisdom, prudence, patience and love, that
they may be dedicated to carrying out merciful justice in all
their duties. Amen.
Wednesday: Thoughts,
Words and Actions
4th Glorious Mystery: The Assumption
of Our Blessed Mother
Scripture:
You are the glory of Jerusalem,/ the surpassing joy of Israel;/
You are the splendid boast of our people.
—Judith 15:9
Reflection:
The Blessed Virgin Mary is interceding for us here, while
she is in heaven cheering us on with her love and care. She
understands all that we are up against, and is praying for us to
withstand all that would cause us to slip away from our virtue.
Prayer:
Dear Mother Mary, Shrine of the Spirit, show me how to
keep my thoughts, words and actions in line with being a true
Christian. Amen.
Wednesday: Heavenly Intercession
5th Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of Our
Blessed Mother as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Scripture:
I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of
my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished
the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of
righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will
award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who
have longed for his appearance.
—2 Timothy 4:6–8
Reflection:
The Blessed Mother’s humility was so exceptional that it
filled the angels with astonishment and perplexed the haughty
demons. Her excellence and virtue are manifested now in her
reign as Queen of Heaven and Earth, and she is on our side.
Prayer:
Dearest Mother, you watch over and encourage all of us, as a
doting mother does. Inspire many people to come to the faith
through your heavenly and motherly intercession. Amen.
