Spiritual Bouquet, Day Six

The Virtue of Universal Mortification

Canticle of Mary

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness;
behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is from age to age
to those who fear him.
He has shown might with his arm,
dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.
He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones
but lifted up the lowly.
The hungry he has filled with good things;
the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped Israel his servant,
remembering his mercy,
according to his promise to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38). While we may think of medieval practices of mortification, today we understand mortification as subjecting our will to God’s divine plan for us. That often means accept hardships and suffering with love, understanding God is at work in our lives even when it doesn’t seem possible.

---

Reflect and Act

What hardship in your life can you turn into a spiritual bouquet for Our Blessed Mother? Instead of complaining about a difficult situation, or feeling sorry for yourself, can you offer your pain as a spiritual bouquet?

---

Together We Pray

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

Share With Mary

Click here to submit your prayer request and/or birthday message to Mary. This message will be included in our September 8 birthday celebration!