Quote of the Day

On the website www.chastity.com, run by Jason and Crystalina Evert, there are tons of quotes and video/audio options under the Research link. One of my favorite things to listen to are Saints quotes spoken by Father Stan Fortuna while he plays (or I'm assuming it's him, anywho) the guitar. Most of my favorite chastity quotes come from there. Here's a sample:

"Man cannot live without love. He remains a being that is incomprehensible for himself, his life is senseless, if love is not revealed to him, if he does not encounter love, if he does not experience it and make it his own, if he does not participate intimately in it. This is why Christ the Redeemer 'fully reveals man to himself.'"
- Pope John Paul II

August 11th Gospel

Today's Gospel is Mt 18:15-20. It talks about how to handle grievances. I personally think it's cool how the early Church handled arguments. The eloquent writings which we now call the New Testament were mostly letters to address wrongs done, and how they should handle difficult situations. The early Church, as much as some of them wanted to cling to Judaism, soon realized it was starting from scratch. I know sometimes I find it easier to get my thoughts and develop them on paper before approaching someone about a problem. Writing can bring out the poet in a person without them even knowing it. 1 Corinthians is said to be one of Paul's strongest letters because of how he was able to tie so many things together in such a profound way for the reader(s). I think our generation has certainly lost the art of good argument. We have the ability to hide behind the masks of technology. When I read this Gospel, all I can think is, "Wow, I would NEVER have the courage to confront somebody like Jesus suggests. No way!" I wonder, is there a single correct way to handle grievances? Thoughts please :).

"Following Mary, you will never go astray..."

When you look at a statue of Mary, what stands out to you? Her hands crossed over her heart? Her gentle face? Her eyes? Many statues of Mary are quite similar. I have noticed, this past year, another feature of Mary's that is also exposed on these statues: her feet.

When I started noticing this everywhere, I started to ask myself, why her feet? How are they similar to her other features (eyes, face, Heart, etc.)? It took me a while to finally realize that all of Mary's features have to do with how she obeyed the will of God. Her Immaculate Heart was in tune with God's designs. Her hands cared for Jesus, and those precious eyes look(ed) with mercy on everyone. And her feet? Her feet always walk(ed) to where God wanted.

Should this not be the summit of womanhood? To follow God's will in the tiniest of things in life would be...phenomenal. To step where God wants me to step would save me so much pain! I pray that Mary's feet crush the serpent, and lead me on the path of righteousness in every moment.