Day 16 - Mar. 7

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today's suggested readings can help us in this week of seeking true knowledge of ourselves:

True Devotion To the Blessed Virgin Mary, No. 228

During the first week they should offer up all their prayers and acts of devotion to acquire knowledge of themselves and sorrow for their sins. Let them perform all their actions in a spirit of humility...They will ask our Lord and the Holy Spirit to enlighten them saying, "Lord, that I may see," or "Lord, let me know myself," or the "Come, Holy Spirit". Every day they should say the Litany of the Holy Spirit, with the prayer that follows, as indicated in the first part of this work. They will turn to our Blessed Lady and beg her to obtain for them that great grace which is the foundation of all others, the grace of self-knowledge. For this intention they will say each day the Ave Maris Stella and the Litany of the Blessed Virgin. (underlining is mine)

and

Imitation of Christ: Book 2, Chapter 5

...Oftentimes too we perceive not our inward blindness how great it is. Oftentimes we do evil, and excuse it worse (Psalm 141:4). We are sometimes moved with passion, and we think it zeal. We reprehend small things in others, and pass over our own greater matters (Matt. 7:5). Quickly enough we feel and weigh what we suffer at the hands of others; but we mind not how much others suffer from us. He that well and rightly considereth his own works, will find little cause to judge hardly of another.

Please let us continue to pray for one another during this week. The evil one prowls around trying to discourage us, but Jesus and Mary are near interceding for us to choose good over evil. Love must be free and so our choice must come from our willingness to love no matter the cost to our self-love.

Suggested prayers and readings are [HERE](http://totalconsecration.ageofmary.com/preparation-16.html)