Today, Nov. 5 - we begin anew!

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

How blessed we are by an All-Loving God! How beautifully is He magnified in His Mother and in all the saints! Today, some of us will begin the 33 Day Preparation for Consecration to Jesus through Mary, and I rejoice that by God’s Grace I am one of the persons who begin anew today.

For anyone interested, in learning more see HERE

Please let us continue to pray for one another and for all those in most need of His Mercy. Thanks.

 

[sanchopanza]

MariaChristi,

Thank you for posting these reminders and the accompanying resources. I have another question for you:

I’ve been reading the intro of True Devotion in the link you put in the other thread and I came across this:

Consecration and its renewal

“The first is to choose a special feast-day to consecrate ourselves through Mary to Jesus, whose slaves we are making ourselves. This is an occasion for receiving Holy Communion and spending the day in prayer. At least once a year on the same day, we should renew the act of consecration.”

It just so happens that my company Christmas party is the evening of Dec. 8, and since we’re a small family company with only 19 employees, I can’t get out of it. It’s at a fancy restaurant where I know a handful of my co-workers (all of them good people) are going to drink in excess - especially the owner. So while I can dedicate a good part of the day to prayer and then go to evening Mass, 2-3 hours of the night will be spent at table with less-than-holy conversation and celebration.

What do you recommend I do?

 

[MariaChristi]

MariaChristi,

Thank you for posting these reminders and the accompanying resources. I have another question for you:

I’ve been reading the intro of True Devotion in the link you put in the other thread and I came across this:

Consecration and its renewal

“The first is to choose a special feast-day to consecrate ourselves through Mary to Jesus, whose slaves we are making ourselves. This is an occasion for receiving Holy Communion and spending the day in prayer. At least once a year on the same day, we should renew the act of consecration.”

It just so happens that my company Christmas party is the evening of Dec. 8, and since we’re a small family company with only 19 employees, I can’t get out of it. It’s at a fancy restaurant where I know a handful of my co-workers (all of them good people) are going to drink in excess - especially the owner. So while I can dedicate a good part of the day to prayer and then go to evening Mass, 2-3 hours of the night will be spent at table with less-than-holy conversation and celebration.

What do you recommend I do?

Dear sanchopanza,

To “spend a day in prayer” does not mean we need to be on our knees all day, but it does mean that we can be lifting our hearts and minds often to the Lord, no matter what we may be called upon to do for others. If the Christmas party is a small family company, and you are among a group you know, you may be able to help those who may be tempted to drink to excess, to think more about truly celebrating Christmas, and to drink this year in moderation. Pray to the Holy Spirit for His Wisdom and His Love that you may know how to love all who are at the party, as God and Our Lady love them.

Especially if there are persons among the group who share your religious convictions, you may be able to introduce some wholesome conversation on the true meaning of Christmas. Conversations can be joyful without being silly or overly sentimental. 2 - 3 hours is not too long. By God’s Grace, you can give good example, and maybe help others with a few good words here and there. If the occasion does not lend itself to speak on matters of faith, at least do not say (or approve or laugh at) anything that offends the Lord.

Evening Mass before the party can be a great strengthening for you. Jesus can do more than we can even think to ask Him. Give Him your heart through Mary’s Hands, at Communion time, consecrating yourself totally and then trust Him to help you. You and all at the party are be in my prayers. Remember Jesus and Mary were at the Wedding when the wine ran out, and it was Mary who let Jesus know they had no wine. Ask the Lord to give your friends what they need, believing that He knows each heart at the party. You may have the opportunity to repeat Mary’s words to someone: “Do whatever He tells you”. Certainly you will have the opportunity to hear those words in your heart and obey.

Hope that helps a bit.