Thoughts about the Mother of God on the precipice of a New Year. Marx said, “The more man puts into God, the less he retains in himself.” For Mary it’s the exact opposite! May we give and receive more in 2022.
Nietzsche wrote: “I entreat you, my brothers, remain true to the earth, and do not believe those who speak to you of superterrestrial hopes.” Sorry Nietzsche…in Advent we are 100% for BOTH earth and beyond!
“Is man God’s greatest mistake or God man’s greatest mistake?” This quote from Nietzsche is clarified by our unmistakable cry for the God-Man..Come Lord Jesus!
“Shame kills positive change because it makes mistakes unbearable. Resting in His love crushes shame. You messed up. You’re not a mess up.”
-Chris Stefanick
It is he who forgives all your guilt, *
who heals every one of your ills,
who redeems your life from the grave, *
who crowns you with love and compassion,
who fills your life with good things, *
renewing your youth like an eagle’s. -Ps 103
On the solemnity of the Ascension: “You have gone up on high; you have taken captives, †
receiving men in tribute, O God, *
even those who rebel, into your dwelling, O Lord.” -Ps 68
“When we have a longing so great that it surpasses human nature and we eagerly desire..it is the Bridegroom himself who has wounded us. The size of the wound is evidence of the arrow and the longing points to the one who has shot the arrow.” -Nicholas Cabasilas
“I ground everything on a faith that won’t crumble, I believe in the love of God. And because of this love I ask great things from my life and from the lives of those who walk in my ideal, things worthy of people who know that they are loved by one who is God.” -Chiara Lubich
“The being of things is ultimately rooted in delight, in a delight that we do not “make” but discover to be already there, to be somehow given to us.” -Fr. James Schall, sj