“Though our service be rejected, let us believe that whatever happens is for the best. Do we not know that God draws his own glory from contempt?” (SW:290)
– St. Louise de Marillac

– Rejection is never easy to accept; especially when it comes from those I have trusted. When this happens, be with me Jesus and help me work through the resentment I may feel and regain my peace of mind.

“The joy of Christmas is not a joy made up of childhood memories, of Christian customs piously retained; it is a profound and ever new joy, a joy of today.”
– Reverend Joseph Jamet, CM

– Lord, Jesus, can I ever thank you enough for the tremendous gift of redemption you obtained for me by becoming incarnate?

“Give me a man of prayer, and he will be capable of doing all things.” (CCD 11:76)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– When I am so bogged down with the pressures of work and there are no possible solutions to problems I face, inspire me to pause and lift my burden to you who promised to make it light.

“We must strive to soften our hearts and make them sensitive to the suffering and worries of the neighbor.” (CCD 12:221)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, create in me a sensitive heart, always open to those who need a listening ear or a helping hand.

“While I warn you of your faults, my own come before my eyes!”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Whenever I must correct anyone, Lord, keep before me my own faults and let me do it in the same way I myself would like to be treated.

“Let us leave to God our justification.” (SW:650)
– St. Louise de Marillac

– When I am unjustly criticized, instead of becoming defensive about it, I will leave the justification to you, Lord.

“God is very good to tolerate me!” (CCD 1:34)
– St. Louise, writing to St. Vincent de Paul

– How long will it take, Lord, for me to realize that your love for me is unconditional! I am grateful for your presence within me.

“Beg God to grant us a genuine spirit of mercy which is the spiritual characteristic of God.” (CCD 11:308)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, when I am tempted to be stubborn and unrelenting, remind me of the times you showed boundless mercy in forgiving my sins. Help me to imitate your example.

“We must go to God straight as an arrow.” (CCD 11:43)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, it has been said that a prayer to you pierces the heavens. All the aspects of my life, no matter how small or insignificant, are a concern to you. How grateful I am for all of this love.

“Try to serve Jesus and make resolutions to do your best. Try, when you think anything will make you angry, to reflect: Is this preparing me to receive my Jesus?” (CW 2:741)
– St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

– When I am tempted to speak in anger, Lord inspire me to think of the consequences because breaking with charity is no small thing. If I should fail to do this, let me be the first to ask forgiveness.