We Can't Out-give God: Consecration Day 6

Welcome to our 33 day Marian Consecration Retreat as we prayerfully anticipate the commencement of the Year of Mercy. Join us as we share the book 33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat In Preparation for Marian Consecration by Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC.

Today's Reflection:

Every year when I renew my consecration to Our Lady, I have to remind myself that I can’t out-give God.

I have found over the years--especially in my vocation to marriage and motherhood--that measuring my spiritual growth is often just realizing that I am able to give more in a familiar situation than I was able to last time. More patience, more gentleness, more understanding. Over time, I hold less back from God as His grace helps me give more of my best to the people and tasks of my everyday life.

From Mary’s astonishingly brave fiat at the Annunciation to her presence at the Passion and death of her Son, she held nothing back from God. Mary couldn’t out-give God either, but she gave Him the most perfect gift that any of us can offer—and the only gift that is ours to give—her will.

The gift of consecration to Mary is that when we hold nothing back from her, she helps us to hold nothing back from God.

To Ponder:

Think of some of the everyday situations in your life in which you are tempted to hold back from Christ by holding back your best from others. What is one situation, relationship, or task today that you can ask Our Lady to help you give your very best to?

Let Us Pray:

Blessed Mother, in my everyday life please help me to give more than I want to, and sometimes more than I’m comfortable with, for love of Christ. Teach me how to train my will to "do whatever He tells [me]."

Copyright 2015 Erin Franco