Today we ask for an increase in the virtue of charity. “Charity is the theological virtue by which
we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves
for the love of God.” (CCC 1822) In the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus
teaches us that good neighbors show each other mercy. They do so even if their
neighbor is unable or unwilling to reciprocate. Charitable acts show our love
for God in tangible ways. “Whatever
you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew
25:40)
St. Margaret d’Youville’s husband was unfaithful, and after his
death, she had to support herself and her six children by opening a store. In
1737, she founded the Sisters of Charity of the General Hospital of Montreal.
“When we are having struggles of our own, it’s tempting to focus on resolving our problems rather than continuing to reach out to those most in need of our assistance. The example Marguerite set prompted Pope John XXI to call her the ‘Mother of Universal Charity’ when she was beautified.” ~ Melanie Rigney, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration https://thekoalamom.com/2014/10/patron-saints-of-marriage/.
Dear Lord, I pray for myself and (names). Through the intercession
of St. Margaret d’Youvile, please increase our charity for others so that, in
spending our time and efforts in service to the poor and needy, we will find
consolation and healing, as well as an increase in charity towards all who have
hurt us. Amen.
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