Sister Mary Clare

Above the quiet town of Pine, Arizona, perched on the edge of the Mogollon Rim's majestic cliffs, Sister Mary Clare found solace and divine inspiration. The Rim's silence was a stark contrast to the bustling halls of St. Boniface Catholic School in Sioux City, Iowa, where she was about to embark on her journey as a teacher.

Her tent, a simple fabric sanctuary, was pitched amidst the ancient pines, a place for prayer and contemplation. Here, she was far from the lives she would soon shape with her knowledge and faith, yet she felt deeply connected to them in spirit.

As the evening descended, Sister Mary Clare's silhouette was cast in prayer against the canvas. Her rosary, a tangible symbol of her faith, accompanied her through her meditations. The serenity of the wilderness was the perfect backdrop for her to contemplate her new role, to forge the path she would take in her teachings, and to seek guidance for the young souls she would guide.

She thought of her students, of the lessons she would impart, and of the sacred duty she was about to undertake. "When a sacrifice is asked of me," Sister Mary Clare reflected, "I will seek encouragement in the thought of the glorious recompense our divine Savior holds out to me." This retreat was her time to prepare, not just academically, but spiritually, for the vocation that lay ahead.

As the first light of day broke over the Rim, touching the treetops with golden warmth, Sister Mary Clare emerged from her tent. She was ready, her heart full of hope and purpose, to leave the tranquility of the Rim behind and enter the classroom at St. Boniface with the grace and strength she had found in her silent communion with God.

Sunday's Resolution

On the second day of bean walking, the sun rose with the same ferocity as the day before, promising nothing but heat, humidity, and the unwelcome company of sweat bees for Anna, Michael, and Liz. They met at the edge of the soybean fields, their silouettes casting long shadows in the early light, a silent acknowledgment of the day’s toil that lay ahead.

As they walked the familiar rows along the Indian Creek, the air thickened with heat. It wasn't long before the monotony of the task set in, the endless sea of green around them punctuated only by the persistent thrum of insect wings.

It was Liz who broke the rhythm of their silent work. She stooped to clear a clump of weeds and discovered a crumpled, faded piece of paper. "Phyllis," she read aloud, the name written in a hand from a different time. The note, though battered by weather, spoke of love and faith, a timeless message that resonated with the three friends.

Their eyes turned together to the old house that stood guard over the fields. Its windows were broken, a testament to the many storms it had faced. The note must have slipped from one of those forlorn gaps, they reasoned, carried by the wind to land at their feet.

As the day’s work continued, the heat relentless as ever, they found their thoughts returning to Phyllis. Had she, too, felt the oppressive heat as they now did? Had she, too, found comfort in her faith? The connection to the past, to Phyllis, and her note, brought a new dimension to their labor.

When the sun reached its zenith and their shadows shrank beneath them, they found a shared strength. The message on the paper was a balm against the harshness of the day, a reminder that their work in the fields was part of a larger, enduring tapestry of life and faith.

By the time they made their way to the creek for their end-of-day ritual, the water seemed to welcome them more warmly. The note from Phyllis had changed something intangible in the air. They jumped into the creek, not just to find relief from the heat but to honor a tradition of hard work and faith that linked them to the generations before. The water, like the message, was a reminder that even the most grueling tasks could be sanctified by love and the human spirit. 

Resolution: To prove my love for Jesus, I will exercise charity and mildness toward all.

Spiritual Bouquet: "A new commandment I give unto you: that you love one another as I have loved you" (John 13, 34).

Saturday's Resolution

Under the sweltering summer sun of northwest Iowa, near the meandering path of Indian Creek, three teenagers trudged through the dense rows of soybeans. Anna, Michael, and Liz were tasked with pulling the stubborn cockleburs and sunflowers that threatened the crop. The heat was relentless, the humidity clung to them like a second skin, and the persistent buzz of sweat bees was a test of patience.

As they wiped beads of sweat from their brows, Michael grumbled about the never-ending field and the scorching sun above. “This is the worst,” he sighed, tugging at a particularly resistant weed.

Liz, shielding her eyes against the sun’s glare, interjected with a faint smile, “Remember the story from Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermons? About Jesus and the vineyard?”

Anna, who had been silently cursing a sunflower’s deep roots, paused and leaned on her hoe. “How does that help us now?” she asked, skepticism plain in her voice.

Liz continued, undeterred, “Well, Jesus told this parable about workers in a vineyard. No matter what time they started, they got the same reward. It wasn’t about the hours or the heat; it was about answering the call to work, doing something with purpose.”

Michael snorted, “We’re just pulling weeds.”

“But that’s just it,” Liz pressed on. “We’re tending to the earth, caring for the plants that feed us. Maybe we can think of this as our vineyard. We’re called to care for it, and in doing so, maybe we can find some joy, even in the heat and among the sweat bees.”

The three stood in silence for a moment, the weight of the story settling over them. A slight breeze rustled the soybean leaves, and it was as if the field itself was listening.

With a renewed sense of camaraderie, the teenagers resumed their work, the task unchanged but their perspective subtly shifted. The story of the vineyard had taken root in their minds, transforming the mundane into something more meaningful. They joked and laughed, the hours slipping by, and though the heat, humidity, and sweat bees remained, a sense of purpose made the day’s labor feel a little lighter.

Resolution: I will be zealous in the work that I must do remembering the story of the vineyard.

Spiritual Bouquet: Why stand here all day idle? Let us go into the vineyard.

Friday's Resolution

Resolution - I will patiently bear all sufferings of this day in union with Jesus and Mary.

Spiritual Bouquet: "Great as the sea is her sorrow."

Jesus Leaves His Blessed Mother

In the small, sun-drenched town of Nazareth, there was a stirring of tender sorrow in the air, as Mary stood at the threshold of her modest home, her gaze fixed on the dusty road winding out of sight. Jesus, her son, had just taken his leave, his heart set on the journey that lay ahead—a journey of teaching, healing, and ultimately, sacrifice.

Mary's heart was heavy, filled with a mother's love and the foreknowledge of the trials her son would face. She recalled the angel's words, the promise of greatness for her child, yet in this moment, she held onto the image of Jesus, not as the savior of humanity, but as her little boy, whose tiny hands had once clung to hers.

As Jesus disappeared from view, Mary's eyes mirrored the deep well of human emotion—a mixture of pride, fear, and overwhelming love. She turned back into the solitude of her home, her faith a comforting shawl around her shoulders, but her human heart couldn't escape the sharp pangs of separation.

The days that followed were silent witnesses to Mary's quiet strength. She went about her work with a serene grace, but her prayers were fervent, seeking solace and protection for her beloved son. Mary's sorrow was a silent river that flowed through the daily rhythms of life in Nazareth, a testament to the bond between mother and child—a bond not even destiny could sever.

In the stillness of the night, when the world lay sleeping, Mary's thoughts would wander to Jesus, imagining the places he walked and the faces he touched. And in the solitude of her heart, she held an unwavering hope, a beacon that would guide her through the days of waiting until his return.

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Thursday's Resolution

St. Paul's Conversion

Resolution - We will follow every inspiration of grace with utmost fidelity and immolation of self.

Spiritual Bouquet - "Lord, why wilt Thou have me do?"

 

Once, on a dusty road to Damascus, a man named Saul traveled with a heart full of fury. His mission was clear: to find and punish those who followed Jesus of Nazareth. Saul, a devout Pharisee, believed fervently in the traditions of his ancestors and saw this new sect as a threat to the Jewish faith.

As he journeyed, the air shimmered with the heat of the midday sun. Suddenly, a blinding light from the heavens enveloped Saul. He fell to the ground, disoriented and afraid. From the brilliance came a voice that echoed through the very core of his being, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

Trembling, Saul cried out, “Who are you, Lord?”

The voice replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

In that moment, Saul’s world shattered. The very foundation of his beliefs, his purpose, and his identity were challenged. Blinded by the light, he was led by his companions into Damascus, where he remained in deep contemplation for three days, neither eating nor drinking.

In Damascus, a disciple named Ananias received a vision from the Lord instructing him to visit Saul. Despite his fear of Saul’s reputation, Ananias obeyed. He found Saul, laid his hands upon him, and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Instantly, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was restored. He arose, baptized into a new life, transformed in spirit and purpose. Saul, who was also known as Paul, became one of the most passionate and influential apostles of Jesus Christ. He traveled far and wide, enduring hardships and persecution, to spread the message of the Gospel.

From a fervent persecutor to a devoted apostle, Paul’s conversion was a testament to the power of faith and the transformative grace of God. His journey reminds us that even the hardest of hearts can be softened and that anyone, no matter their past, can become a vessel of divine love and truth.

Wednesday's Resolution

The  Obedience of Jesus in Hidden Life

Resolution - In all my actions I will unite myself with my Divine Model..

Spiritual Bouquet - "He did all things well."

Affectios:

 

How trifling, O Jesus, according to worldly standards, was the labor of Thy youth in the little workshop at Nazareth! How great was it, however in the sight of the heavenly Father, and to the eyes of faith of all who ponder upon Thy unobtrusive activity! Deeply touch by contemplation of the hard labor which Thou, O Jesus, as a carpenter didst perform in the sweat of Thy face, my will urged by Thy example, must make the resolution to imitate Thee, and joyfully to bear the burden and heat of the day. Teach me, O Lord, to be great in the eyes for Thy heavenly Father by the purity and sublimity of my intentions, that I may achieve the aim towards which my works should tend.

Tuesday's Resolution

The  Obedience of Jesus in Hidden Life

Resolution - In all my actions I will unite myself with the obedience of Jesus.

Spiritual Bouquet - "He was subject to them."

Affections

 

The Eternal Word of God, the Supreme Wisdom, the Creator and Lord of all things, to Whom everything owes submission, renders obedience to His creatures, allows Himself to be guided and led like a child which is not yet capable of guiding itself. With loving cheerfulness He hastens to carry out what Mary and Joseph commission; He even forestalls their wishes and this not only as long as He is a child, but even, still, when He has reached manhood. One easily perceives that it is His Heart which obeys and that, in whatever He does, He is motivated by love. 

O my Jesus, I thank Thee for the sublime example Thou hast given me by Thy humble obedience. Amen.

 

 

Monday's Resolution

The Hidden Life of Jesus

Resolution - I will endeavor to perform my ordinary actions perfectly.

Spiritual Bouquet - "Love to be unknown and esteemed as naught, that you may have knowledge."

Affections

 

O Jesus, Thy hidden life teaches me what constitutes the essence of perfection. Give me grace to love such a holy life, that I may find happiness in communing with Thee. Renew in me there fervor that should accompany all my actions, even the smallest, prescribed by my conscious. O Mary, O Joseph, ye fortunate witness of the hidden life of Christ, obtain for me the grace to imitate Him. Let me share the peace and happiness that reigned in your humble home at Nazareth.  

 

 

Sunday's Resolution

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Resolution - Before each action, particularly before the practices of devotion, I will renew the good intention.

Spiritual Bouquet - "I must be about my Fathers business."

Affections

 

How Great is Thy zeal, my Jesus, in the service of the heavenly Father! When there is a question of accomplishing His holy Will, Thou knows no earthly consideration. Thou didst suffer Mary and Joseph whom Thou didst love so tenderly to be plunged into the profoundest grief. Give me a clear knowledge of the purpose for which Thou didst create me. Grant me grace to direct my mind, my heart, my strength and all my faculties to the service and the honor of my heavenly Father. Everything shall be consecrated to Him, in time and in eternity - I will belong to Him alone.

 

 

Saturday's Resolution

O Mary, O Joseph, teach me to seek Jesus as you sought Him, that should I ever be so unhappy as to lose Him, I may deserve the happiness of finding Him again in a more intimate union.

Resolution - I will frequently adore my Jesus in the innermost recesses of my soul.

Spiritual Bouquet - "Speak Lord, Thy servant hearth."

Affections

 

Thou dost merit, my beloved Jesus, that I seek Thee with all my heart, and with the most ardent desire. I will see Thee in the sanctuary of the Temple, in the Sacrament of Love, where Thou awaits me to pour out upon me the plentitude of blessing and grace. I will seek Thee incessantly in the depths of my soul, sanctified by grace, which Thou hast chosen for Thy dwelling. Let me commune with Thee, my Jesus, in holy recollection, submit to Thy inspirations, co-operate with Thy grace, and not marvel fruitlessly at Thy Wisdom. Give me the simplicity and the docility of a humble disciple toward those whom Thou hast charged with the direction of my soul. I will accept their teachings with reverence and submission, and thereby advance in the virtues of my state of life.

 

Friday's Resolution

O Mary, O Joseph, teach me to seek Jesus as you sought Him, that should I ever be so unhappy as to lose Him, I may deserve the happiness of finding Him again in a more intimate union.

Resolution - I will conquer that fault, especially, which is most opposed to my spiritual progress.

Spiritual Bouquet - "You shall find me if you seek me with all your heart."

Affections

 

Mary and Joseph lost Thee, O my Jesus, without any fault of theirs. Dare I wonder if, occasionally, Thou withdraws Thy palpable presence and the genial light of Thy grace from me, a poor sinner? Though I have not anew offended Thee grievously, nevertheless, I displease Thee frequently through my utter neglect in Thy service. I repent of this fault with all my heart, and resolve to live with greater humility, solicitude and love. Let me find Thee, dear Lord, when I seek Thee sorrowing, and grant me the grace to derive growth in virtue from the trials that Thou sendest for my sanctification.

 

Thursday's Resolution

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Resolution - I will endeavor to say my prayers with greater fervor in the future.

Spiritual Bouquet - "And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the solemn day of the Pasch."

The Holy Family Fulfill The Law

 

On his return from Egypt, St. Joseph had feared to go to Jerusalem because Archelaus reigned there. Now, when there is question of fulfilling a duty prescribed by the law, he no longer fears, but thinks only of complying with the obligation. We, too, may trust in God's protection and assistance when we expose ourselves to danger in the execution of His command.

 

Wednesday's Resolution

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Resolution - In all circumstances I will be guided solely by the principles of faith.

Spiritual Bouquet - "The just man liveth by faith."

The return from Egypt.

 

"But when Herod was dead, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in Egypt, saying: 'Arise, and take the Child and His mother and go into the land of Israel, for they are dead that sought the life of the Child' (Matt. 2, 19-20).

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Tuesday's Resolution

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Resolution - In all trials and tribulations I will seek consolation in God alone.

Spiritual Bouquet -Give me but Thy grace, and it sufficeth me.

Affections - For the love of poor sinners, O Divine Child, Thou didst will to suffer persecution and exile. Thou wouldst show us that no one can be perfectly happy on earth, because we are all but pilgrims and strangers. But despite the manifold hardships of the present life, it is by Thy grace very meritorious, and has been made bearable for us poor mortals by Thy example and that of the saints. For our encouragement Thou dost show us the glorious fruits of the patient bearing of trials. Let me not seek consolation in the things of this world, and thus be detained from following Thee. O Mary and Joseph, lead us through the imitation of your virtues to Jesus. 

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Monday's Resolution

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Resolution - I will often repeat throughout the day, "None is good but God alone. All my bones shall say: Lord, who is like to Thee?"

Spiritual Bouquet - "Behold, O my God, I am ready to do Thy will."

Affections - I thank Thee, O Jesus, for the wonderful example of perfect obedience Thou gavest me in Thy holy Mother and Thy foster-father. O Mary, O Joseph, obtain for me the grade to imitate your promptness, simplicity and self-immolation, in the accomplishment of the holy Will of God.

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Sunday's Resolution

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Resolution - I will often excite acts of loving confidence in Jesus, Mary and Joseph's assistance on my journey.

Spiritual Bouquet - "To them that love God all things tend to good."

Affections - The present life is a time of trial, yet, Thou O Lord, dost not forsake Thine own, and rewardest with ineffable joy, every difficulty born for love of Thee. Thou, Thyself, my Jesus, hast experienced this in that state of submission and abasement which Thou hast chosen for love of me. In the face of such humility and trust, could I still complain of the tribulations that I may have to suffer?  Far be such ingratitude from me, O Jesus, - Thy loving Providence watches over me and directs all things unto good. How could I lose courage, even in the greatest difficulties, since I wish naught but to fulfill thy holy and most amiable will.  By blind obedience, steadfast faith, invincible patience and perfect confidence, I will strive to be worthy of the guidance of Thy loving paternal Providence.  

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Saturday's Resolution

Resolution - I will pray throughout the day "O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us, who have recourse to thee."

Spiritual Bouquet - "The child shall be a sign for contradiction."

Affections - O Jesus, Salvation of the whole world, of Gentiles as well as Jews, to Thee we owe the light of faith and the hope of eternal salvation. Thou hast called all to the possession of these inestimable treasures, but not all answer Thy loving invitation. "They love darkness more than the light (John 4, 19). O Jesus, suffer me not to resist the principles, the spirit of Thy holy doctrine. Grant me that steadfast and constant fidelity which urges me to lie as Thy true disciple in the face of the world and its contradictions. I pray Thee, do not take Thy hand from me for Thou knows how miserable and inconstant I am. I am in need of Thy divine assistance to walk the walk and win the race.  

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Friday's Resolution

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Resolution - In all my actions, I will be guided by the spirit and the principles of faith.

Spiritual Bouquet - "Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word in peace."

Affections - What worthy models of true sanctity do I behold in the pious Simeon and the prophetess Anna! Replenished with the Holy Spirit, they led a supernatural, holy life. I, took am called to such a life, but, alas, I am lacking in faithful co-opperation with the graces imparted to me so plentifully, daily and hourly, in religion. Oh, that my heart would no longer resist the promptings of the Holy Ghost, Who would lead me to perfection! Pardon, O my God-I am sorry for having resisted Thy enlightenments in the past, by means of which Thou wouldst advance me in virtue and perfection. From this day forward, I will walk faithfully in Thy holy presence and by prayer and mortification endeavor to render myself worthy of Thy especial grace and friendship..

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Thursday's Resolution

Resolution - I will perform all my actions in the spirit of love and immolation.

Spiritual Bouquet - "Behold, I come to do Thy Will, O my God!"

Affections - Thanksgiving and joy fill my heart, when I consider the great act Thou didst achieve on the day of Thy Presentation. As the one oblation worthy to atone for sin and to render us deserving of the divine pleasure, Thou didst immolate Thyself to the heavenly Father. Behold, O Jesus, I, too, offer myself unreservedly and forever, with all my faults and imperfections, as an oblation to Thy merciful love. By Thy grace strengthen my soul, that I may accept willingly and cheerfully the crosses imposed upon me for my sanctification, that cleansed in the fires of divine love, I may be found worthy one day to be presented to Thee in the temple of Thy glory.

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Wednesday's Resolution

Resolution - I will perform all my actions in the spirit of submission.

Spiritual Bouquet - "Behold the handmaid of the Lord! Be it done to me according to thy word!."

Prayer - O holy Virgin, obtain for me the grace of true humility of heart that I may elude the snares of vanity and human respect, and by the practice of perfect submission attain to true sanctity.

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Tuesday's Resolution

Resolution - I will frequently renew the resolve to perform my devotional exercises with greater fervor.

Spiritual Bouquet - "They went back another way into their own country."

Affections - O Divine Child, Thou art in truth a holy magnet, attracting all hearts to Thee and holding them fast with amiable power. Thou didst draw the Magi through the bright star and the light of Thy grace. How precious the gifts of grace with which Thou didst enrich their souls! I, too long for the heavenly gifts of Thy love and mercy, O my Divine Savior. I, too, wish to serve Thee with renewed fervor, with generosity and complete abandonment of self. Thou hast given me the desire, give me also the strength and courage to subjugate my passions, patiently and with resignation to bear all misfortunes and afflictions, and, like the holy Magi, let me incite many souls to the practice of virtue by the light of my good example, that under the sweet reign of Thy love they may find true happiness in glorifying Thy name. 

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Monday's Resolution

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Resolution - I will make the sign of the cross frequently throughout the day thinking of baby Jesus  with lively faith and burning love.

Spiritual Bouquet - "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forgets all He hath done for Thee."

Affections - With the holy Magi I kneel at Thy crib, O Jesus, and offer Thee my gifts, in the simplicity of my heart. I desire to present them at the throne of Thy mercy, with the deepest reverence, the purest intention and perfect love. Oh, give me the sentiments that Thou desirest of me: a heart, humble and contrite in the realization of its countless transgressions; a heart, consumed in holy longing for Thee, finding its highest bliss in intercourse with Thee; a heart, penetrated with childlike gratitude for all the graces with which Thou hast overwhelmed it; a heart, desirous to pour out its thanksgiving in uninterrupted love of Thee. O Jesus, sanctify my heart with the wealth of Thy graces that I may love Thee as Thou deserves to be loved.