Quote: September 7

“Many contradictory things happen to us: unfavorable opinions about ourselves, our works, our intentions … these contradictions have the advantage of preventing vain-glory, of obliging us to throw ourselves more confidently into the arms of God.”

~ St. Vincent de Paul

Contradictions have a way of leveling my excessive pride and challenging me to rely more heavily on you, Lord. I place my confidence in you.

Quote: September 6

“What, my sister? You bear with me so much, why should I not support you?”

~ St. Louise de Marillac

Heavenly Father, I ask you to help me live with my own brokenness and have the mercy to forgive and support those with whom I live or work, and who also bear the burden of their own brokenness. Lay your healing hand on us and unite us in a bond of mutual charity.

Quote: September 5

“May the good pleasure of God be forever the peace and calm of your afflicted hearts.”

~ St. Vincent de Paul

“Hearken, O Lord, to my prayer and attend to the sound of my pleading. In the day of my distress I call upon you, for you will answer me.”  ~ Psalms 86:6

Quote: September 4

“A weathervane is not more subject to air current than the mind of man to exterior agitations which draw him now to one thing, again to another. God permits this to test the good and to make them turn more strongly to Him. Blessed are those who submit to his guidance, trusting his goodness and remaining peaceful amid these storms!”

~ St. Vincent de Paul

Lord, in times of confusion, I thank you for being my rock of safety and the beacon leading me out of distress.

Quote: September 3

“Every step we take all day long is a step of nature or a step of grace.”

~ St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Lord, I rejoice in my freedom to choose and in the knowledge that my life is formed by my choices. Help me to choose whatever is your will for me.

Quote: September 2

“Men are so constituted that even the holiest are disposed to contradict each other.”

~ St. Vincent de Paul

Keep far away from me, O Lord, the desire to argue and contradict others. When I do fail, give me the grace to be the first to apologize.

Quote: September 1

“We belong to God by his grace. What else do we wish, then, but to please him? If we are contradicted, that is not surprising; what merit is there in not being crossed?” And who is there that can escape it? For every little contradiction, should one stop doing good? Good which gives glory to God?

~ St. Vincent de Paul

There is no such thing as a trouble-free life, devoid of conflict. When these situations do arise, Lord, provide me with the wisdom to view them as challenges rather than insurmountable obstacles.