Mary, May, and Mother's Day

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A few years ago I wrote some rosary meditations for Mother's Day for my mom and my wife. Many have enjoyed them so I wanted to share them with you all. The meditations are in a three-fold PDF flyer format for downloading. The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary for Mother's Day * please disregard the website and phone number on the front of the flyer * feel free to copy and distribute Did you enjoy this post? Never miss a blog post from James M. Hahn by following now.   My new book of cryptogram puzzles " Secret Messages from the Saints " is available now.    Click here to read more from James M. Hahn - Blog - Books  - Fiction Check out his ongoing memoir about life with his special-needs daughter. Our Giant Wall Rosaries are a perfect addition to your prayer corner, chapel, or classroom. * Contains affiliate links. No, that doesn't mean that the kids should leave the room. Rather, it means that if you click on a link, and if you purchase something, I may get
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Sacrifice

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Readings for Monday of Holy Week

Yesterday I was sitting on a stool in the bathroom beside the toilet cleaning out a soiled cloth diaper (stay with me) as my refreshed 20 month old looked on. The thought came to my mind that he doesn't appreciate what I am doing for him at this moment. He doesn't understand the sacrifice, although small, that I am making for him at this moment.

As I pondered this I realized that I didn't appreciate the sacrifices my mom and dad made until I had children of my own. Not until my first child was born did I realize the work that they did to raise us boys. Not until I was rocking a feverish child, cleaning up stained carpet, and wiping artistically designed walls did I fully realize how much my parents loved me and sacrificed for me. Without going through what they went through I don't think I could fully appreciate their love and find strength to give that love to my own children.

I believe I can take this thought further, to the Cross, literally. Often times when I sit and meditate on the Crucifix I feel like my 20 month old. I look on with a loving, silly, smile on my face not fully realizing what sacrifice is being presented here because of His love for me. This is partly because our images have been so sanitized but that's another post.

The question is "how can I fully realize the power and love of this sacrifice?" The answer, I hope, is obvious, "no greater love is there than this, to lay down ones life for a friend." In order to fully appreciate that love shown for me through that messy act of the cross, I must suffer, I must willingly lay down my life for others. Only then, can I fully understand His love for me. In addition, that witness in my life will inspire others to do the same. Love begets love and sacrifice begets sacrifice.

Comments

Jennifer @ Conversion Diary said…
Often times when I sit and meditate on the Crucifix I feel like my 20 month old. I look on with a loving, silly, smile on my face not fully realizing what sacrifice is being presented here because of His love for me.

What an excellent analogy. I just realized that I do that same thing. I only recently converted to Catholicism (from atheism) and I've found that I have a hard time really internalizing what happened at the Crucifixion since it's all so new to me.

Thank you for this insight, and for giving me a lot to think about as we approach Good Friday (my first as a Catholic!)
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