Patricia Breen McNeil

It is striking to me that in all Marian apparitions, the people Our Lady chooses to appear to are often children—simple and humble.

When Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the Temple, they brought a small offering of turtledoves. This humble offering was one that poorer families could afford to bring with them. The Holy Family brought the little they had when consecrating their son to God.

During World War II, Fr. Maximilian Kolbe was arrested and taken to Auschwitz. During his imprisonment, a prisoner escaped, and as a result, the commandant announced ten men would die. In cell block 11, there was no screaming–rather the prisoners sang and Fr. Kolbe prayed with them.

In this current time of confusion, Jesus calls us to see clearly through the lens of justice for all people. How might God be calling you to work towards unity with others?

Did you ever forget to bring your lunch from home when you were in school? Or did you ever have to share your lunch with someone who forgot their own?

Trust in the slow work of God. If we try to control our lives, we will never be at peace. Wait with openness and unclench your fists. Receive fully what God has for you without grasping.

Oxen have been used in farming for a very long time to pull plows and tractors. When Jesus tells us to “take my yoke upon you and learn from me,” he is saying he wants to help carry our heavy burdens in life.