Virtue of the Month
The Virtue of the Month for Challenge and Conquest in the month of August is Charity. Charity is Christian love, seeing people as God does and treating them with the love and respect they need. A true Christian should always be attentive to the opportunities that arise to bring others to God. He approached all these different groups in a very natural way to bring them to God. Another way of saying charity would be “loving as God loves”. We not only are helping those we are directly reaching out to but we are also helping inspire others to do the same. Charity is like a ripple or wave that gains momentum.
Jesus showed us the true example of charity at the Last Supper when he washed his apostles’ feet. There were no limits to what he would do to serve others. Selfishness and charity do not work well together. Some people may not think of charity as a virtue, instead they may see it more as a duty some people have or something they are entitled to. Jesus did not have to wash his disciples’ feet. He did not have to cure people or feed the five thousand. He was not repaid and sometimes he did not even receive a simple “thank you”, like when he cured the 10 lepers. Jesus came to this earth to redeem us and show us how to live. As Christians, we are to follow in his footsteps and serve others freely simply because they are fellow human beings, in need of love and care. Whatever you love will dictate your actions. If you are concerned about one thing, it is hard to focus on another. Jesus says that we need to keep our priorities straight in order to be loyal and charitable. The two terms “love” and “charity” are frequently used interchangeably, and with good reason, since the virtue of charity is in fact a kind of love. However, the two are not identical; not all forms of love are also charity. Quite simply, charity is the Love of God, in which we are able to participate.
Prayer to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Catherine Laboure and asked her to have her image printed on a medal. Our Lady promised to protect all those who wear this medal. This is a Prayer to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal:
Most Powerful Virgin, Mother of our Saviour, keep us close to you every moment of our lives so that like you we may live and act according to the teaching and example of your son. Obtain for us, your children, the grace of a happy death so that in union with you we may enjoy the happiness of heaven forever. Amen. O Mary, conceived without sin, Pray for us who have recourse to you.
Catechism Corner
The Catechism number of the month is all about how the virtue of Charity leads us to holiness. It is the number #826 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
“Charity is the soul of the holiness to which all are called: it governs, shapes, and perfects all the means of sanctification.”