Extraordinary

 Nothing in this world that is worth doing well comes easy and naturally.  Before taking the first step to bipedalism, the mastery of lifting the head against gravity, rolling, crawling, then pushing the whole trunk to upright posture is a feat born of repetition.  

So too does the pathway to holiness.  Spiritual maturity requires discipline as much as it means participating in the graces obtained from its exercise.  Pushing the body beyond its limits increases its capacity as habits formed from the rigors of praying increases virtue.  The ordinary becomes extraordinary with each and every daily discipline practiced to perfection.

The liturgical season of ordinary time must be lived in the zeal of continuous self renewal with the goal of achieving the virtues necessary to develop and create a new personhood.  It starts with daily reading of the scriptures, meditation, praying, attending Mass, church community involvement, practicing acts of mercy, service, contrition, resolution, and the final act of love which is offering all that we are to God’s encompassing mastery and control.  

Lord, help me to fully participate in your grace by willingly surrendering all that I am and could be to your care.  Jesus, I need you to become the person I am purposed to be and prayerfully bring about the extraordinary from the ordinary.