Most Sundays, this is me. Dressed for Mass. Serving at the altar. Looking the part.
Most weekdays? A different story. I fail. Over and over. Not in small ways.
I don't share this for sympathy. I share it because I suspect I'm not alone — and because the Church is not a museum for the perfect. It's a hospital for sinners who keep showing up.
So here's what I carry with me into every week — and back again on Sunday:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted His only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.
Lord, give me the grace to be a better example of Your love and kindness — not just on Sundays, but every ordinary day in between.
