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July 22 | A Chance To Turn It All Around
First Century
Every moment is a chance to turn it all around.
Given the state of our world and the challenges that face humanity, it is more difficult than ever to have hope. But there is a very simple reason to hope. That reason is this: every moment is another chance to turn it all around.
Saint Mary Magdalene was transformed by this hope. She is proof that every moment is a chance to turn it all around.
Mary is the woman for whom Jesus cast out seven demons. (Luke 8:2) Tradition states that her first encounter with Jesus was when she was about to be stoned for adultery, and Jesus delivered his famous words: “Let him who is without sin be the first one to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7) Mary was saved, but unlike others that Jesus saved, she realized that this was her chance to turn it all around. She expressed her gratitude by finding Jesus and anointing his feet with her tears, then drying them with her hair. (Luke 7:38)
Whether specific traditions are true or not, we know that Mary Magdalene made a wholehearted attempt to turn it all around and it worked. She even became the first person Jesus appeared to after his resurrection. (John 20:16)
Saint Mary Magdalene’s redemption is a powerful reminder of the opportunity we are given in each moment.
There is no opportunity or teacher like the moment you are in right now. Brimming with possibilities, the present moment wants to be seized, enjoyed, exercised, and squeezed for every last drop it has to offer.
Moments arrive unannounced. Important moments are particularly difficult to predict. The only real way to be prepared for both the great and difficult moments of life is to be constantly practicing present-moment awareness.
Present-moment awareness can be achieved in any number of simple ways. One of the most effective ways is to ask yourself, "God, what do you think I should do in this situation?" If you have the courage to ask that question, it will transform your life.
You cannot change one moment of the past, so grasp the present moment and change the future. There is power in this moment. Use it, direct it, harness it. Moments are like the petals of a rose; they fall to the ground if there is no life in them.
What will you do with the power of this moment?
GOD, WHAT DO YOU THINK I SHOULD DO WITH THIS MOMENT?
Every moment is a chance to turn it all around.
This reflection is brought to you from book title.
Feast Day: July 22
Patron Saint of: Contemplative Life, Converts, Glove Makers, Hairdressers, Penitent Sinners, Perfumeries, Pharmacists, Sexual Temptation, and Women
Symbols: Pearls and Daisies