Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The love of Christ impels us. (2 Corinthians 5:14)
Born in 1883, Blessed Hildegard Burjan was a laywoman and mother who worked tirelessly to overcome social injustice in her homeland of Austria. A Jewish woman who converted to Christianity, she spent much of her life fighting for fair labor laws and protection for women and children. Despite serious health concerns, she served in local politics on behalf of the poor and eventually started a religious community. The driving force of her life’s work was the compelling love of Christ, which became the motto of her sisterhood. Hildegard proves that this love—which Paul writes about so passionately—can move people of all classes, races, and ages to step out in faith and serve their neighbors.
What is so compelling about Christ’s love? If we look at the Gospels, we can see that Jesus loved in a countercultural way. He honored outcasts and sinners. He served those he led. He died for those who hated him as well as those who loved him. Every word he spoke and every action he took was motivated by love.
Throughout history, Christ’s love has touched countless people and moved them to love as Jesus loves. For some, like Hildegard, this meant dedicating their lives to serving the poor. For others, it has meant taking up new ministries in their parishes. But for the vast majority, it has meant simply loving their neighbors in a selfless way by putting their neighbors’ needs ahead of their own.
Take time today to reflect on the love of Jesus for every person you see around you. Say to yourself, “Jesus, you love them.” Then, pray to see one way that you can show his love. It may be large or small. Maybe you can help in a soup kitchen or visit a nursing home. Or perhaps you will be moved to show more affection at home or to practice greater patience at work. Who knows? Maybe God will put something even bigger on your heart, as he did for Hildegard Burjan.
Whatever it is, let the love of Jesus fill your heart. Ask him to urge you forward, to remind you when you forget, and to give you his grace to help you love people who urgently need it.
“Jesus, let your love compel me to action.”
Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12
Matthew 5:33-37
Daily Marriage Tip for June 17, 2017:
Every once in a while surprise your spouse with a gesture of kindness, such as a cup of coffee or help with the dishes.