Book Club

I‘ve had the best of intentions today to vlog this post. But in reality, I have a newborn, who I nurse on demand and other children who need me, on demand. I also have a husband and the need for a good hot shower and some light exercise to help keep my mind clear and my body in motion…and a pray life that has changed seasons…basically, “changed seasons” sums my life up right now.

So the vlog will have to wait as my hair is at this very moment piled on top of my head in a scrunchie so the baby doesn’t spit up on, suck in or pull it out. The last time I wore mascara was on Easter and the time before that was the baby’s baptism. These are not excuses or complaints, or whines, this is reality and a blessed reality at that.

But I do want to discuss the passages I posted last week from the book of Judith

 

She was beautiful in appearance and had a very lovely face; she was prudent of heart, discerning in judgment, and quite virtuous…No one spoke ill of her for she feared God with great devotion.
†Judith 8:7-8

Here is a piece of commentary from the Haydock Bible on verse 8

“The reputation of chastity in women is tender, and, like a beautiful flower, presently withers at the least blast, and perishes; particularly when they are at an age prone to vice, and destitute of the authority of a husband, whose shadow is the safeguard to a wife.” (St. Jerome ad Salvinam.) — The Scripture could not give Judith a greater character. (Calmet) — How few can obtain it at present, though their virtue may be most pure, detraction is so keen! (Haydock)
As I read the above the Scripture passage, my first thought was Blessed Mother Mary. But then my second thought was, “I would love for someone to be able to say those words about me.” So what do I need to do in order for others to see those virtues lived out in my daily life?

She was beautiful in appearance and had a very lovely face My children see my face the first thing in the morning and the last thing at night…would they tell you my face is lovely and my appearance lovely? You know what I’m talking about. I am not talking about the latest trend in fashion and makeup. I am not talking about undergarments that smooth the outside while inside I am a harsh and cranky woman. I am talking about an inner beauty that radiates the virtue of modesty. Modesty is not only the cut of the clothes I wear, it is the way I wear those clothes. Modesty is not only the words I use {are they foul or vulgar} but how I use my words. Modesty encompasses all I am, everything I say and do.

Do I greet my children with a smile first thing in the morning and tuck them into bed at night wearing that same smile, even though it may have been a long day. Does my husband get the crumbs for a wife or do I save a slice of the best part of me, for him? Would those who know me best think my face was lovely and my appearance beautiful?

she was prudent of heart, discerning in judgment, and quite virtuous Am I known for my sound and wise judgments? Am I discreet and circumspect?  I really had to pause on the definition for discerning; am I known for my understanding?  Again, my frame of reference is as a mother.  Do I come into a squabble between my children with an understanding heart, ready to listen, or do I jump to conclusions, ready to dish out correction and punishment just to achieve quiet?

This verse also speaks clearly to me as a woman, with friendships.  Are my friendships lived with the virtues of prudence, good judgment, and supernatural virtue?

No one spoke ill of her for she feared God with great devotion.

Ah, to have lived that kind of life.

Remember, we are going to be discussing 33 Days to Morning Gloryin the month of May for our Suscipio Book Club. I just received mine in the mail and today and it looks good!