The basis for determining the value of human work is not primarily the kind of work being done but the fact that the one who is doing it is a person… it is always man who is the purpose of the work.
–Saint John Paul II, On Human Work
We forget that our free-will acts of virtue are blessed with grace and gifts by God that impart a supernatural quality to their effect. With that in mind, how can our small acts of sacrifice and virtue be anything other than heroic?
In the 5th Joyful mystery of the rosary, upon finding Jesus in the temple, Mary exclaims her anxiousness and sorrow. But she did not let it prevent her from experiencing the fullness of joy in finding Him. Do we?
If we ask our Mother of Grace for help, she will lead us to let go of our attachments, especially attachment to our own way of thinking and perceiving the world. Slowly, like the saints, we too will become excited awaiting Paradise.
The Creator of the heavens obeys a carpenter; the God of eternal glory listens to a poor virgin. Has anyone ever witnessed anything comparable to this?
–Saint Anthony of Padua