Reflection: "You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears."

"You have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears " James 4:14

Our lives are but a brief moment. Our lives have meaning in the eyes of God who created us for a purpose and He gave each one of a mission. It is up to us to discover what our mission is by drawing close to Him. If we place all our hopes and dreams in the world, we can miss God's plan for our lives. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and ask Him to guide us along His ways.

Do you feel distressed thinking of your life is a puff of smoke?

Rid yourself of pride. Cultivate the virtue of humility by imitating our Blessed Mother Mary. When we ponder her virtues, she will help them grow in us. She always leads us to Jesus showing us how to put the needs of others first, how to help and serve. Her humility gave her the strength to remain at the Foot of the Cross when the disciples fled. 

Ask Mary to help you grow in her virtues:

• Profound humility 
• Lively faith
• Blind obedience 
• Continual prayer 
• Universal mortification 
• Divine purity 
• Ardent charity 
• Heroic patience 
• Angelic sweetness 
• Divine wisdom 

These virtues may seem overwhelming at first. Practice them each day, taking one at a time, asking for the help of God’s grace. You will start to notice how that virtue is growing in you and strengthening you. Remember to ask Mary to help you. She is the most generous Mother who loves helping her children. Mary, the Mother of God, loves you and she desires to be with you, to assist you, to intercede for you and draw you close to Jesus. When your life in this world ends and disappears like a puff of smoke, Mary will come and accompany you on your journey to eternal life.