We have been discussing many emotions over the past several issues. As we strive to integrate our emotions with a life of virtue, one very helpful practice is offering everything— the joys and sorrows, successes and humiliations, the works and pleasures of the day— to the Lord at the beginning of the day for his greater glory. Our life only has meaning when we look upon it in light of our final end:  union with God forever in heaven.

When we begin our day thinking about the Lord and offering it to him, then even when we are not able to consciously offer the parts of our day because of things that occupy our mental and physical capacities throughout the day, they become a fitting sacrifice to him and get taken up into his loving plan for our lives.

There are many different ways one can make this morning offering. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recommends the prayer at the conclusion of this column.

Once you have prayed this prayer, even if you struggle to unite the little moments of the day to the Lord, you can reunite yourself with your morning offering as you are able, and be at peace when you are not! In this way, we can begin to see that all things, no matter how large or small, can have meaning when we give them the Lord and seek his glory!

A Morning Offering

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys  and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, for the salvation of souls, the reparation of sins, the reunion of all Christians and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month. Amen.