In the Garden

Fifth day

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The AMAPOLA-Corn Flower (Bluebottle)

The corn flower(amapola) in its beauty and in its variety of colors surpasses even the rose: it has admirable graduation from the most pure white up to the brightest crimson. Wild in the fields and cultivated in the gardens, it is for this season one of its beauties. It is odorless though but it does not matter: the perfection is distributed and divided among the different species that adorn our gardens.

It is similar and so similar to the most beautiful of all roses, and that placed by its side and mixed in the bouquet with others, its brightness rivals that of the rose confusing to the eyes.

Beneficence [kindness] and the fourteen works of Mercy

Charity has, besides from mercy, another daughter and is the Beneficence [kindness]. Good will is not enough, a heart ❤️ that has compassion for the miseries of others is not enough; charity is work and these are guided in its terrain by beneficence [kindness].

The works of mercy are fourteen: the seven pertains to the corporal needs, and the other seven to the spiritual needs of our neighbors.

Because the corn flower (amapola) resemble the rose,and possesses its figure and beauty, we consider it as most appropriate to represent the beneficence [kindness].

It has no fragrance in itself,but when aromatic herbs are planted around it you can then form a perfect bouquet. . . Plant it in the midst of the fourteen works of beneficence figured in the fragrant herbs and these will supply what is lacking in it and it will supply what is lacking in them.

Beneficence [kindness] in Mary

Mary did for us a work of mercy so great that there will never be another like it. We were lost because of original sin and she gave us a Savior.

The corn flower (amapola) in Mary's hands

What can you do for the welfare of your neighbor?

If you have no charity you can do nothing, or almost nothing,for without charity beneficence [kindness] is not a perfect virtue,it cannot be: it is only what we call philanthropy, and which in itself, without charity its queen,has no merit before God.

If you have charity,if you love what God loves,if you want what God wants,you can do much, very much, for the welfare of others. You must do for others what is within your means . . . Offer yourself to Mary and she will inspire you, and say:

Presentation of the corn flower (amapola) to Mary

Prayer 🙏

Lady, I oblige myself to practice all the works of mercy that I can and are within my power for the good of my neighbors. I will strive to be affable,kind, sweet and meek to all those I become familiar with and I will be their servant. I will not sadden nor disturb nor mortify them directly or indirectly by my words, actions and gestures. Recieve Lady my good intentions and grant that they will always have efficacious effect. Amen.

Our Lady of Virtues, Pray for us.

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Copied from the Writings (MONTH OF MARY) of Blessed Francisco Palau, OCD