SATURDAYS WITH MARY 
Relating to and following Mary’s virtue of humility in our daily struggles, especially when we feel defeated and our pride is at stake, can be challenging but deeply transformative. Here’s how we can draw inspiration from her example:
1. Embrace God’s Will with Trust:
When we feel defeated or challenged, it’s natural to want to assert control or resist the situation. However, like Mary, we can choose to accept God’s will, trusting that He has a greater plan, even when we don’t fully understand it. This involves surrendering our desire for control and allowing God to guide us, just as Mary did when she said, “Be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38).
2. Respond with Silence and Prayer:
In moments of defeat or when our pride is wounded, our first instinct might be to defend ourselves or lash out. Mary, however, teaches us the power of silence and reflection. By turning to prayer instead of reacting impulsively, we can gain the strength to face our struggles with grace. This silent contemplation helps us to align our thoughts with God’s will, enabling us to respond with humility rather than pride.
3. Serve Others Despite Personal Struggles:
Even in times of personal hardship, Mary focused on serving others, as she did when she visited Elizabeth after learning of her own extraordinary role. Following her example, we can seek opportunities to help others, even when we feel low. Acts of service can shift our focus from our own struggles to the needs of others, fostering humility and a sense of purpose.
4. Recognize God’s Hand in Our Lives:
Humility involves recognizing that all we have and all we are comes from God. When we feel defeated, it’s easy to fall into self-pity or prideful self-defense. However, Mary’s Magnificat teaches us to acknowledge God’s greatness and mercy, even in difficult times. By remembering that our worth comes from God, not from our achievements or the approval of others, we can maintain humility and find peace.
5. Trust in God’s Timing:
Mary experienced many moments where she could have felt confused or overwhelmed—like when she searched for the young Jesus in the temple or when she stood by Him at the Cross. Yet, she trusted in God’s timing and plan. When we face setbacks or feel that our efforts are unrecognized, we can follow Mary’s example by patiently waiting on God, trusting that He will bring good from our struggles in His own time.
6. Let Go of Pride and Embrace Humility:
Pride often makes us resistant to admitting mistakes or accepting help. Mary’s humility encourages us to let go of our pride, acknowledge our limitations, and seek God’s guidance. In moments of struggle, we can pray for the grace to humble ourselves, admit our need for God’s help, and allow His grace to work through our weakness.
7. Focus on Christ:
Mary’s ultimate focus was always on her Son, Jesus. In our struggles, instead of fixating on our own failures or wounded pride, we can redirect our focus toward Christ. By following her example, we place our trust in Jesus, knowing that He understands our struggles and offers us the grace to endure them with humility.
By consciously integrating these practices into our daily lives, we can emulate Mary’s humility, even in the face of defeat and pride. This approach not only helps us navigate our struggles with greater peace but also brings us closer to God, who is the source of all true humility and strength. 
Ave Maria!
