Week 3, Day 4
Daily Prayer
Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother;
to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
Mary, Mother of Christ Crucified
Scripture Reading from the Gospel of Luke 2:33-35 – Mary, your heart will be pierced by a sword
Scripture Reading from the Gospel of John 19:33-37 – Piercing the Side of Christ
Legend tells us that the soldier who pierced the body of Jesus on the Cross was named Longinus. When he pierced Jesus’ side, blood and water gushed forth, baptizing the soldier. At that instant, Longinus converted to the faith. He is a saint, and a statue of him faces the main altar at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Faithful to Christ’s Love
Mary is the “poorest Mother;” in the eyes of the world, she was the most unfortunate of all mothers. She was poor financially, having very little money. She was probably a widow, as St. Joseph likely died sometime between when Jesus was twelve and when his public ministry began at age thirty. Mary’s only son was tortured and put to death in the same manner as a slave who committed a serious crime. After the death of her only son, Mary had no one to take care of her in the eyes of the Jewish/Roman society. She was completely dependent on the generosity of others.
What does it mean to be poor? No extra money for toys, sweets, extra clothing. All money earned would be used to pay for your home, food, and necessary clothing.
Jesus says blessed are the poor in spirit. Why are the poor blessed? Because they value God and His love over all earthly possessions.
Even in poverty, she had faith that she was in God’s hands and that He loved her. She trusted completely, even though she didn’t understand why such bad things were happening.
Daily Practice this week
This week we offer up some small sacrifice at least three times each day.
Closing Prayer
Most compassionate Father, at the cross, you willed that Mary share in the passion of her son, Jesus, even to the point of having her own soul “pierced by a sword.” May our hearts be so closely united to Mary’s heart that we may live this great mystery of love at her side, and so offer ourselves with her for all of our brethren and for all those who are far from Christ. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Cross and Mercy
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