Week 3, Day 6
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 and the Glory of Christ
Scripture Reading from the Gospel of John 17:1-5 – Jesus came to give glory to the Father
What does it mean to give glory to the Father? We give glory to God our Father when we obey His commands (much like when we listen to our earthly parents and obey them). Our parents are proud when someone comes up to them and tells them how nice and polite their children are. When we choose to do good, we glorify God; and when people see our good works, that too gives glory to God.
Living the Victory of Love
Mary’s struggles and battles were lived out with a victorious love. In every difficult situation she fought using the tools of love and not of hate. God is love and He fights evil with love. We need to love the Father as Jesus loved Him, as Mary loved Him. Mary loved the Father enough to trust Him even in the midst of the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Jesus loved the Father enough to follow God’s will and give himself up to suffering and death.
What were Mary’s difficulties? Mary’s most difficult moment was probably during her Son’s passion and death. She probably also suffered greatly when Jesus went missing at age twelve and she and St. Joseph could not find him for three days, and again when her husband Joseph died.
Mary belongs completely to the Father. We know this because she consistently chooses to do the Father’s will, at the Annunciation; during Jesus’ public ministry; and during Jesus’ passion and death. She completely gives herself to the Father, to Jesus, and to the Holy Spirit.
St. John was a witness to Jesus and Mary’s faithfulness; John asked God to help him be faithful. Jesus gave Mary to St. John at the foot of the Cross. Throughout his life Mary helped St. John to endure torture and exile and still remain faithful to God. We would be wise to do the same by taking Mary into our home too.
How do we take Mary into our home? By doing a 33 day consecration to Our Lady, such as the one in this book. Pray the Rosary daily, celebrate Marian Feast Days, and read the scriptures and ponder the mysteries of God.
Daily Practice this week
This week we offer up some small sacrifice at least three times each day.
Closing Prayer
Most compassionate Father, your beloved Son teaches us how to remain faithful to your fatherly guidance. By living in Mary and in her fidelity to your Son, may we bring our brethren to see and embrace your fatherly care in their lives as well. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Finding Jesus in the Temple
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