A "tender" son (or daughter)

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In my last thread I asked Catholics to consider how “tender” our devotion to Mary is. I quoted from St. Louis De Montfort’s True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary on the conduct of Esau prefiguring those who disdain their “birthright” (baptism) and Jacob prefiguring those who have a tender devotion to Mary. Today, I would like to quote from the same source (the numbers indicate the paragraph numbers in the online version of “True Devotion”):

…Jacob, the younger son, was of a frail constitution, gentle and peaceable and usually stayed at home to please his mother, whom he loved so much. If he did go out it was not through any personal desire of his, nor from any confidence in his own ability, but simply out of obedience to his mother.

1. He loved and honoured his mother. That is why he remained at home close to her. He was never happier than when he was in her presence. He avoided everything that might displease her, and did everything he thought would please her. This made Rebecca love him all the more.

1. He was submissive to his mother in all things. He obeyed her entirely in everything, promptly without delay and lovingly without complaint. At the least indication of her will, young Jacob hastened to comply with it. He accepted whatever she told him without questioning. For instance, when she told him to get two small goats and bring them to her so that she might prepare something for his father Isaac to eat, Jacob did not reply that one would be enough for one man, but without arguing he did exactly what she told him to do.

1. He had the utmost confidence in his mother. He did not rely on his own ability; he relied solely on his mother’s care and protection. He went to her in all his needs and consulted her in all his doubts. For instance, when he asked her if his father, instead of blessing him, would curse him, he believed her and trusted her when she said she would take the curse upon herself.

1. Finally, he adopted, as much as he could, the virtues he saw in his mother. It seems that one of the reasons why he spent so much time at home was to imitate his dear mother, who was so virtuous, and to keep away from evil companions - who might lead him into sin. In this way, he made himself worthy to receive the double blessing of his beloved father…

God willing, I hope to continue this part of the book tomorrow, but I think you can see how timely these paragraphs are for today. Is the conduct of many Catholics, and more importantly perhaps to ask: is my conduct or your conduct more like Jacob or Esau? Can I call myself a “tender” daughter of Mary, having characteristics like Jacob? The early Fathers saw Jacob as prefiguring Christ. Can you call yourself a “tender” son or daughter of Mary?

 

[pollylodges]

Saint Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil, may God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you, O’ Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into Hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.

Amen.

†

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

†

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

†

 

[liturgy96]

God willing, I hope to continue this part of the book tomorrow, but I think you can see how timely these paragraphs are for today. Is the conduct of many Catholics, and more importantly perhaps to ask: is my conduct or your conduct more like Jacob or Esau? Can I call myself a “tender” daughter of Mary, having characteristics like Jacob? The early Fathers saw Jacob as prefiguring Christ. Can you call yourself a “tender” son or daughter of Mary?

I’d rather keep my answer to myself I shall simply pray that we all be Mary’s tender and devoted children Mary, Mother of us all, pray for us!

 

[MariaChristi]

Saint Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil, may God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you, O’ Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into Hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.

Amen.

†

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

†

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

†

Dear pollylodges,

Thanks so much for your prayerful reply. How very much we need to pray for God’s help and the intercession of Mary and all the saints and angels in this critical time! Let us learn from Jesus how to love Mary as He does, let us be truly tender toward our Mother!

 

[MariaChristi]

MariaChristi:

…God willing, I hope to continue this part of the book tomorrow, but I think you can see how timely these paragraphs are for today. Is the conduct of many Catholics, and more importantly perhaps to ask: is my conduct or your conduct more like Jacob or Esau? Can I call myself a “tender” daughter of Mary, having characteristics like Jacob? The early Fathers saw Jacob as prefiguring Christ. Can you call yourself a “tender” son or daughter of Mary?

liturgy96:

I’d rather keep my answer to myself I shall simply pray that we all be Mary’s tender and devoted children Mary, Mother of us all, pray for us!

Dear liturgy96,

Thanks for your reply and for your prayer for all of us.

Those questions were meant for each one of us to answer before God. He alone knows the correct answers.

It seems to me, personally, that I do not love our Mother nearly enough, nor as tenderly as she deserves, but I pray with you that all God’s children will hear and obey Jesus as John did on Calvary, regarding Mary our Mother.

If we hear truly deep within our hearts, Jesus telling us to “Behold Your Mother” and we take Mary into our lives as the beloved disciple did, then she will teach us as she taught Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to love her as God desires her to be loved.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your Faithful. Kindle in us the Fire of Your Love.
Jesus, we trust in You.
Mary, my Queen and my Mother, I am all yours. Keep me; guard me as your property and possession.

 

[GLam8833]

Thanks for the insight from St. Loius de Montfort,
it is really eye opening!!

 

[MariaChristi]

Thanks for the insight from St. Loius de Montfort,
it is really eye opening!!

Yes, it is!!! Thanks, Glam, for your reply. I’ve read this little book many times but this time, Chapter 5 of True Devotion on “The Biblical Figure of this Perfect Devotion: Jacob and Rebecca” never impressed me as much as this time. Perhaps it is because the contrast between Esau and Jacob is so clearly evident in the the spirit of the world today contrasted with the spirit of Jesus and Mary. I’m continuing this today in a new thread.