Aug. 7 - Preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Yesterday I invited anyone moved by God’s Grace to take this spiritual journey of 33 days of preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary which St. Louis de Montfort describes in His classic treatise, “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin”. Today we begin, and hopefully consecrate (or re-consecrate) ourselves to Jesus through Mary on Sept. 8, Feast of the Nativity of Mary.

St. Louis begins describing our journey thus:

1. Those who desire to take up this special devotion… should spend at least twelve days in emptying themselves of the spirit of the world, which is opposed to the Spirit of Jesus, as I have recommended in the first part of this preparation for the reign of Jesus Christ. They should then spend three weeks imbuing themselves with the spirit of Jesus through the most Blessed Virgin…

Today is Day 1 of the 12 days spent in emptying ourselves of the spirit of the world, which is opposed to the Spirit of Jesus. Some books will suggest various readings from Scripture and spiritual exercises the authors believe are helpful. I’ve used such books in the past, but have found it better, simply to follow the Saints’ directions in his treatise.

Regarding the “emptying of ourselves” we can ponder this from “True Devotion”:

1. Our best actions are usually tainted and spoiled by the evil that is rooted in us. When pure, clear water is poured into a foul-smelling jug, or wine into an unwashed cask that previously contained another wine, the clear water and the good wine are tainted and readily acquire an unpleasant odour. In the same way when God pours into our soul, infected by original and actual sin, the heavenly waters of his grace or the delicious wines of his love, his gifts are usually spoiled and tainted by the evil sediment left in us by sin. Our actions, even those of the highest virtue, show the effects of it. It is therefore of the utmost importance that, in seeking the perfection that can be attained only by union with Jesus, we rid ourselves of all that is evil in us. Otherwise our infinitely pure Lord, who has an infinite hatred for the slightest stain in our soul, will refuse to unite us to Himself and will drive us from His presence.

Let us prayerfully begin our journey asking the Holy Spirit, sent to bring us into all Truth, to help us to “empty ourselves of the spirit of the world which is opposed to the Spirit of Jesus” and let us look to Mary our Mother for her intercession. Please let us pray for one another, for the Church and for all those who are in most need of God’s Mercy! Jesus we trust in You. Father Thy Kingdom come, you Will be done in us!

St. Louis de Montfort, pray for us.

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear Stephie,

Thanks so much for your “ever-Faith-Full heart”! Today, after I finish this reply to you, God willing, I will post Day 2 of the 12 preliminary days in this 33 day Preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary. Yesterday was the First Friday in the Month of August, the month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary – what a perfect day to begin our journey! I was so blessed by yesterday’s Gospel also in which Jesus said:

“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me…”

St. Louis de Montfort was steeped in Scripture amd so we hear in True Devotion, what de Montfort truly heard from God! To begin this preparation for Total Consecration, he begins with these 12 preliminary days to hlp us “see by faith” how to deny ourselves in order to truly follow Christ.