St. Louis de Montort continues in his book, “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin” on Honoring the mystery of the Incarnation. His words truly can help us in our preparation for Advent and draw us closer to Jesus living in Mary:
Please note that I usually say “slave of Jesus in Mary”, “slavery of Jesus in Mary”. We might indeed say, as some have already been saying, “slave of Mary”, “slavery of Mary”. But I think it preferable to say, “slave of Jesus in Mary”. This is the opinion of Fr. Tronson, Superior General of the Seminary of Saint-Sulpice, a man renowned for his exceptional prudence and remarkable holiness. He gave this advice when consulted upon this subject by a priest.
Here are the reasons for it:
(a) Since we live in an age of pride when a great number of haughty scholars, with proud and critical minds, find fault even with long-established and sound devotions, it is better to speak of “slavery of Jesus in Mary” and to call oneself “slave of Jesus” rather than “slave of Mary”. We then avoid giving any pretext for criticism. In this way, we name this devotion after its ultimate end which is Jesus, rather than after the way and the means to arrive there, which is Mary. However, we can very well use either term without any scruple, as I myself do. If a man goes from Orleans to Tours, by way of Amboise, he can quite truthfully say that he is going to Amboise and equally truthfully say that he is going to Tours. The only difference is that Amboise is simply a place on the direct road to Tours, and Tours alone is his final destination.
(b) Since the principal mystery celebrated and honoured in this devotion is the mystery of the Incarnation where we find Jesus only in Mary, having become incarnate in her womb, it is appropriate for us to say, “slavery of Jesus in Mary”, of Jesus dwelling enthroned in Mary, according to the beautiful, prayer, recited by so many great souls, “O Jesus living in Mary”.
(c) These expressions show more clearly the intimate union existing between Jesus and Mary. So closely are they united that one is wholly the other. Jesus is all in Mary and Mary is all in Jesus. Or rather, it is no longer she who lives, but Jesus alone who lives in her. It would be easier to separate light from the sun than Mary from Jesus. So united are they that our Lord may be called, “Jesus of Mary”, and his Mother “Mary of Jesus”.
Thanks for your “heart” to let us know you read and appreciated what St. Louis de Montfort wrote. Many do not read his words, perhaps slowly enough or prayerfully enough or in the context of his whole book to really appreciate what he is sharing with the Church. The fact that his writings have endured over 2 centuries is a testimony to the Truth of his writing, it seems to me.
It is always good to “hear” from you and others on these threads - even if only by way of “silent little hearts”!
Thanks for your “faithful hearts” also letting us know you too appreciate the words of St. Louis de Montfort. Pondering his words on honoring the Mystery of the Incarnation, it is amazing to realize how few may realize how deep “the intimate union existing between Jesus and Mary” truly is! When we pray: “And the Word became Flesh and dwelt among us”, may we remember St. Louis de Montfort’s words:
It would be easier to separate light from the sun, than Mary from Jesus
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