Nov. 9 - our 33 Day Journey begins on this Feast!

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome is so appropriate a day on which to begin the 33 Day preparation journey for our Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary. The Mass Readings for today, see HERE and also the Liturgy of the Hours - Morning Prayer, point us to the Church - to the Bride of Christ - and to Mary who is our Mother and Model.

St. Louis de Montfort in his treatise on True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin describes this preparation:

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.

So today, we begin to “cleanse the temple of our own hearts” even as today’s Gospel from John 2 recalls Jesus cleansing the temple. He alone can cleanse us by the power of His Holy Spirit, sent by the Father and Son at Pentecost, to bring us into ALL Truth. The First Reading at Mass today speaks of the water flowing from the temple – and water is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Jesus spoke to the Woman at the well, saying:

…whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. (Jn 4:14)

During these first 12 days of the journey, St. Louis does not recommend specific prayers as he will during for the three weeks following, but he does suggest reading the beginning of his treatise, which I have linked above to the online version. Some of you may have print copies. The important part of this journey is prayer within our hearts to hear God’s Word to us, and receive from Him the graces we need.

Let us seek Him within our hearts as Mary did, and listen prayerfully to His Word in today’s Mass Readings, especially the Gospel. Ask that we may cooperate with Him in cleansing our hearts and the hearts of all in His Church, by the power of His Holy Spirit and through Mary’s intercession that we may empty ourselves of the spirit of the world so opposed to Him.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your Faithful; kindle in us the Fire of Your Love.
Jesus, we trust in You!
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother and Model of the Church, pray for us.

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear Greenfields,

Thanks for taking time to read this thread and for clicking on the “Heart” to let me know you liked it. Will you be making this 33 Day journey with us? I know of one person on the Forum who already expressed some interest, and at least three members of our parish Legion of Mary have told me they also are preparing to renew their Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary.

If you prefer to let me know in a private Message that is a good way to share more also. It is encouraging to know there are others who desire to honor God and His Mother. There are so many who seem to ignore God and Mary in our culture. Few people seem concerned about the “one thing necessary” because they are busy about so many other things.

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus corrected Martha, when she criticized her sister Mary for not helping Martha with her serving. Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the better part and it would not be taken from her. To Martha’s credit, she listened to what Jesus said. because she is now Saint Martha. She examined her conscience well and made some changes. Our 33 Day journey can help us do the same, and help us to grow in the holiness to which God calls us.