Sept. 17 - "True Devotion" continues (now on paragraphs 5 - 6)

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This continuing series of posts, sharing St. Louis de Montfort’s spiritual classic , “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin” began on the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, Sept 15, just a few days ago.

The hope is to respond in depth to those who sense a need for more closeness to Mary, more knowledge and understanding of her importance in our lives of faith. I believe as did Pope St. John Paul II and St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, that St. Louis de Montfort’s small book on “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin” is a book that can help us come closer not only to Mary but through Mary come closer to Jesus.

I’ve dated each new thread so we can read this little book together online (the title is a “hot link” – if you click on it, you can read the whole book online).

Today, let us read paragraphs 5 and 6 and hear with the ears of our hearts, by God’s Grace, as St. Louis de Montfort shares what he was given by God to know and to write for the Church, in his little book on “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin”:

1. Mary is the supreme masterpiece of Almighty God and He has reserved the knowledge and possession of her for Himself. She is the glorious Mother of God the Son Who chose to humble and conceal her during her lifetime in order to foster her humility. He called her “Woman” as if she were a stranger, although in his heart he esteemed and loved her above all men and angels. Mary is the sealed fountain and the faithful spouse of the Holy Spirit where only He may enter. She is the sanctuary and resting-place of the Blessed Trinity where God dwells in greater and more divine splendour than anywhere else in the universe, not excluding His dwelling above the cherubim and seraphim. No creature, however pure, may enter there without being specially privileged.
2. I declare with the saints: Mary is the earthly paradise of Jesus Christ the new Adam, where He became man by the power of the Holy Spirit, in order to accomplish in her wonders beyond our understanding. She is the vast and divine world of God where unutterable marvels and beauties are to be found. She is the magnificence of the Almighty where He hid His only Son, as in His own bosom, and with Him everything that is most excellent and precious. What great and hidden things the all-powerful God has done for this wonderful creature, as she herself had to confess in spite of her great humility, “The Almighty has done great things for me.” The world does not know these things because it is incapable and unworthy of knowing them.

Come Holy Spirit! Kindle in us, the Fire of Your Love!

Jesus, we trust in You! Help us to honor Mary as you did on this earth and continue now in heaven as her Son, Son of God become Incarnate in her womb by the power of Your Holy Spirit.

Mary, Mother of the Church, given to us by Jesus from His Cross, pray for us.

 

[hazcompat]

Why not turn to Mary, the Queen Mother of intercession?​

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One cannot be a missionary without giving great importance to prayer. Prayer should punctuate our days, bring us joy, and even extra help in times of trial. Why not then turn to Mary, the Queen Mother of intercession?

The Blessed Virgin assists all those who place themselves under her protection, intercedes with Jesus her Son on our behalf, and accompanies those who are devoted to her. Our Christian faith and hope will grow when we pray Hail Marys, the Rosary, or the Angel’s Prayer! Our Lady is at our side and reassures us in difficult times. What better way to bring light into our lives than to let the tenderness of our heavenly Mother enter our hearts?

Mary keeps a tender watch over each and every one of her children, taking each of us under her mantel. She seeks to do God’s will for us, with great kindness. She brought up the Child Jesus with love, so He could fulfil His mission on Earth. Now it is our turn, following her example and walking in her footsteps, to take care of others. It is up to us, baptized Christians, to care for each life as a treasure and to help it blossom under Mary’s tender gaze.

This very simple mission can be carried out daily, at work or anywhere we happen to be. By taking the most fragile ones under our mantles, we accomplish our mission as Christians in union with Mary who guides our steps. We therefore follow the beautiful discipline that Mary’s lives out—the discipline of love.

Taken from an article by Sixtine Waché

Adapted from: Aleteia

Read more on mariedenazareth.com:​

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear hazcompat,

Thanks again for your reply – your quotes so often strengthen my feeble attempts to help others to hear deeply those very precious Words from Jesus on His Cross:

Behold your Mother!

This part of your reply especially blessed me this morning:

…Mary keeps a tender watch over each and every one of her children, taking each of us under her mantel. She seeks to do God’s will for us, with great kindness. She brought up the Child Jesus with love, so He could fulfil His mission on Earth. Now it is our turn, following her example and walking in her footsteps, to take care of others. It is up to us, baptized Christians, to care for each life as a treasure and to help it blossom under Mary’s tender gaze.…

Come, Holy Spirit, kindle in us the Fire of Your Love. Come to us as you came to Mary, overshardow us that we like her, may bring Jesus to ALL we meet, each day. Let the Light of Christ shine through her and through us for the Glory of God. Amen.