Scripture for
meditation: Judith 13:23, 25
And Ozias the prince of the people
of Israel, said to her: Blessed art thou, O daughter, by the Lord the most high
God, above all women upon the earth. Because he hath so magnified
thy name this day, that thy praise shall not depart out of the mouth of men who
shall be mindful of the power of the Lord for ever, for that thou hast not
spared thy life, by reason of the distress and tribulation of thy people, but
hast prevented our ruin in the presence of our God.
Scripture for reflection: Luke 1:26-33
Now
in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee
called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants
of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her,
“Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was very perplexed at this
statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, “Do not be
afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your
womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the
Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father
David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will
have no end.”
St. Alphonsus de Liguori tells us: Richard of Saint Laurence states, “There is not such
powerful help in any name, nor is there any other name given to men, after that
of Jesus, from which so much salvation is poured forth upon men as from the
name of Mary.” He continues, “that the devout invocation of this sweet and holy
name leads to the acquisition of superabundant graces in this life and a very
high degree of glory in the next.” The Abbot Francone, speaking on this
subject, says, “There is no other name after that of the Son, in heaven or on
earth, whence pious minds derive so much grace, hope, and sweetness.” Hence
Richard of Saint Laurence “encourages sinners to have recourse to this great
name,” because it alone will suffice to cure them of all their evils; and “there
is no disorder, however malignant, that does not immediately yield to the power
of the name of Mary.” The Blessed Raymond Jordano says, “that however hardened
and diffident a heart may be, the name of his most Blessed Virgin has such
efficacy, that if it is only pronounced, that heart will be wonderfully softened.”
Moreover, it is well known, and is daily experienced by the clients of Mary,
that her powerful name gives the particular strength necessary to overcome
temptations against purity. “Thy name, O
Mother of God, is filled with divine graces and blessings, as Saint Methodius
says. So much so, that Saint Bonaventure declares, “that thy name, O Mary,
cannot be pronounced without bringing some grace to him who does so devoutly….”(taken from the Magnificat, September, 2011
edition, Yonkers, NY)
Prayer: 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.
My thoughts: Listen
to the words of the above prayer: Holy Mary, Mother of God. Mother of God. How could anyone doubt the words of St.
Alphonsus of Liguori when you meditate on these words? How could the Mother of
God not be able to help us flee sin, soften hearts and fill us with divine
blessings? The name of Mary is powerful. Call it out in time of need. Mary will
come to you. She is your mother. Just call her name. That is all you need to do.
Mary, my mother, come to me, and help me.
Amen.
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