Be to me, O Virgin, nigh, Lest in flames I burn and die, In His awe-full judgment day.

Savior, when my life shall leave me, Through your mother's prayers receive me With the fruits of victory.

For Reflection:             

Read again the For Reflection of April 25. How are you assured that Our Lady will be "nigh" to you on your judgment day? Journal your interior response.    

Mary has assured us of her maternal intercession and God assures us forgiveness of our sins when we truly repent. However the evil one seeks to steal all assurance from us. He does this in three ways: discouragement, distrust, doubt. Discouragement because we are afraid we now can never acquire a deep union with God; distrust that God will treat us less favorably now and that He will be niggardly in the grace He gives us; doubt that God has forgiven us at all because our sin is so great.                       

To what extent is any one of these true of you? Read Rev. 21:5-6. Journal your insights, inspirations and consolations.