“God has willed to make use of Mary for the sanctification of souls, having already made use of her to bring about the Incarnation.”
St. Louis de Montfort
For Reflection: Consider this quote in light of the First Dolor. How does it apply to Simeon’s prophesy to Our Lady about the sword in her heart? In what way does this apply to her spiritual motherhood? Personally, how have you seen Mary both “birth” Jesus in your heart and work toward your own sanctification?
For Reflection: Read Luke 2: 22-35. What did Simeon prophesy about Jesus? How was it the occasion of great joy and great sorrow for Our Lady? In what way was she called to exemplify the three hallmarks of a handmaid of the Lord – receptivity, trust and surrender?
For Reflection:
Consider this quote in light of yesterday’s quote. What does it say to you? How do you think Mary personifies God’s love through the Holy Spirit? How have you experienced an increase in Mary’s maternal love through your meditations of the GraceLines this month? Have you experienced an increase of God’s love? In what ways?
For Reflection:
Consider this quote in light of yesterday’s quote. What does it say to you? How do you think Mary personifies God’s love through the Holy Spirit? How have you experienced an increase in Mary’s maternal love through your meditations of the GraceLines this month? Have you experienced an increase of God’s love? In what ways?
St. Maximilian Kolbe
For Reflection:
Why do you think that the Holy Spirit would dwell in the most perfect manner in the soul of the Immaculata? What do you think the Saint means when he says Mary is “totally suffused with the Divine?” What new depth of understanding does this bring to your perspective about Our Lady?
The Blessed Virgin to St. Bridget of Sweden
For Reflection:
Could it be that this is why Pope John Paul II asked us to meditate on the Holy Face of Jesus? Practice doing so in your time of prayer today. Journal any consolation or grace that you receive. Consider the fact that Jesus took on Mary’s flesh. In light of this, what does this quote reveal to us about Mary as well? Reread St. Maximilian Kolbe’s quote for January 16. Journal any new inspirations or insights.
Pope John Paul II
For Reflection:
What is the conditional given by the Holy Father regarding Mary’s efficacy in our spiritual life? On a scale of 1 to 10, where would you place your devotion to Mary in light of authenticity and genuineness? Remember these words from the Closing Message to Women of the Second Vatican Council – “… women impregnated with a spirit of the Gospel can do so much to aid humanity in not falling.” How does Pope John Paul II echo these words?
St. Therese of Lisieux
For Reflection:
This beautiful quote expresses the ultimate purpose and grace of Eucharist and the intervention of the Mother of God in helping it to be procured. It also rightly expresses Mary’s role as spiritual mother. Identify all of the above. What resolution would you like to make in its regard?
St. Pio of Pietrelcina
For Reflection:
Have you ever felt so full of love for Jesus and Mary? When? Describe that moment in a journal. Do you think it is an example of mysticism? Why or why not? How does this quote of St Pio identify the role of Our Lady and her fulfillment of it?
St. Faustina Kowalska, #1746
For Reflection:
Go to your Catechism of the Catholic Church and read paragraphs 490-493. Consider the Saints comparison of Mary to a “pure crystal” in light of the Immaculate Conception. Consider all of the above in light of Mary’s role of Mediatrix (CCC 967-970).
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