Pope Saint Pius X
For Reflection:
What title does the Saint give to Mary? What makes her so powerful? What do you think is the relationship between her “virginal foot” and the ability to crush the head of the serpent? What serpent in your life would she most like to crush today? What virtue does the Saint say is required for us to experience this aspect of her maternal care? In what way will this dissipate the storms and darkness pressing down upon us?
For Reflection:
Read a biographical sketch of St. Therese’s life (you can access a complete biography at www.littleflower.org ) When might Therese have sought recourse to Mary’s “glance?”
Consider the life of Our Lord. At what moments would Mary's glance have helped dissipate His fear? Meditate on this for a few minutes. In your life right now, in what one way do you most need to experience Mary’s glance? Ask her to look your way. Sit with her gaze upon you until you feel at peace.
“Seek refuge in Mary because she is the city of refuge. We know that Moses set up three cities of refuge for anyone who inadvertently killed his neighbor. Now the Lord has established a refuge of mercy, Mary, even for those who deliberately commit evil. Mary provides shelter and strength for the sinner.”
St. Anthony of Padua
For Reflection:
If Mary is the “city of refuge,” in what part of her would we experience most fully her love and beatitude? How has she been a city of refuge for you? What quality of her motherhood of all men does this express according to the quote? Note the use of the word “the” in the phrase, “Mary is the ‘city of refuge.’” What does this indicate to you? What does it indicate in light of Mary’s role in God’s plan of salvation?
Mary Virgin and Mother
Oh, Virgin Joy of all the world art thou
In whose white, fragrant steps the countless throng
On souls elect doth follow God with song:
Creation’s Queen, whose bright and holy brow
The multitude of Saints, like stars, endow
With changeful splendors, flashing far and strong:
The Main unshadow’d by the primal wrong:
God’s Lily, chosen in His shrine to bow
All these thy glories are, and still a grace
More high, more dread, and yet more sweet and fair,
Doth bind thy royal brows, O Mary blest.
God called thee Mother; yea, His sacred face
The tender likeness of thine own doth wear.
And thou art ours --- we trust Him for the rest.
St. Elizabeth Seton
For Reflection:
Today is the Solemnity of Mother of God. What references do we see to this title of Mary in the Saint’s poem? Which touches you most deeply and why? Consider the title the Saint gives to Our Lady – Creation’s Queen. Ponder the way in which all of creation’s surrender to God is found most perfectly in Mary’s “fiat” to God. Journal your thoughts. How can you unite your “yes” to God in hers?For Reflection: How well do I act as Our Lord and God acted in light of mercy?
For Reflection: How does seeking forgiveness from others help to smooth off rough edges?
For Reflection: Am I willing to apply these characteristics to my behavior when I ask for forgiveness? Why or why not? Which virtue do I need to acquire to do so?Â
For Reflection: This passage gives us the two characteristics necessary for true contrition - a broken and contrite heart. Is there someone whom I have offended? Are these two characteristics present in me in relation to that person? In light of this, what should I do?
For Reflection: How have I seen God work good out of the sufferings I have endured because of the actions of others? Can I then see this suffering as a blessing and not a curse?
For Reflection: quote from Scripture tells us that God loves everyone. If God loves everyone, what right do I have to hold on to hatred and resentment? During this holy season, am I willing to forgive and to ask for forgiveness? With whom should I begin?
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