Mary Vitamin for November 21st
(Extra Strength)Topic: Our Lady's ability to make the gift of Herself in the Presentation
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Quote:
St. John Eudes
"The fourth privilege of Mary in her Immaculate Conception, according to St. Bernardine of Siena and several other holy Doctors, is that she was endowed with the use of reason actually from the first moment of her Conception."
The Wondrous Childhood of the Most Holy Mother of God, (PCP:1998), 74.
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Meditation:
It is believed that Our Lady was presented in the Temple at the age of three (based upon the ancient text of the gospel of St. James). Since St. John the Baptist is accorded the privilege of recognizing the presence of Our Lord while even in the womb of St. Elizabeth, theologians also accord Our Lady the use of her reason while in the womb. St John Eudes explains further by saying, "If it be asked after what manner the use of reason was accorded to the holy Virgin from the first moment of her life, we may say that it was either by Gods so elevating her understanding, as to render it capable of acting independently of the senses or bodily organs, or, that He so powerfully fortified these senses and bodily organs, as to make them cooperate in the functions of the understanding." (74)
The Birth of the Virgin Mary by Francisco de Zurbaran 1625 A.D. Image via Wikipedia
This is an example of Marian devotion which does not detract from true worship of the Lord but actually lays a solid foundation for His worship. Marian devotion opens the heart and mind to ponder things from the viewpoint of God and not from the limited understanding of humanity.
How important is the Incarnation? How importantly does God view His humility and His sacrifice to forego the pain-free existence of heaven in order to take on human flesh to suffer? In His mind this must be a great event. Wouldn't He make special provisions that the vessel through whom He chose to carry out this mission would know and appreciate the greatness of His sacrifice and the significance of her role?
With the use of reason from the time of her Immaculate Conception, her self-offering at the age of three (the Presentation of Our Lady) takes on new meaning and indicates a greater gift of self.
Resolution:
Today, in the Angelus, I will ask to have the heart and mind of Mary so that I may appreciate the sacrifice and humility of the Lord.
Marian Vow:
Father Gabriel Pellettieri, FI
"From the various episodes in the Gospel we can gather that Our Lady had received a fairly thorough education, and that she, by means of the daily public prayers, had become accustomed to that life of constant union with God."
I give this resolution to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Thanks be to God for graces received.
Related sites: Castle of the Immaculate & AirMaria
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