May 23
“…I am confident that the Holy Spirit is sending down His gifts of fiery tongues on the Church today – all with the emphasis on the women. He is inspiring them to follow in Mary’s footsteps and do for the beleaguered faithful in our own day what she did for the infant Church in her day…But, I repeat, it will take Mary-like women to achieve this miracle of renovation of the Church of God.”
-Father John A. Hardon, S.J.
Based on this month’s study, what has Mary done for the infant Church and for the Church through the centuries? According to Father Hardon, what is our mission? How does he suggest it will be accomplished? Describe your image of a “Mary-like” woman. How can you cooperate with grace to be molded into this image? Ask Mary to infuse you with the gifts and graces you need – a novena for each perhaps….?
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May 22
“The Immaculata must conquer the whole world for herself, and each individual soul as well, so that she can bring all back to God. This is why we must acknowledge her for what she is, and submit to her reign,
which is all gentleness.”
-St. Maximillian Kolbe
Today's Reflection
Why must Our Lady conquer the whole world? How is this in keeping with her spiritual motherhood? To what extent has she “conquered” you? To what extent have you submitted to her reign?
Consider these questions in light of the progress you have made in the past month. Why do you think submitting to her is necessary for your own spiritual motherhood?
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May 21
“Mary became all to all; to all she offers the bosom of her mercy, that all may receive of it: the slave, his redemption, the infirm, health; the afflicted, comfort; the sinner, pardon; and God, glory – that there should be no one who would not feel her warmth and great affection.”
-St. Bernardine of Siena
Today's Reflection
What do you think it means that Mary “became all to all?” Ponder the phrase “bosom of her mercy.” What images or sentiments does it provoke within you? Why do you think St. Bernardine of Siena uses this descriptive of Mary’s love? According to the descriptions given here, which most describes the way in which Mary has offered you “the bosom of her mercy?” To whom can we offer the “bosom” of our mercy today – slave, infirm, afflicted, sinner, God? How?
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May 20
“Thou, O Lady, teaches us to hope for far greater graces than we deserve, since thou never ceases to dispense graces far, far beyond our merits.”
-St. Idelbert
Today's Reflection
One adage about mercy states that “Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Grace is getting what we don’t deserve.” Consider this in light of the above quote and your novena petition. How does the favor you received from God through Our Lady’s intercession increase your hope? Recall another instance or period of time when you received mercy and grace according to this definition. How were graces dispensed far beyond your merits?
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May 19
“As maternal Mediatrix, Mary presents our desires and petitions to Christ, and transmits the divine gifts to us, interceding continually on our behalf.”
-St. John Paul II
Today's Reflection
Today completes your novena of prayer. Journal the insights, inspirations, graces you have received in light of your request. According to this definition for “Mediatrix,” how has Mary been your Mediatrix and your Queen Mother? Consider a most pleasing way to show her your gratitude. What is it?
Follow through.
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May 18
“God seeing that we are unworthy to receive His graces directly from Him, gives them to Mary so that we might receive from her all that
He decides to give us.”
-St. Louis Grignion de Montfort
Today's Reflection
What do you think it means that we are “unworthy” to receive God’s graces directly? (Refer to Luke 5:8, for example.) Read pages 206-209 in Full of Grace: Women and the Abundant Life about Mary’s role as Queen Mother (Note: If you do not have the book, go to
www.thecatholictreasurechest.com and scroll to The Queenship of Mary). How does this quote from St. Louis de Montfort illustrate Mary as Queen Mother? Imagine Mary receiving from God the grace you most need to have today. Now imagine her giving it to you. Receive it from her with love and gratitude.
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May 17
“Am I not here who am your mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not the source of your joy? Are you not in the folds of my mantle, in the crossing of my Arms? Do you need anything more?"
-Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego
Today's Reflection
Just as Our Lady spoke these words to Juan Diego, she speaks them to each one of us as well. Which of the maternal images Mary provides most speaks to you? Why? How does this help you move forward in you confidence to entrust yourself to her? Consider that Mary says she is the “source” of our joy? Why is this so? Tomorrow’s Grace Line gives you one reason.
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May 16
"The conviction that Mary is close to those who are suffering or in situations of serious danger has prompted the faithful to invoke her as 'Benefactress.' The same trusting certainty is expressed in the most ancient Marian prayer with the words, “We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our necessities but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin (from the Roman Breviary)."
-St. John Paul II
Today's Reflection
Note the phrase, “trusting certainty.” List some reasons why you think the Blessed Mother is worthy of our trusting certainty. “Benefactress” is a woman who does good. As daughter of the Father, mother of the Son, and spouse of the Holy Spirit, why is Mary the exemplary benefactress? In what one way can you seek to emulate her today?
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May 15
“…that good Mother makes herself so present and so near to her faithful servants, to enlighten them in their darkness and their doubt, to strengthen them in their fears, and to sustain them in their struggles and difficulties, that…this virginal path to find Jesus Christ is a path of roses and honey.”
-St. Louis Grignion de Montfort, True Devotion, 152
Today's Reflection
The definition for “helper” includes the idea of one who causes an improvement in a situation or person. How does this quote show Mary to be a helper? How can her very presence improve us or our situation? What might be the “roses” and “honey” that Mary uses to make our path to Jesus sweet even in trials and fears and setbacks? Have you experienced her maternal beatitude in this way? How?
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May 14
“The love that this good mother bears us is so great that as soon as she perceives our wants, she comes to our assistance.
She comes before she is called.”
-Richard of St. Lawrence
Today's Reflection
Consider Mary’s love in light of her title of Immaculate Conception (Paragraphs 490-493 Catechism of the Catholic Church). Why do you think her love is the greatest love any creature can have for another? To what extent does this increase your confidence in her maternal beatitude?
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