Jesus through Mary
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Having resolved from all eternity to give us Jesus through Mary, God was not content to make use of her as an instrument. Rather, he wished her to cooperate in this great work. This is why he sent his angel to her to propose the mystery. The great work of the Incarnation could not be achieved until Mary’s consent had been given. It was necessary for mankind that she desire our salvation.
God calls us, justifies us, and enables us to persevere. Vocation is the first step; justification is the progress we make; perseverance is the journey’s end. In these three stages, the work of Christ is required. Yet we see in the Scriptures that the charity of the Blessed Virgin is joined to them as well.
Consider what happened to John the Baptist while he was in his mother’s womb, and you will see an image of sinners called by grace. John is in darkness: he can neither see nor hear. Jesus comes to him without his knowing it. Jesus approaches, he awakens and draws to himself this insensible heart. This is how the Son of God treats the sinners whom he calls, but he shows us in John’s case that the Virgin’s charity worked together with him. What made Jesus come to John if not the charity of the Blessed Virgin? If Jesus acted in John’s heart, was it not at the sound of his mother’s voice? In the case of John the Baptist, we see Mary as the mother of those whom Jesus calls.
Let us now consider those whom he justifies: the disciples of the Son of God, at the wedding at Cana in Galilee. They had already been called, but they are not yet justified because they do not believe in their Master. Listen to the Evangelist: “This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him.” Could he have expressed himself in clearer terms about their justification by faith as a consequence of this miracle? Nor could he have better explained the part played by the Blessed Virgin. For who does not know that this great miracle was the effect of her charity and prayers?
Let us also consider how Mary effects the holy perseverance of the children of God. Here is the Beloved Disciple of our Savior to represent us at Calvary: he is the figure of those who persevere, for he followed Jesus even to the Cross and attached himself so firmly to the mystical wood that he was ready to die with him. He is therefore the figure of those who persevere, and we see Jesus give him to his Mother: “Woman, behold, your son.” Those who understand how full of mysteries are the Scriptures will understand from these three examples that the charity of Mary is a general instrument of the operations of grace.
Let us rejoice in our protector. The night with its terrors has passed; the day approaches, hope comes, and we see a first ray of it shining in the protection of the Blessed Virgin. She was born to bring us aid; it would not be possible to choose a better advocate. Let us pray that she will speak for us to the heart of her Son. We readily grant requests when we are already conquered by affection. It is for this reason that Mary always speaks efficaciously, because she speaks to the heart of a son. Let her speak boldly on our behalf to the heart of Jesus.
What grace shall she ask for us? What do we desire from her intercession? Does not her charity inspire you to desire to be strengthened in charity? It is this that we ask. Without the desire to be charitable, what good does it do for us to call upon the name of Mary? Go on your way with these thoughts in mind: it is Mary who tells you. Do not let the day end without leaving behind some mark of her charity.
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
May the venerable intercession of Blessed Mary ever-Virgin come to our aid, we pray, O Lord, and free us from every danger, so that we may rejoice in your peace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
