Ponder: A mother, by nature of her vocation, is an advocate for her children. Our spiritual mother Mary is no different, she pleads to her Son on our behalf.
As we near the end of the month of May, which we dedicate to our Lady, we remember her strength and the protection she offers us through her Son. Today, we pray the Salve Regina. Most of us pray the Salve Regina, but it is one of four Marian antiphons, or a chant or prayer sung honoring our Blessed Mother. Pause for a few moments of silence to prepare or recite the rosary as indicated in chart here if you wish.
Pray: Hail, Holy, Queen
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy. Hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Amen
Reflect: The Church rightly honors the Blessed Virgin with special devotion. Let me be clear, we are devoted to Mary. We do not adore her as our adoration is reserved for the Incarnate Word equally to the Father and the Holy Spirit. From the most ancient times the Blessed Virgin has been honored with the title of ‘Mother of God’ to whose protection the faithful fly in all their dangers and needs.” You might ask “why all this fuss over Mary?” It is quite simple. In line with the understanding that God became man in Christ Jesus, the instrument used to “cover God in flesh” was Mary. Mary and Jesus had a deep, personal, and unmatched love for one another. Mary sacrificed her life to bring Jesus into the world, and Jesus knew His life was to be sacrificed for humanity (which includes His beloved mother.) So why do Catholics appreciate Mary so much? Because Jesus did first.
Mary is the most amazing role model. She is the humble handmaiden that as a warrior crushes the serpent’s head. Mary is our Heavenly Mother. When we think of Mary through this lens, it all makes sense why, throughout generations, beautiful hymns of the Blessed Mother have been recited and used frequently. The more I fall in love with Jesus, the more I cannot help but fall in love with His Mother. And, in turn, the more I love the Mary, the more she helps me love her Son. When I’m lost, confused, scared, joyful, blessed, at peace, she always points me in the right direction and advocates to her Son for me.
Act: Today, I will invite Mary to advocate for me to heal an area in my heart that hurts.
Inspire with your life. Words convince the mind, but actions change the heart.
Smitten With Goodness 