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REFLECTION AND PRAYER FOR THE MONTH OF MAY
Mother of us all Pray for us REFLECTION When we look at the Scriptures we find that Mary was always present at special moments in Christ’s life. She was there at the start of His life—she gave birth to Him. She was there at the beginning of His ministry – at the Wedding Feast of Cana. She was there at the end of His Life—at Calvary and also at the launching of the Church at Pentecost. In all of these instances we can build up a good picture of what Mary was really like: - she was a Mother - a good disciple - a very courageous and strong woman - a woman of prayer—she pondered everything in her heart. - a compassionate woman - a suffering woman—a sword pierced her heart. - a woman of Faith. What a model for us Marists to follow and as her sons and daughters we should try to imitate her and ask her each morning to help us: - to think like her - to judge like her - to feel like her - to act like her If we put our life in the direction of Mary we will be like her at the service of all. We will seek to show by deeds the reality of a salvation available for us and for others. If others can discover in us : - someone who has time for prayer, and prays. - someone to whom they can really turn to in difficulties. - someone who knows how to take positive initiatives in breaking down barriers, and knows how to unite. - someone whose real concern is centred on his brothers and sisters and not on himself . Then we can say that our life is set in the direction of Mary’s life. Mary is the closest person to Christ, she
who was His Mother, who was more apostle than the Apostles and who has
merited afterwards to be called their Queen. She has demanded no position of
power or privilege, but she is simply united to the Church, bringing it her
own richness. She will lead us to a true knowledge of Christ. Not only has
she seen, heard and touched the Word of God, but she carried Him inside her.
If anyone knew Him directly, entirely, from day to day it was Mary. She
alone will teach us how to keep alive in us the twofold knowledge of Christ
in the Flesh and in Faith, and in the inward listening to God who speaks to
us . She, who was the Spouse of the Holy Spirit, pondered everything in her
heart so let us do the same with the help of the same Holy Spirit..
Let us ask Mary to show us that there is a way for us, the way of a hidden daily commitment where we are willing to disappear and die a little that in our time the Church may be reborn in her image.
Prayer God of compassion, you led your people into freedom. I invite you into my life. Lead me into inner freedom and wholeness. Direct my steps on the path to which you are calling me. Give me eyes to see where you are at work drawing all people into your kingdom. Give me ears to hear your Word. Give me the will and courage to follow you wherever you might lead. Mary, Mother of the poor , Mother of refugees, Mother of the oppressed, show me the way of compassion for all who suffer. Teach me how to respond to the needs of others as you would respond. Pray to the Holy Spirit for me that I might act with wisdom in discerning God’s will and live in accord with it. Pray for me that I might be united with Jesus, your son, as I journey towards the fullness of God’s reign. ( Prayer from ‘Mary’s Song’ by Mary Catherine Nolan O.P.)Scripture readings to look up. Mark 3: 32-33 Your Mother is here …… Who is my Mother? Luke 11: 27-28 "How happy is the woman who bore you and nursed you" Jesus replied "Rather, how happy are those who hear the Word of God and keep it!" Luke 2: 48-49 "Your father and I have been looking for you….""Didn’t you know that I had to do my Father’s work John 2:4 and at Cana "Woman why ask me?
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