Day Thirty-Five Consecration to Mary for the 21st Century/A Lenten Journey

Day Thirty-Five Consecration to Mary for the 21st Century/A Lenten Journey     

                                                                     Day Thirty-Five

Monday of the  Sixth Week of Lent

Prayers for this week, Days 35-40 in Lent:

Begin each day with "Mother Mary pray with us to your loving Son, that God's Will on earth be done."

First Meditation

Now we enter the last week for our Consecration to Mary.  A consecration to Mary is a very beautiful commitment of love.  With this particular consecration, I envision you becoming so close to Mary, that you and she become "soul-mates."  You admire and love her so much that you want to be just like her.  You want her to enter into your life so as to Marianize it.  

     There are other kinds of consecrations to our Lady.  There are simple consecrations that are made by prayer.  Groups dedicated to Mary, e.i.., Legion of Mary, Daughters of Mary, promise to dedicate themselves to act like Mary.  Then there is the consecration of St. Louis d Montfort, where he asks you to become a "slave" of Mary.  You want to be her property and make sacrifices of love for her.  St. Maximilian Kolbe's consecration envisions one becoming Mary's property as becoming an instrument to do what she would do.  St. Therese, the Little Flower consecrated herself as a victim of Jesus' merciful love, much like Mary when she totally sacrificed herself in merciful love.

      What I envision is becoming friends with Mary.  I want you to make Mary your best friend, so close that you are "soul-mates."  You share every thing with her.  You both want to do what Jesus desires.  You both love Him unreservedly.  She will be your advocate when you die.  She will introduce you to her Son.  

      St. Alphonsus Liguori once said, "It is impossible that a servant of Mary be damned."

Second Meditation

What ever you decide to wear, i.e., miraculous medal, brown scapular, crucifix, feel protected and loved by the Queen of heaven.  Remember God giving Adam and Eve animal hides to wear.  Jacob gave Joseph a coat of many color.  Anna made a coat for her son, Samuel.  Mary, like all mothers must have brought swardling clothes for her new born.  And don't forget that seamless garment Mary gave to Jesus, that became significant on the way to Calvary.

    Wear your reminder of your Christian faith and may you always feel secure in Jesus' love for you because Mary is holding your hand.  

Third Meditation

Have you ever seen anyone pray with their arms out in the form of a cross?  Giving them the benefit of doubt, that they are not doing this to show off how pious they are, they are probably pushing themselves to do something to please Our Lord.  They may be offering God their embarrassment, as a sacrifice.  Think of why they do this?  Could you do this?  In private?  In public?  Upon meditation, I think this prayer posture would depend upon your temperament.  Do not worry if you can't pray in this manner.  God made you and loves you.  He prefers a humble and contrite heart above everything.  (Psalm 51:17)

    The best result of this posture is that it would definitely focus your mind on God.  Whether you can pray like this or not, pray three Hail Mary's.  Praying three Hail Mary's is a time honored practice.

Now end the day with the prayer, " Where Mary is, there is her Son.  I love You, Jesus. Amen"

End your day with an examination of conscience--even in bed.

What good did I do today?

Where did I fail?

How can I do better?