He Is Risen.

He is truly risen.  Happy Easter!  Today make your consecration.  Before or after Mass today, place yourself in front of the tabernacle and pray this consecration.

My Jesus, I love You with my whole heart.  I soemnly consecrate myself to You through Your Mother, Mary.  I surrender my entire life--everything to You, as my God and King.  Since Your Mother is so dear to You, I also offer her the highest veneration I can.  I ask her to intercede with You when I am unable.  May she bring me close to You.  May she guide me as she guided You.
I ask this of You My Lord and My God, according to Your Will.  Amen.

Don't think that because you have made this consecration, you will become a saint.  You have planted a seed.  You need to grow.  Please make use of the externals--read about Mary, pray through Mary, use prayer ejaculations, use holy water to bless yourself, wear the brown scapular, bless yourself going by a Catholic Church to recognize Jesus in the tabernacle, pray for your deceased loved ones, pray for all the dead as you pass a cemetery, go to frequent confession, wear the Miraculous Medal, wear a crucifix or cross, pray the Rosary, have pictures and statues of Mary and Jesus in your home.  Don't be ashamed to show your devotion and piety.  Think of Jesus' suffering naked on the cross.  How can you not devote yourself to Jesus for the rest of your life?  Mary will help you get to Jesus.  She will bring you to her Son.

Day Forty Consecration to Mary for the 21st Century / A Lenten Journey

                                                                    Day Forty of Lent

Holy Saturday

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."

Holy Saturday

First Meditation

Meditate upon this photo.

Second Meditation

Read and meditate upon this ancient homily:

Something strange is happening--there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness.  The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep.  The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began.  God has died in the flesh and hell trembles with fear.

    He has gone to search for our first parent, as for a lost sheep.  Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow the captives Adam and Eve, he who is both God and the son of Eve.  The Lord approached them bearing the cross, the weapon that had won him the victory.  At the sight of him Adam, the first man he had created, struck his breast in terror and cried out to everyone: "My Lord be with you all."  Christ answered him: "And with your spirit."  He took him by the hand and raised him up, saying: "Awake, O sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light."

     I am your God, who for your sake have become your son.  Out of love foryou and for your descendants I now by my own authority command all who are held in bondage to come forth, al who are in darkness to be enlightened, all who are sleeping to arise.  I order you, O sleeper, to awake.  I did not create you to be held a prisoner in hell.  Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead.  Rise up, work of my hands, you who were created in my image.  Rise, let us leave this place, for you are in me and I am in you; together we form only one person and we cannot be separated.

    For your sake I, your God, became your son; I, the Lord, took the form of a slave; I, whose home is above the heavens, descended to the earth and beneath the earth.  For your sake, for the sake of man, I became like a man without help, free among the dead.  For the sake of you, who left a garden, I was betrayed to the Jews in a garden and I was crucified in a garden.

    See on my face the spittle I received in order to restore to you the life I once breathed into you.  See there the marks of the blows I received in order to refashion your warped nature in my image.  On my back see the marks of the scourging I endured to remove the burden of sin that weighs upon your back.  See my hands, nailed firmly to a tree, for you who once wickedly stretched out your hand to a tree.

    I slept on the cross and a sword pierced my side for you who slept in paradise and brought forth Eve from your sid.  My side has healed the pain in yours.  My sleep will rouse you from your sleep in hell.  The sword that pierced me has sheathed the sword that was turned against you.

     Rise, let us leve this place.  The enemy led you out of the earthly paradise.  I will not restore you to that paradise, but I will enthrone you in heaven.  I forbade you the tree that was only a symbol of life, but see, I who am life itself am now one with you.  I appointed cherubim to guard you as slaves are guarded, but now I make them worship you as God.  The throne formed by cherubim awaits you, its bearers swift and eager.  The bridal chamber is adorned, the banquet is ready, the eternal dwelling places are prepared, the tresure houses of all good things lie open. The kingdom of heaven has been prepared for you from all eternity.

Third Meditation

Pray the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary.  (See Holy Thursday, Thirty-Eight Day of Lent.)

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?

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

Good Friday

Drawing by MEK

                                                                     Day Thirty-Nine

Friday of Holy 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."

Good Friday

Day of Fasting

First Meditation

Hopefully you have made arrangements to take today off, or at least the hours from noon to three.  If you have, spend some time in church.  If not pray and specifically pray for these intentions:

For our sake our Redeemer suffered death and was buried, and rose again.  With heartfelt love let us adore Him and pray:     Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ our teacher, for our sake you were obedient even to  accepting death,

--teach us to obey the Father's will in all things.

Christ our life, by your death on the cross you destroyed the power of evil and death,

--may we die with you, to rise with you in glory.

Christ our King, you became an outcast among us, a worm and no man,

--teach us the humility by which you saved the world.

Christ our salvation, you gave yourself up to death out of love for us,

--help us to show your love to one another.

Christ our Savior, on the cross you embraced all time with your outstretched arms,

--unite God's scattere children in your kingdom of salvation.

Second Meditation

It was about nine in the morning when they nailed Jesus to the cross.  From noon until three o'clock there was darkness over the whole world.  At three o'clock, Jesus cried out in a loud voice; my God, my God, why have You forsaken me.

Third Meditation

You are going to sleep without a pillow, tonight.  Think about why.

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?

Day Thirty-Eight Consecration to Mary for the 21st Century / a Lenten Journey

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

                                                                     Day Thirty-Eight

Holy Thursday

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

and

Second Meditation

and

Third Meditation

Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

(1)  Apostle's Creed, (2) Our Father, (3) three Hail Mary's and a (4) Glory be...
The Agony in the Garden(Intention: For the ability to do God's Will and to accept the cross)

(5) [ Recite 1 Our Father - 10 Hail Marys - 1 Glory be to the Father ]

My Jesus, You told Your Apostles many times that You looked forward to the final hour of Redemption, and yet as you foresaw the sufferings to come you shuddered with fear and anguish of soul.

You asked the Father to let this chalice pass and you received a refusal. My future looms before me at times, dear Jesus, and I tremble with fear and trepidation. I have implored the Father many times to grant me a favor or release me from a cross and His answer has often been "No."

Why should I question His Wisdom in my regard when He refused His Own Son because the good of mankind was at stake? Help me to do the Father's Will with Your generosity and to accept a negative reply with Your love.

It is the mental anguish and uncertainty that tears my soul apart and I often question His love for me.

Your example of resignation, acceptance and love makes me realize that the Father has my life in His hands and nothing happens to me that is not for my good.

Give me the confidence to ask for what I think I need, the humility to wait for His Will, and the faith to accept a refusal. Let my suffering be Redemptive, let my will be one with God's and my life a sacrifice of love.

Second Sorrowful Mystery: 
The Scourging at the Pillar(Intention: To overcome the weaknesses that strip us of grace and lead us to unfaithfulness)

[ Recite 1 Our Father - 10 Hail Marys - 1 Glory be to the Father ]

The pain of this suffering often escapes me, dear Jesus, I forget that this incident was not only painful but humiliating. Each stroke of the whip made you wince with pain and the gaze of the onlookers made You feel like "a worm and no man."

Were You thinking of us today as we travel the road of immorality, dope, alcohol and unfaithfulness? Did Your divine eyes see the immodesty, perversion, and fornication through the centuries?

Did the thought of how easily men strip themselves of grace for gross pleasure give You the courage to receive one more blow of the lash, one more wound and one more sneer?

Did the the tears of unrequited love stream down Your cheeks as You saw so many laughingly going to perdition?

Surely, my Jesus, this scourging made reparation for more than the sins of the flesh. Were the welts that began to bleed suffered for
those who tear off the garments of love and clothe themselves in the rags of dissension and disobedience?

Was not one lash marked, "Rudeness" and another "Hate"? And when the scourging finally ended, did Your eyes see some Blood trickling
down and stepped upon as if in derision?

We are sorry, dear Jesus. Cover us all with this Precious Blood and heal our many wounds. Let modesty and purity be our goal and harmony our motto.

Third Sorrowful Mystery: 
The Crowning with Thorns(Intention: To overcome pride, worry and resentments, and for an increase in faith)

[ Recite 1 Our Father - 10 Hail Marys - 1 Glory be to the Father ]

My Jesus, I often think my portion of the cross is more than I can bear. It seems to me that I am the recipient of superfluous suffering. My thoughts are empty of reasoning and my heart is cold. If I remembered that You were crowned with thorns after You were scourged, I would be silent in the Presence of Divine Wisdom.

My pride, stubbornness and lack of faith tagged each thorn as it pierced Your Sacred Head. My desire for the glory of this world to the exclusion of spiritual realities tightened the branches around Your Head.

My lack of confidence in Your Mercy and the lukewarmness of my love braided this instrument of torture into a wreath of unspeakable pain.

Were the tiny thorns that pricked Your Head the worries I permit to choke Your Word from my mind? Were the resentments I cherish in my
memory the reed that struck Your Head? And when the spittle randown Your Face, did my arrogance make You cry?

Oh, Jesus, let me never forget Your love for me and the reparation You offered the Father for my sake. Let my soul magnify the Lord by humility of heart, purity of mind, and a gentle spirit.

Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: 
The Carrying of the Cross(Intention: To obtain courage in sickness and sorrow)

[ Recite 1 Our Father - 10 Hail Marys - 1 Glory be to the Father ]

You loved me enough, dear Jesus, to take upon Your bleeding shoulders the wood of Your Cross. My love for You is wanting for I find physical pain difficult to bear, sorrow oppressive and tragedies cruel.

You have asked that I take whatever the Father permits in my life and follow in Your footsteps, and yet I often think the Cross was meant only for You and not for me.

I thought Redemption meant freedom from pain, but I know now, as I see this heavy beam on Your back, that Your Redeeming Cross gave value to my pain. Your footsteps in the coarse ground cushioned the path for my feet. Your Cross cut a ridge in the earth for my cross to rest in.Your Presence cleared the air of hopelessness and showed me the way. Your acceptance took away the curse and bestowed a blessing.

Help me, my Jesus, to carry my cross with joy, ever keeping my eyes on the Father's Will. Grant that I may not waste time deciding which cross comes from You and which comes from my neighbor. Let me accept all from You, realizing that some crosses correct me, some release me, some prevent me from a life of sin, others are redemptive, and still others lead to repentance.

May our cross be one cross, dear Jesus, that together we may glorify the Father and save souls.

Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: 
The Crucifixion(Intention: To forgive and love unselfishly)

[ Recite 1 Our Father - 10 Hail Marys - 1 Glory be to the Father ]

You gave Your life for me when I was a sinner. You loved me, dear Jesus, before I saw the light of day or felt the gentle breeze upon my cheek.

You have suffered and died for me, hounded and pursued me, inspired and drawn me. Your love is totally unselfish, and though I rejoice that I am the recipient of such love, I cannot love unselfishly in return.

You forgave Your enemies and looked away as Your friends deserted You. Is it not strange, dear Jesus, that I still find forgiveness hard and mercy impossible? What is lacking in my life that makes forgiving my neighbor difficult? Is the fact that I cannot forgive myself a factor in my lack of mercy towards others?

Help me, Jesus, to see Your loving gaze as it looked up to the Father with abandonment, at the thief with mercy, and at Your Mother with love.

Grant that I may forgive my enemies and abandon myself to the Father's Will. Let me commend my life and my eternity to His care. Let zeal for the salvation of souls make my soul thirst for sacrifice and let the thought of paradise enlighten my path.

Give me the grace to persevere to the end, and when the journey is over and I have fought the good fight, let the Angels sing the last verse of my earthly song: "It is finished."

Pray Hail Holy Queen.

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?

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

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

                                                                     Day Thirty-Seven

Wednesday of Holy 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

Look at this picture.  What do you think is going on here?  Meditate upon what you imagine.

Second Meditation

This picture was painted by a Dominican Friar in 1450; he is known as Fra Angelico. Fra is colloquial for friar and since he painted like an angel, he was called Fra Angelico. The painting itself is called the Mocking of Christ. Jesus is seated on a raised dais and red box, meant to mock a king's throne.  Green curtains usually meant the figure was in glory and used as a backdrop in this painting highlights Christ as the central figure.  Jesus is blindfolded as he was when taunted by the high priest, but we viewers can see that Jesus' eyes are closed in humiliation.  Jesus holds a reed instead of a scepter, and a stone in place of an orb.  Disembodied hands slap Him and a scorner spits in His Holy Face.  But take heart.  Jesus' white robe and the cross of the

Resurrection in His halo promise us that He will triumph no matter how abased He may seem at this moment.

     But there is more to the painting.  Just as you are gazing upon the picture, so are Mary, His Mother, and Saint Dominic.  Mary can't bear to look.  She is suffering also.  St. Dominic, who of course, wasn't physically present when Jesus suffered, can only read, study, and meditate, like us.  St. Dominic, however, founds an Order of Prechers, who go out into the world, and bring the story of Jesus--the good News.  Remember that Fra Angelico is one of Saint Dominic's sons and is preaching through his art.

     The beauty of the scene lies in Jesus.  All around Jesus are images abstracted in their disembodiment.  Fra Angelico makes your eyes travel through a curve of space to return to the middle--Jesus.  Is this not what you see?  Is this not how you contemplate -- finally settling down to the center--Jesus?

Third Meditation

Meditate upon how fast the world turns.  Sunday, Jesus was greeted with a parade of honor.  Friday the people will be shouting, "Crucify Him!"  How quickly can circumstances change -- not only material wealth can be lost, but so can reputations, loves, lives, all are fleeting.  Pray asking Mary that no matter what becomes of you that she keep you close to Jesus, for that's all that matters.  Everything can be taken away from you, but not your faith.

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?

     

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

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

                                                                     Day Thirty-Six

Tuesday 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

In a few days you will make your consecration to Mary.  Contemplate what that means.  You will be explicitly offering your devotion to Mary.  She will be your best friend, your constant companion, and your mother.  You now will be closer to Jesus than you ever were.  Jesus as any son, was devoted to His Mother.  You will be imitating Jesus.  Are you ready?

Second Meditation

Think of all the dear deceased members of your family.  Say a prayer for them: "May their souls and all the souls of the faithfully departed rest in the Lord."  Now everytime you go by a cemetery, always say this prayer.  

Third Meditation

Pray three Hail Marys for your parish priest today.  Without priests there would be no Mass or Sacrament of Reconciliation.

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?

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?

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

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

                                     Day Thirty-Four

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Prayers for this week, Days 29-34 in Lent:

Begin each day with "Let us praise Our Almighty Father, who wished that Mary, His Son's Mother, be celebrated by each generation.  I ask, Mary full of grace, intercede for me."

First Meditation

Meditate upon the concept of the rosary.  The rosary, itself, is not a mandate.  It is not the Mass.  It is not the Divine Office.  It is a unique method of prayer.  Many religions have prayer beads, e.i., Buddhists, Muslims, etc..  So it is a form of prayer for many.  For Catholics, it is a prayer that uses Mary to bring us to Jesus.  Who better to introduce us to someone, anyone, but their own mother?  Mary does this.  The rosary gives us a picture of the gospels through the heart of a mother.  You can use the rosary in meditation, petition, praise, mantra, and even instruction.  You can pray it aloone or with others.  What a gift!  The rosary is such a great gift of grace that offers so many different methods of prayer to all tastes, that it must be divinely inspired.  Thank God for the gift of the rosary.

Second Meditation

Pray these intercessions.

Let us glorify Our Lord Jesus, who chose the Virgin Mary for His mother.  Let us ask Him:

 R> May your mother intercede for us, Lord.

Son of Justice, the immaculate Virgin was the white dawn announcing Your rising,

--grant that we may always live in the light of Your coming.

Lord, help us imitate Mary, Your mother, who chose the best part,

--may we seek the food that will sustain us for ever.

Savior of the world, by your redeeming might you preserved Your mother beforehand from all stain of sin,

--keep watch over us, lest we sin.

You are our redeemer, Who made the immaculate Virgin Mary Your purest home and the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit,

--make us temples of Your Spirit for ever.

Third Meditation

Read the lyrics to this hymn, Mary the Dawn.  Meditate how Mary shows the way to Jesus.

Mary the dawn,                                              Christ the Perfect Day;

Mary the gate,                                                Christ the Heavenly Way!

Mary the root,                                                 Christ the Mystic Vine;

Mary the grape,                                               Christ the Sacred Wine:

Mary the wheat,                                              Christ the Living Bread;

Mary the stem,                                                Christ the Rose blood-red!

Mary the font,                                                 Christ the Cleansing Flood;

Mary the cup,                                                 Christ the Saving Blood!

Mary the temple,                                             Christ the temple's Lord;

Mary the shrine,                                               Christ the God adored!

Mary the beacon,                                             Christ the Haven's Rest;

Mary the mirror,                                                Christ the Vision Blest!

Mary the mother, Christ the mother's Son

By all things blest while endless ages run.  Amen.

Now end the day with the prayer, "We fly to thy patronage, O Holy Mother of God; despice not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. 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?

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

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

                                                                     Day Thirty-Three

Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Prayers for this week, Days 29-34 in Lent:

Begin each day with "Let us praise Our Almighty Father, who wished that Mary, His Son's Mother, be celebrated by each generation.  I ask, Mary full of grace, intercede for me."

First Meditation

Let us pray a rosary today, asking Mary to pray that we always be secure in her Son's love.  Break up the decades and this rosary will be your Second and Third Meditation.

1. Make the Sign of the Cross and say the"Apostles' Creed."
2. Say the "Our Father."
3. Say three "Hail Marys."
4. Say the "Glory be to the Father."
5. Announce the First Mystery; then say the "Our Father."
6. Say ten "Hail Marys," while meditating on the Mystery.
7. Say the "Glory be to the Father."
8. Announce the Second Mystery; then say the "Our Father." Repeat 6 and 7 and continue with Third, Fourth and Fifth Mysteries in the same manner.
9. Pray the Salve Regina or Hail Holy Queen.

The mysteries to meditate upon today far the Sorrowful Mysteries:

• The Agony in the Garden The night before He dies, Jesus prays in the Garden of Olives. His agony is so great, His sweat becomes drops of blood...
• The Scourging at the Pillar Jesus is scourged before He is crucified...
• Crowning with Thorns The cruel Roman soldiers make a mockery of Jesus and crown Him with a painful crown made of thorns...
• Carrying of the Cross Jesus carries His cross through the streets to the place where He will be crucified...
• The Crucifixion Jesus is crucified and dies for our sins...

Now end the day with the prayer, "We fly to thy patronage, O Holy Mother of God; despice not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. 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?

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

Contemplare by MEK

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

                                                                     Day Thirty-Two

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Prayers for this week, Days 29-34 in Lent:

Begin each day with "Let us praise Our Almighty Father, who wished that Mary, His Son's Mother, be celebrated by each generation.  I ask, Mary full of grace, intercede for me."

First Meditation

Let's meditate on the Lord's prayer.  In this first meditation let us realize the importance, the majesty of the prayer -- overall, not the prayer itself.  We will save that for the second meditation.

     Think of the great value of the prayer because of its Author -- Jesus Christ.  Who could possibly be a better teacher?  Does not the idea of Our God giving us this prayer, pay tribute to His very own wisdom?  It is not a long prayer, but it is well within the understanding of uneducated people, yet also a source of meditation for scholars.

     The Lord's prayer contains all the duties we owe to God, the acts of all the virtues and the petitions for all our spiritual and corporal needs.  It is the best way to praise God.

Second Meditation

Slowly and with deliberate thought pray the Lord's prayer.  Pray it with the certitude that God the Father will hear it, because it is the prayer of His Son.  Third

Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,

The power, and the glory,

For ever and ever.

Amen

  Third Meditation

Contemplate what the word "Amen," means.  It is actually very consoling.  It's an approbation.  It is an assurance that God will grant our petitions.  "Amen!"  I have requested.  Hear me O Lord!"  Amen.

End the day with the prayer, "May the light Mary has kindled, never go out. 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?