9781644135945

The Christmas Cycle
who begot an undying rose, Christ. . . . Marvelous is the miracle in the heavens, the bridal
chamber of a virgin bearing the Son of God. . . . The Lord of angels has become the infant
of a virgin. . . . Hail, full of grace, a virgin adorned with many virtues. Hail, full of grace, you
are a golden vessel containing heavenly manna. Hail, full of grace, you satisfy the thirsty
by the sweetness of an everlasting fountain. Hail, most holy Mother Immaculate, you have
given birth to Christ, who was before you. Hail, royal robe of purple which clothed the King
of heaven and earth. Hail, unfathomable book, you have produced the Word to be read by
the world, the Son of God.
Mary’s prerogative. Mary knew no pride, she had no disorderly trust in her own will and
ability. From the moment of her conception, Mary was endowed with an abundance of all
graces, but the plan of the all-knowing God concerning Mary requires a special grace, the
deepest humility, a grace of complete trust in Him, a grace of watchfulness, foresight, and
seclusion. Amazing wonder on earth! Mary knows no pride. She is perfectly humble and
aware of her own nothingness, completely forgetful of self. Elizabeth reminds her of her high
calling, “Blessed art thou.” But Mary turns to the Lord, “My soul doth magnify the Lord. . . .
Because He that is mighty hath done great things to me.” Nothing for herself, nothing from
herself; all for God, all from Him. To Him be all praise; for herself only the recognition of
her own frailty and nothingness, and therefore that mistrust in self, the drawing back, the
flight. In such a soul grace can take root and grow.
Today we praise her in the liturgy, saying: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed
art thou among women” (Offertory). By the abundance of grace which was given her, Mary
believes that she can be faithful to grace only by watchfulness, retirement, and renunciation.
And we? Do we not possess great riches of grace? Are we humble enough to protect this treasure
and make it possible for more grace to enter our souls?
Mary knows no pride, no self-conceit, no self-presumption, no great spiritual hallucination.
And we? Not without reason has the great author of The Spiritual Combat, Scupoli, said: “If a
soul had such great mistrust of herself as Mary had, it would persevere in grace without ever
committing the slightest fault.”
Prayer
O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who flee to thy protection.
Mother of our Redeemer, give us the Savior who will free us from sin, who will protect
us from ourselves, from our inborn pride, from our self-presumption; who will cleanse us and
keep us clean.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
December 13, St. Lucy
St. Lucy is a figure of Advent. She looks for the coming of the bridegroom, whom she cherishes.
She awaits Him anxiously; she hastens to meet Him with the lamp of love in her hand. “We
should live soberly and justly and godly in this world, looking for the blessed hope and coming
of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Ti 2:12 f.).
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