May 22nd
Chapter Nineteen of the Imitation of Mary, by Thomas a Kempis
How One Must Serve Jesus After Mary's Example

Who are the highest in heaven, and who were the most humble on this earth among the creatures endowed with life?  Is it not Jesus?  Is it not Mary?  Jesus made Himself for us the servant of all, and Mary calls herself a servant.  The earth proclaims the grandeur and the heavens in chorus sing the sublime dignity of Jesus and Mary, here below and on high.  Oh, you may unite your voice to these voices, to sing the sweet names of Jesus and Mary!  It is also good to put yourself in the service of those who have made themselves our servants.  Indeed, serve the Lord, you sons of men, serve Him who first deigned to serve you.  Serve Mary too: she gave you the example of being humble and of giving service.  It is a duty for you and it is to your advantage to honor before all, these two powerful models.  You must pray to them daily, even hourly, because they have the power to conquer the enemy and to procure the joys of victory.

Thus, in every condition hurry to Jesus and, at the same time, hurry to Mary.  Expose to them always your needs and your troubles.  Confess your sins and weep for your forgetfulness: arouse your hope and wait for grace.  If you fall, alas! with facility, hasten to rise all the more quickly.  Sincere prayers are always listened to and true pleadings are always heard.  The angels in their turn will rejoice for you on seeing you cleansed from the ugliness of sin.  For your part, avoid sin henceforth.  Mary will obtain for you the pardon of Jesus.  Pray to Jesus and Mary for the honor that is due to them: Jesus and Mary will then give you assistance and  courage.

It is to you, O Jesus,  my Lord and my God, to you, O Mary, Mother of God and my mother, that I wish to confide my body and soul.  You alone are my hope and my help in my troubles and in my tribulations.  Let your tenderness and your affection sustain me everywhere!  This is my only prayer.