May 6th
Chapter Three of the Imitation of Mary, by Thomas a Kempis
Virtues and Tasks of a Good Servant of Mary
Learn to call upon Jesus in everything, and you will be aided both in perils of the soul and of the body. Have Jesus always in your heart, in happiness, and you will never be overcome by human distress. Say often the Hail Mary: you will find in it joy and peace: no prayer is more beautiful than the Our Father; none is sweeter and gentler than the Hail Mary.
He who knows how to nourish his soul with prayer, he who knows how to pray with the sacred texts, will never know aridity in devotion. Strive thus constantly to honor the names of Jesus and Mary in your heart and with your lips.
Wherever you may go, or wherever you may be, implore Jesus and call upon Mary Have as a rule of life and as a help in time of need this pious invocation: Guide, O my Lord, always guide my way in Your presence. He who in his heart bears Jesus and Mary always works well, always conducts himself well.
O Mary, O Mother full of mercy, receive close to you, your servant wandering without consolation, in the midst of his trials. Look, O my Queen, look at my affliction and open to me your heart full of consolation. Here I am praying and saying in my distress, that I shall not cease nor leave you until you have had pity on me.
I know, O Mother, your incomparable sweetness, I know the maternal flame of your noble heart, I know the fullness of love that fills it, and that I may have full hope in you. Also, I take refuge with you, O my Mother, so that in joy as in sorrow, I may receive your watchful succor and listen to your maternal consolation.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Sunday, May 5, 2013
May 5th
Chapter Two of The Imitation of Mary, by Thomas a Kempis
Duties Toward Mary
Choose before all things, Mary for mother, for advocate, and for model. Greet her every day with the Angelic Salutation...
If you know how to think and act in this way, you will advance rapidly in perfection. Mary will protect you with all her power, and Jesus will hear you in His gentle mercy. What we do is very little. It is nothing. Nevertheless, if we do it with Mary, we shall rise little by little to God our Father. We shall always find near Him consolation and joy.
Happy is he who knows how to keep always near him Jesus and Mary as hosts of his table, consolers in his troubles, help in his danger, counsel in his doubt, protectors at his death. Happy is he who considering himself in this world as a wayfarer, and as a stranger, keeps Jesus for a companion and Mary for a hostess.
O Mother, I come to you filled with hope. I come to you recalling the exultant joy which the Archangel Gabriel once brought to you when, falling on his knees before you, he saluted your virginity, saying respectfully: Hail, Mary, the Lord is with thee.
This greeting I say to you again, O Mother, with the heart, and, if I could, with the voice of all the faithful, so that thus all creatures may sing with me from the depth of their souls and their being: Ave Maria, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, thou art blessed, O Mother, among all women, and Jesus the fruit of thy womb, is blessed on earth and in heaven, today and always.
Chapter Two of The Imitation of Mary, by Thomas a Kempis
Duties Toward Mary
Choose before all things, Mary for mother, for advocate, and for model. Greet her every day with the Angelic Salutation...
If you know how to think and act in this way, you will advance rapidly in perfection. Mary will protect you with all her power, and Jesus will hear you in His gentle mercy. What we do is very little. It is nothing. Nevertheless, if we do it with Mary, we shall rise little by little to God our Father. We shall always find near Him consolation and joy.
Happy is he who knows how to keep always near him Jesus and Mary as hosts of his table, consolers in his troubles, help in his danger, counsel in his doubt, protectors at his death. Happy is he who considering himself in this world as a wayfarer, and as a stranger, keeps Jesus for a companion and Mary for a hostess.
O Mother, I come to you filled with hope. I come to you recalling the exultant joy which the Archangel Gabriel once brought to you when, falling on his knees before you, he saluted your virginity, saying respectfully: Hail, Mary, the Lord is with thee.
This greeting I say to you again, O Mother, with the heart, and, if I could, with the voice of all the faithful, so that thus all creatures may sing with me from the depth of their souls and their being: Ave Maria, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, thou art blessed, O Mother, among all women, and Jesus the fruit of thy womb, is blessed on earth and in heaven, today and always.
May 4th The Imitation of Mary, by Thomas a Kempis
Chapter One
The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Many young girls, says the author of Wisdom, have amassed riches, but you, O Mary, you surpass them all greatly. Children, be faithful imitators of Jesus, and perfect imitators of Mary. It matters a great deal, it matters for your salvation, for the honor of Jesus and the glory of Mary, that you always be devout in your prayers, sober in your words, discreet in your looks...
Be simple, like the simple children of god, without deception, without envy, without criticism, without murmuring, and without any suspicion. Support all adverse things with charity, with great patience and great humility...To one who knows how to offer his life to the divine Trinity, all that is bitter here on earth appears sweet, and all that seems heavy appears very light...
O Mary, O sweet Mother of my Jesus, I beg you, deign to open to your poor servant both your maternal compassion and your love, laden with sweetness. Pour into my heart one drop of your tenderness so that I may love you with a pure heart, you, O Mother, the sweetest of all mothers, so that I may imitate you and Jesus.
Chapter One
The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Many young girls, says the author of Wisdom, have amassed riches, but you, O Mary, you surpass them all greatly. Children, be faithful imitators of Jesus, and perfect imitators of Mary. It matters a great deal, it matters for your salvation, for the honor of Jesus and the glory of Mary, that you always be devout in your prayers, sober in your words, discreet in your looks...
Be simple, like the simple children of god, without deception, without envy, without criticism, without murmuring, and without any suspicion. Support all adverse things with charity, with great patience and great humility...To one who knows how to offer his life to the divine Trinity, all that is bitter here on earth appears sweet, and all that seems heavy appears very light...
O Mary, O sweet Mother of my Jesus, I beg you, deign to open to your poor servant both your maternal compassion and your love, laden with sweetness. Pour into my heart one drop of your tenderness so that I may love you with a pure heart, you, O Mother, the sweetest of all mothers, so that I may imitate you and Jesus.
Friday, May 3, 2013
May 3rd
Chapter Seven of Praying to God as a Friend
Praying with Confidence in God
Go to God with the greatest possible confidence. It is a great mistake to be afraid of one who is so loving and longs for your love. Recall how mercifully God tries to lead you out of a sinful life, and away from attachments to things that are evil, so that you can be united with God.
When you are troubled by any sort of doubt, whether it be caused by yourself or by others, act as faithful friends do and speak to God about these difficulties. Consider that God loves you more than you can possibly love in return. What do you fear? One who loves God should never be afraid.
It pleases God when you forget about yourself and speak about others, especially those who are troubled or worried, those who are suffering, those who yearn for and those who have drifted away from God's grace. Know that you can express your trust in God not only by bringing your own personal needs but also by mentioning those of others.
Reanimate your confidence by thinking of the gift which God has given in the person of Jesus Christ.
O God, You are so lovable and worthy of infinite love. How can You bear that so many people in this world whom You have showered with gifts refuse to know and love You? They even offend and despise You.
Most loving God, may Your name be adored and loved by all people throughout the world. I beg You, do not let me leave You without Your granting some grace for those on whose behalf I am praying.
O God of life, I love You more than myself. You alone are enough for me. I consecrate to You all my love. Since You have drawn me to that love, leave all, I renounce all, and I bind myself to You.
Mary, grant that with my last breath I may pronounce your name and the name of your Son, Jesus.
Chapter Seven of Praying to God as a Friend
Praying with Confidence in God
Go to God with the greatest possible confidence. It is a great mistake to be afraid of one who is so loving and longs for your love. Recall how mercifully God tries to lead you out of a sinful life, and away from attachments to things that are evil, so that you can be united with God.
When you are troubled by any sort of doubt, whether it be caused by yourself or by others, act as faithful friends do and speak to God about these difficulties. Consider that God loves you more than you can possibly love in return. What do you fear? One who loves God should never be afraid.
It pleases God when you forget about yourself and speak about others, especially those who are troubled or worried, those who are suffering, those who yearn for and those who have drifted away from God's grace. Know that you can express your trust in God not only by bringing your own personal needs but also by mentioning those of others.
Reanimate your confidence by thinking of the gift which God has given in the person of Jesus Christ.
O God, You are so lovable and worthy of infinite love. How can You bear that so many people in this world whom You have showered with gifts refuse to know and love You? They even offend and despise You.
Most loving God, may Your name be adored and loved by all people throughout the world. I beg You, do not let me leave You without Your granting some grace for those on whose behalf I am praying.
O God of life, I love You more than myself. You alone are enough for me. I consecrate to You all my love. Since You have drawn me to that love, leave all, I renounce all, and I bind myself to You.
Mary, grant that with my last breath I may pronounce your name and the name of your Son, Jesus.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
May 2nd
Chapter Six of Praying to God as a Friend
Seeking the Consolation of God
In times of suffering know that God will console you or at least give you strength to be patient. God will not be displeased if you seek consolation from your friends. However, God does wish to be the deepest source of your consolation. Know that this suffering will serve to strengthen you, to increase your humility, and to renew your confidence in God. The more weary and discouraged you may feel, the more confidently you need to cry out: "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom should I fear?"
Prayers such as these will restore peace to heart, mind, and spirit, for none are lost who place their hope in God. Do not be afraid that you will displease God if at times you quietly complain that you feel forsaken. Simply say: "O God, You know that I love You and long for nothing else but Your love. Take pity on me and help me. Do not forsake me."
If your anguish does not diminish but continues to trouble you, then unite your prayer to Jesus Christ, dying in desolation on the cross, and cry out with Him for mercy: "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?"
O God of love, You are and shall be forever the only delight of my heart and the sole object of my affections. Since Jesus said, "Ask and you shall receive," I do not hesitate to say, "Give me Your love and Your grace." Grant that I may love You and be loved by You. I want nothing else.
Mary, teach me to love God as you do.
Chapter Six of Praying to God as a Friend
Seeking the Consolation of God
In times of suffering know that God will console you or at least give you strength to be patient. God will not be displeased if you seek consolation from your friends. However, God does wish to be the deepest source of your consolation. Know that this suffering will serve to strengthen you, to increase your humility, and to renew your confidence in God. The more weary and discouraged you may feel, the more confidently you need to cry out: "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom should I fear?"
Prayers such as these will restore peace to heart, mind, and spirit, for none are lost who place their hope in God. Do not be afraid that you will displease God if at times you quietly complain that you feel forsaken. Simply say: "O God, You know that I love You and long for nothing else but Your love. Take pity on me and help me. Do not forsake me."
If your anguish does not diminish but continues to trouble you, then unite your prayer to Jesus Christ, dying in desolation on the cross, and cry out with Him for mercy: "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?"
O God of love, You are and shall be forever the only delight of my heart and the sole object of my affections. Since Jesus said, "Ask and you shall receive," I do not hesitate to say, "Give me Your love and Your grace." Grant that I may love You and be loved by You. I want nothing else.
Mary, teach me to love God as you do.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
May 1st
Chapter Five
Prayers for God's Forgiveness
Whenever you commit a fault, cast yourself at once at the feet of your loving God and ask pardon. Consider that God is so inclined to forgive sinners that God weeps over their loss. God welcomes back anyone who has gone astray. O, would that sinners knew with what tenderness God waits to welcome them and to grant them pardon. If only they would realize that God is calling to them: "You who have sinned, how I long to embrace you and to press you to my heart."
God goes so far as to speak through the prophet and say: "Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow"....we know that God stands behind all promises and loves us.
When a person repents God declares, "I will forgive all your sins." When you fall, turn at once to God, make an act of love, confidently hope for pardon and say: "One whom you love is sick. Heal me for I have sinned against you. I know that you do not wish me to lose heart, that you still wish me well. I am sorry, my God, help me not to sin again. Forgive me. Give me strength to be faithful in the future."
If you remain discouraged and troubled after you fall, your confidence in God will diminish. You will not be able to converse with God, and your desire to love God will become cold....
On the other hand, if you turn to God at once to ask pardon and promise to do better, your very falling will help you to grow in God's love. At once, turn to God after you have been unfaithful, Even though it be the hundredth time in a day, and you will find peace again....
I love you, Jesus, my Love, above all things. I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will.
O Lord, put an end to my ingratitude. Grant that this day may be the day of my thorough conversion, so that I may begin to love you and may never cease loving you. Help me to surrender all my desires in order that I may live only for you.
Mary, you have always perfectly followed the will of God. Help me by your prayers to do God's will for the rest of my life.
Chapter Five
Prayers for God's Forgiveness
Whenever you commit a fault, cast yourself at once at the feet of your loving God and ask pardon. Consider that God is so inclined to forgive sinners that God weeps over their loss. God welcomes back anyone who has gone astray. O, would that sinners knew with what tenderness God waits to welcome them and to grant them pardon. If only they would realize that God is calling to them: "You who have sinned, how I long to embrace you and to press you to my heart."
God goes so far as to speak through the prophet and say: "Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow"....we know that God stands behind all promises and loves us.
When a person repents God declares, "I will forgive all your sins." When you fall, turn at once to God, make an act of love, confidently hope for pardon and say: "One whom you love is sick. Heal me for I have sinned against you. I know that you do not wish me to lose heart, that you still wish me well. I am sorry, my God, help me not to sin again. Forgive me. Give me strength to be faithful in the future."
If you remain discouraged and troubled after you fall, your confidence in God will diminish. You will not be able to converse with God, and your desire to love God will become cold....
On the other hand, if you turn to God at once to ask pardon and promise to do better, your very falling will help you to grow in God's love. At once, turn to God after you have been unfaithful, Even though it be the hundredth time in a day, and you will find peace again....
I love you, Jesus, my Love, above all things. I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will.
O Lord, put an end to my ingratitude. Grant that this day may be the day of my thorough conversion, so that I may begin to love you and may never cease loving you. Help me to surrender all my desires in order that I may live only for you.
Mary, you have always perfectly followed the will of God. Help me by your prayers to do God's will for the rest of my life.
April 30th
Chapter Four
Praying in the Presence of God
God is present to you at all times and does not go away from your bedside when you rest, but continues to think of you always. If you awake during the night, God may speak to you through inspiration. Sometimes even in your sleep God's voice sounds in your ears. Again in the morning, God is there waiting to hear more acts of love and confidence from you. God treasures your waking thoughts and all the sufferings or joys that you offer during the day. Know that God loves you and wishes to be loved by you. Try to remember God's presence throughout the day. Make known all your feelings, those of joy or sadness, hope or fear. Say whatever comes to your mind. Speak about yourself and others as you would speak to an intimate friend.
In time of temptation, sickness, or any other trouble, turn to God who will reach out to you and hold your hand. Know that God loves you and wishes to be loved by you.
When you receive some pleasant news, at once tell God of your joy. Do not be like unfaithful and ungrateful people who turn to God only in adversity. Be ready to acknowledge that every good thing comes from God and say: "My God, I praise and thank you. I bless you for all the graces given to me. Because of my offences I know that I do not deserve your love. Help me, my God, to be mindful of your goodness, both past and present, so that I may render you glory and praise forever."
Those who have very dear friends sometimes feel happier over their friends' good than their own. Take comfort, then, in the thought of your God's infinite goodness and happiness.
Jesus, my Redeemer, I feel within me a great desire to love you. This is a gift of your grace,and I know that it comes from you. Give me the strength necessary to put your grace into action and help me, from this day forward, to say to you sincerely and repeat to you always, "My God, I love you, I love you, I love you. You desire my love; I also desire yours. Let us love each other from now on and forever. You will never leave me; I will never leave you. You will always love me; I will always love you."
O Mary see how I run to you to confide in you. You pray for so many others; pray for me, too. Place me under your protection and I shall not fear anything that can happen. With this hope I shall live in peace; and in it I wish to die.
Chapter Four
Praying in the Presence of God
God is present to you at all times and does not go away from your bedside when you rest, but continues to think of you always. If you awake during the night, God may speak to you through inspiration. Sometimes even in your sleep God's voice sounds in your ears. Again in the morning, God is there waiting to hear more acts of love and confidence from you. God treasures your waking thoughts and all the sufferings or joys that you offer during the day. Know that God loves you and wishes to be loved by you. Try to remember God's presence throughout the day. Make known all your feelings, those of joy or sadness, hope or fear. Say whatever comes to your mind. Speak about yourself and others as you would speak to an intimate friend.
In time of temptation, sickness, or any other trouble, turn to God who will reach out to you and hold your hand. Know that God loves you and wishes to be loved by you.
When you receive some pleasant news, at once tell God of your joy. Do not be like unfaithful and ungrateful people who turn to God only in adversity. Be ready to acknowledge that every good thing comes from God and say: "My God, I praise and thank you. I bless you for all the graces given to me. Because of my offences I know that I do not deserve your love. Help me, my God, to be mindful of your goodness, both past and present, so that I may render you glory and praise forever."
Those who have very dear friends sometimes feel happier over their friends' good than their own. Take comfort, then, in the thought of your God's infinite goodness and happiness.
Jesus, my Redeemer, I feel within me a great desire to love you. This is a gift of your grace,and I know that it comes from you. Give me the strength necessary to put your grace into action and help me, from this day forward, to say to you sincerely and repeat to you always, "My God, I love you, I love you, I love you. You desire my love; I also desire yours. Let us love each other from now on and forever. You will never leave me; I will never leave you. You will always love me; I will always love you."
O Mary see how I run to you to confide in you. You pray for so many others; pray for me, too. Place me under your protection and I shall not fear anything that can happen. With this hope I shall live in peace; and in it I wish to die.
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