Invoke Mary’s name for purity, Mary: Day 111

Invoke Mary’s name for purity

St. Alphonsus reports that Mary’s name is an especially powerful weapon against temptations to impurity.

It’s well known, and daily experienced by those who seek Mary’s assis- tance, that her powerful name gives the specific strength necessary to overcome temptations against purity. Richard of Saint Lawrence comments on the words of St. Luke: “And the Virgin’s name was Mary” (Lk 1:27). He remarks that these two words, “Mary” and “Virgin,” are joined together by the Gospel writer, to denote that the name of this most pure Virgin should always be coupled with the virtue of chastity.

For this reason St. Peter Chrysologus says: “The name of Mary is an indica- tion of chastity.” He means that when we doubt as to whether we’ve consented to thoughts against this virtue, if we remember having invoked the name of Mary, we have a certain proof that we haven’t sinned.

So let’s always take advantage of the beautiful advice given us by St. Ber- nard, in these words: “In dangers, in perplexities, in doubtful cases, think of Mary, call on Mary; don’t let her leave your lips; don’t let her depart from your heart.” In every danger of forfeiting divine grace, we should think of Mary, and call her name, together with that of Jesus. For these two names always go together.

We must never, then, permit these two most sweet names to leave our hearts, or to be off our lips. For they will give us strength so that we can refuse to yield to all our temptations, and can conquer them instead. —St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
Do I ever struggle to maintain purity, especially in my thoughts? Have I devel- oped a consistent habit of asking Mary to help me when I’m under assault by the Enemy in this way?

CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, enflame our hearts and our inmost beings with the fiery love of your Holy Spirit, so that we may serve you with chaste bodies and pure minds.

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