To Jesus Through Mary, Mary: Day 125

To Jesus Through Mary

St. Alphonsus Liguori emphasizes that we must never think of Jesus as a severe Judge to be feared. But if the fact that Jesus is God as well as Man should intimidate us, he has given us his mother to lead us to him.

What must a sinner do who has the misfortune to be the enemy of God?
He must find a mediator who will obtain pardon for him, and who will enable him to recover the lost friendship of God.

“Be comforted, you unfortunate soul, you who have lost your God,” says St. Bernard. “Your Lord himself has provided you with a Mediator, and this is his Son Jesus, who can obtain for you all that you desire. He has given you Jesus for a Mediator; and what is there that such a Son cannot obtain from the Father?”

Then the saint exclaims: “Why should this merciful Savior, who gave his life to save us, ever be thought severe? Why should men believe him to be terrifying who is all love? You distrustful sinners, what do you fear?

“If your fear arises from having offended God, know that Jesus has fastened all your sins on the Cross with his own lacerated hands, and having satisfied divine justice for them by his death, he has already wiped them away from your souls.”

The words of St. Bernard continue: “They imagine him rigorous, who is all compassion; terrifying, who is all love. What do you fear, you of little faith? With his own hands he has fastened your sins to the Cross.”

“But if by chance,” adds the saint, “you fear to turn to Jesus Christ because the majesty of God in him overawes you—for though he became Man, he did not cease to be God—and you desire another advocate with this divine Media- tor, then go to Mary. For she will intercede for you with the Son, who will most certainly hear her. And then he will intercede with the Father, who can deny nothing to such a Son.”
—St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
Do I ever see Jesus as a Judge whose severity keeps me from approaching him?
If so, how might I seek Mary’s help to approach her Son with confidence?

CLOSING PRAYER
Blessed Mother, take me by the hand, and lead me to your Son; teach me how to seek his face and walk with him every day of my life.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Remember to subscribe to my feed so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Paul Thigpen and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below.