My sins are swords in Mary’s heart, Mary: Day 321

My sins are swords in Mary’s heart

St. Alphonsus tells a story that reminds us how our sins are part of Our Lady’s suffering.

Fr. Roviglione, of the Society of Jesus, tells how a young man had the devotion of every day visiting a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows. In it, she was represented with seven swords piercing her heart.

The unfortunate youth one night committed a mortal sin. The next morn- ing, going as usual to visit the image, he saw that there were no longer only seven swords, but now eight in the heart of Mary. Wondering at this change, he heard a voice telling him that his crime had added the eighth sword.

This realization moved his heart. Penetrated with sorrow, he immediately went to the Sacrament of Confession. By the intercession of his advocate, he recovered divine grace.

My Blessed Mother, it’s not one sword only with which I have pierced your heart! I have pierced your heart as many times as I have committed sins. My Lady, it’s not to you, who are innocent, that sufferings are due. Sufferings are due to me—I who am guilty of so many crimes.

But since you have been pleased to suffer so much for me, then by your merits, obtain for me great sorrow for my sins. Help me to develop patience in the trials of this life, for they will always be light in comparison with my demerits, and I have often deserved hell. —St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . .  .

What swords might I be plunging into Mary’s heart, even now, because of what I have done or failed to do? How do I plan to relieve her of the suffering I have caused her?

CLOSING PRAYER

From a prayer of St. Alphonsus: Mother of Mercies, I know that your compassionate heart finds its consolation in assisting the miserable when you can do so, because you don’t find them obstinate. Console, then, your compassionate heart, and console me as well, this day.

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