Mary, mountain of shade, Mary: Day 345

Mary, mountain of shade, Mary: Day 345 June 30, 2016

year_with_mary_germanusMary, mountain of shade

St. Germanus gathers together a great heap of common Marian images in this hymn of love to the Blessed Mother. But he adds as well some that are uniquely his, giving us reason to pause and consider their meaning.

Hail, Mary, full of grace!

You are more holy than the saints, higher than the heavens,

more glorious than the angels,

more venerable than every creature. Hail, heavenly paradise of fragrance,

lily giving off the sweetest scent, perfumed rose opening to heal men.

Hail, immaculate temple of the Lord, built in a holy fashion,

ornament of divine splendor, open to everyone, oasis of mystical sweetness.

Hail, mountain of shade, grazing ground for the holy Lamb who takes upon himself the miseries and sins of the world.

Hail, sacred throne of God, blessed dwelling,

lofty ornaments, costly jewel, magnificent heavens.

Hail, urn of purest gold, who contained Christ the Bread from heaven, the gentle sweetness of our souls.

Hail, most pure Virgin Mother, worthy of praise and honor,

fountain of streams of water, treasure of innocence, splendor of holiness.

—St. Germanus

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . .  .

What do I think St. Germanus means when he refers to Mary as “oasis of mystical sweetness,” “mountain of shade,” and “grazing ground for the holy Lamb”? What kind of spiritual landscape is he painting for us to help us under- stand Mary more deeply?

CLOSING PRAYER

From a prayer of St. Germanus: Mary, lead us to the harbor of peace and salvation, to the glory of Christ, who lives forever with the Father and with the Holy Spirit.

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