More reasons why Mary loves us so much, Mary: Day 047

More reasons why Mary loves us so much

St. Alphonsus observes that Mary has multiple compelling reasons for loving us.

Our mother loves us so much because we were entrusted to her by her beloved Jesus, when he said to her before he died, “Woman, behold your son!” (Jn 19:26). For St. John represented us all. These were our Lord’s last words; and the last requests made before death by those we love are always treasured and never forgotten.

In addition, we are extremely dear to Mary on account of the sufferings we cost her. Mothers generally love most those children who have cost them the most suffering and anxiety in preserving their lives. We are those children for whom Mary, in order to obtain for us the life of grace, was obliged to endure the bitter agony of offering her beloved Jesus to die a humiliating death. She had to see him die before her own eyes in the midst of the most cruel and unheard-of torments.

It was then by this great offering of Mary that we were born to the life of grace. We are for that reason her very dear children, since we cost her such great suffering. It is written of the Eternal Father’s love toward us, in giving his own Son over to death for us, that “God so loved the world that he gave his only- begotten Son” (Jn 3:16). “In a similar way,” observes St. Bonaventure, “we can say of Mary, that she has so loved us that she gave her only-begotten Son for us.” —St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
Do I know a parent who has had to fight long and hard to protect or preserve the life of a child? If so, can I better appreciate St. Alphonsus’ claim that such a parent has a fierce and protective love for that child—and that Mary loves us in that way?

CLOSING PRAYER
From a prayer of St. Peter Damian: I know, O Lady, that you are most loving, and that you love us with an invincible love.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.