Hospital for sinners, Mary: Day 052

Hospital for sinners

St. Alphonsus notes how the healing power God has given Mary has led some to call her a “public infirmary” for the poor.

St. Ephraem, addressing the Blessed Virgin, says, “You are the only advocate of sinners, and of all who are unprotected.” Then he salutes her with these words: “Hail, refuge and hospital for sinners!” She is the true refuge, in which alone they can hope for admission and liberty.

St. Basil of Seleucia remarks: “God granted to some who were only his servants such power that not only their touch, but even their shadows, healed the sick who were placed for this purpose in the public streets (see Acts 5:14–16). How much greater power must we suppose, then, has he granted to the one who was not only his handmaid, but also his mother?”

We may indeed say that our Lord has given us Mary as a public infirmary, to which all who are sick, poor, and destitute can be admitted. But now I ask, in hospitals erected expressly for the poor, who have the greatest claim to admis- sion? Certainly the most infirm and those who are in the greatest need.

For this reason, if anyone should find himself devoid of merit and over- whelmed with spiritual infirmities—that is to say, with sin—he can address Mary this way: “Lady, you are the refuge of the sick poor. Don’t reject me. Since I’m the poorest and most infirm of all, I have the greatest right to be welcomed by you.” —St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
What do I consider my greatest spiritual infirmities that desperately require healing? Why should I wait any longer to seek a cure from Mary, the “hospital for sinners”?

CLOSING PRAYER
Mary, God has sent you to be “a faithful envoy who brings healing”; the words of your gracious invitation to embrace your Son’s salvation are “sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Prv 13:17; 16:24).

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