Mary helps an infamous sinner, Mary: Day 053

Mary helps an infamous sinner

St. Alphonsus recalls the story of St. Mary of Egypt, whose conversion was enabled in part by seeing a picture of Mary in a church.

At the age of twelve, St. Mary of Egypt ran away from home and went to Alexandria. There she led an infamous life and was a scandal to the whole city. After living for sixteen years in sin, she decided to go to Jerusalem. The Feast of the Holy Cross was being celebrated. Moved by curiosity rather than devo- tion, she decided to enter the church. But at the door she felt herself repelled by an invisible force. She made several attempts but was unable to enter. Finding her efforts in vain, the unfortunate creature withdrew to a corner of the porch. There, enlightened from above, she understood that it was because of her infa- mous life that God had repelled her from the church. In that moment she fortu- nately raised her eyes and beheld a picture of Mary.

As soon as she saw it, she exclaimed, sobbing: “Mother of God, pity a poor sinner! Because of my sins I don’t deserve for you to look upon me. But you’re the refuge of sinners; for the love of your Son, Jesus, help me! Allow me to enter the church, and I promise to change my life and go do penance wherever you show me.” She immediately heard an interior voice, as the Blessed Virgin replied: “Since you turned to me, and you wish to change your life, go; enter the church. It’s no longer closed to you.” The sinner entered, adored the cross, and wept bitterly. She then returned to the picture and said, “Lady, I’m ready. Where do you want me to go do penance?”

“Cross the Jordan,” the Blessed Virgin replied, “and you’ll find the place of your rest.” So she went to Confession and Communion, and then passed over the river. Finding herself in the desert, she understood that it was the place where she should do penance for her sinful life.
—St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
Are there particular images of Our Lady that inspire me to greater devotion? Have I placed throughout my home images of Jesus, and of Mary and other saints, as reminders of their presence and care for me?

CLOSING PRAYER
Blessed Mother, just as an artist has painted your portrait lovingly to inspire my devotion, so God has created you lovingly as the masterpiece of his creation, to inspire my gratitude and devotion.

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