Our Lady leads a man to reconciliation, Mary: Day 056

Our Lady leads a man to reconciliation

St. Alphonsus tells how a simple picture of the Blessed Mother brought a man to repent of a vengeful heart.

Our religious Congregation was giving a mission in the diocese of Salerno. There we encountered a man who bore a great hatred toward another man, named Mastrodati, who had offended him.
One of our fathers spoke to him to convince him to be reconciled. But he replied: “Father, have you ever seen me listening to the sermons in the missions? No, and for this very reason, I don’t go: I know that I’m damned, but nothing else will satisfy me. I must have revenge.”

The priest did all he could to persuade the man to convert. But when he saw that his time was running out, he at last said, “Here, take this picture of our Blessed Lady.”

The man at first replied, “Well, of what use is this picture?” But as soon as he took it, he said to the missionary—as if he had never refused to be reconciled—“Father, is anything else required besides reconciliation? I’m willing.”

So they made an appointment for the following morning. But when the time came, the man had again changed his mind, and he refused to do anything. The priest offered him another picture, but he refused it.

Nevertheless, after a long time, and with great reluctance, the man took the other picture. Behold! As soon as he took possession of it, he said, “Now let’s be quick. Where’s Mastrodati?” And he was immediately reconciled with the man, and then went to confession. —St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
I may not desire revenge against anyone, but is there perhaps someone with whom I need to be reconciled? If so, have I asked Mary to help me approach that person in a spirit of forgiveness?

CLOSING PRAYER
Blessed Mother, help me to forgive as I have been forgiven (see Eph 4:32), and to live in peace with everyone, as far as it depends upon me (see Rom 12:18).

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