Help me up when I fall!, Mary: Day 066

Help me up when I fall!

St. Alphonsus acknowledges the depth of his sin and weakness, but he runs to Mary to reach out her hand and pull him up.

Mother of God, behold at your feet a miserable sinner, in bondage to hell, who turns to you and trusts in you. I don’t deserve that you should even look at me. But because you have seen your Son die for the salvation of sinners, I know that you have the greatest desire to help them.

I hear everyone call you the refuge of sinners, the hope of those who are in despair, and the help of the abandoned. You, then, are my refuge, my hope, and my help. You must save me by your intercession.

Help me, for the love of Jesus Christ. Extend your hand to a miserable crea- ture who has fallen and now entrusts himself to you. I know that your pleasure is to help a sinner to your utmost, so help me, now that you can.

By my sins I have lost divine grace, and with it my soul. I now place myself in your hands. Tell me what I must do to recover the favor of my Lord, and I will immediately do it. He sends me to you so that you may help me. He wills that I should turn to your mercy, so that not only the merits of your Son, but also your intercession, may help me to save my soul.

To you, then, I turn. You who pray for so many others, pray also to Jesus for me. Ask him to pardon me, and he will forgive me. Tell him that you desire my salvation, and he will save me. Show how you can enrich those who trust in you. —St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
Have I ever fallen and injured myself so that someone had to help me get up again? Have I ever felt that way spiritually? Am I willing to humble myself and ask Mary to help me up again?

CLOSING PRAYER
From a prayer of St. Alphonsus: O Mother of God, Queen of Angels and hope of men, give ear to one who calls upon you and has recourse to your protection.

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