The greatness of Mary’s mercy, Mary: Day 101

The greatness of Mary’s mercy

St. Bernard of Clairvaux preached extensively about Our Lady throughout his life. In this prayer, he praises the depths of the mercy she shows to those who turn to her for help.

Blessed Virgin, did anyone ever call upon you in need yet fail to receive your assistance? Only that kind of person could remain silent about your mercy. But as for us, your poor servants, we rejoice because of all your virtues, but we especially exult in your mercy toward us.

We praise your virginity, and we admire your humility. But your mercy has an even sweeter taste for us sinners. We have a greater love for your mercy; we remember it and call upon it more often.

Who then could measure, Blessed Lady, the length and breadth, the height and depth of your mercy? Its length truly stretches out to the last day, so that you may come to the assistance of all who call upon it. Its breadth spans the whole universe, so that the whole earth is full of your mercy.
Its height is so great that it brought about the restoration of the heavenly city. Its depth accomplished the redemption of those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Thanks to you, heaven has been filled, hell has been emptied, the ruins of the heavenly Jerusalem have been rebuilt, and the afflicted people living in hope have been given back the life they had lost!

So it is that your charity, so powerful and yet so gentle, gushes forth in abun- dance, revealing itself tenderly and giving aid effectively.
—St. Bernard of Clairvaux

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
What is the meaning of mercy? Why is the mercy of Mary an attribute that deserves our special gratitude?

CLOSING PRAYER
From a prayer of St. Alphonsus Liguori: O holy Mary, my mistress, into your blessed trust and special keeping, into the bosom of your tender mercy, I commend my soul and my body this day, every day of my life and at the hour of my death.

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