A magnet of hearts, Mary: Day 115

A magnet of hearts

St. Alphonsus recalls a nobleman who despaired of his salvation, but found hope in the assistance of Mary.

A certain nobleman despaired of his salvation on account of his many crimes. He was encouraged by a monk to turn to the most Blessed Virgin and, for this purpose, to visit a devout statue of Mary in a particular church. He went there and, on seeing the image, he felt as if she invited him to cast himself at her feet and to have confidence.

When the nobleman hurried to prostrate himself and kiss her feet, Mary extended her hand and gave it to him to kiss. On it he saw written these words: “I will deliver you from those who oppress you,” as though she had said, “My son, don’t despair, for I will deliver you from the sins and sorrows that weigh so heavily on you.”

On reading these sweet words, the poor sinner was filled with such sorrow for his sins and, at the same time, with so ardent a love for God and his tender mother, that he instantly died at the feet of Mary.

How many obstinate sinners does this magnet of hearts draw each day to God! For this is what Mary called herself one day, saying to St. Bridget, “As the magnet attracts iron, so I attract hearts.” Yes, even the most hardened of hearts, to reconcile them with God!

We must not suppose that such wonders are extraordinary events; they are in fact everyday occurrences. For my own part, I could relate many similar cases that have occurred in our missions, where certain sinners, with hearts harder than iron, continued that way through all the sermons they heard. But no sooner did they hear the sermon on the mercies of Mary, than they were filled with remorse and returned to God.
—St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
What do I find in Mary that attracts my heart to hers? If I’m tempted to despair of my salvation, do I ask her to restore my hope?

CLOSING PRAYER
From a prayer of St. Bernard: Mary, you don’t abhor a sinner, however loathsome he may be. You don’t despise him, if he sighs to you and, repentant, asks your intercession. With your compassionate hand, you deliver him from despair and give him a lively hope.

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