Could my sin be greater than Mary’s mercy?, Mary: Day 352

Could my sin be greater than Mary’s mercy?, Mary: Day 352 July 7, 2016

year_with_william_of_parisCould my sin be greater than Mary’s mercy?

My sins may be great, St. William of Paris admits, but could they possibly greater than Mary’s mercy? Never let it be said!

O Mother of God, I turn to you, and I call upon you not to reject me. For the whole congregation of the faithful calls you and proclaims you the Mother of Mercy.

You are the one who is so dear to God that you are always graciously heard by him. Your mercy was never lacking to anyone. Your most kind graciousness never despised any sinner who turned to you, however enormous his crimes might be.

Could the Church be speaking falsely or in vain when she calls you her advocate, and the Refuge of Sinners? Of course not! Never let it be said that my sins could prevent you from fulfilling the great ministry of mercy that is uniquely your own, by which you are the advocate and mediatrix of peace, the only hope and most secure refuge of the miserable.

Never shall it be said that the Mother of God, who for the benefit of the world brought forth Jesus, the Fountain of mercy, denied her mercy to any sinner who turned to her. Your appointed role is that of peacemaker between God and men. So let the greatness of your compassion, which far exceeds my sins, move you to help me. —St. William of Paris

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . .  .

Do I ever fear that my sins are too great for God to forgive? That would mean that Christ’s sacrifice was insufficient. Do I ever fear that my sins are so great that even Mary can’t help me? What would that say about her grace and mercy?

CLOSING PRAYER

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your merciful love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Ps 51:1–2).

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