Mary died with perfect peace of mind, Mary: Day 273

Mary died with perfect peace of mind

St. Alphonsus observes yet another way in which Mary’s death differed from so many other deaths: She had absolutely no remorse of conscience to torment her.

Peace of mind renders precious the death of the righteous. Sins com-

mitted during life are the worms that so cruelly torment and gnaw the hearts of poor dying sinners. As they are about to appear before the divine tribunal, they see themselves at that moment surrounded by their sins, which terrify them, cry- ing out, according to St. Bernard, “We’re your works; we won’t leave you alone!” Mary certainly couldn’t be tormented at death by any remorse of con- science, for she was always pure and always free from the least shade of actual or original sin. From the moment that she had the use of reason, she began to love God with all her strength. And she continued to do so, always advancing more and more throughout her whole life in love and perfection. All Mary’s thoughts, desires, and affections were from God and for God alone. She never uttered a word, made a movement, cast a glance, or breathed, except for God and his glory. She never departed a step or detached herself for a single moment from

the love of God.

Imagine how all the lovely virtues she had practiced during life surrounded her blessed bed in the happy hour of her death! That faith so constant; that lov- ing confidence in God; that unconquerable patience in the midst of so many sufferings; that humility in the midst of so many privileges; that modesty; that meekness; that tender compassion for souls; that insatiable zeal for the glory of God; and above all, that most perfect love towards him, with that entire confor- mity to the divine will. All these virtues surrounded her and consoled her, saying. “We are your works; we will not abandon you. Our Lady and mother, we are all daughters of your beautiful heart. Now that you are leaving this miserable life, we will not leave you. We also will go, and be your eternal attendants and honor in paradise. There, by our means, you will reign as queen of all men and angels.” —St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

If I were to die today, which sins and weaknesses would give me most cause for remorse? Would I be confident that Mary would intercede for me?

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! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me” (Ps 51:1–3).

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