An aqueduct flowing with grace, Mary: Day 306

An aqueduct flowing with grace

St. Alphonsus reminds us that Jesus is the Source of grace, while Mary is its channel.

St. Anselm says, “There is no one who does not partake of the grace of Mary. Who was ever found to whom the Blessed Virgin wasn’t kind? Who is there whom her mercy doesn’t reach?”

We must understand, of course, that Jesus is the One from whom we receive grace as the Author of grace; grace comes through Mary as a mediatrix. Grace comes from Jesus as a Savior, but through Mary as an advocate. It comes from Jesus as its Source, but through Mary as a channel.

For this reason, St. Bernard says that God established Mary as the channel of the mercies that he wished to distribute to men. He filled her with grace, so that that each one’s share might be communicated to him from her fullness, as a full aqueduct. Miserable is the soul that closes this channel of grace against itself, by neglecting to entrust itself to Mary!

When the Devil wishes to become master of a soul, he causes her to give up devotion to the most Blessed Virgin Mary. Once this channel is closed, she easily loses supernatural light, the fear of God, and finally eternal salvation.

—St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . .  .

What does it mean for me that God has filled Mary with grace? If I am seek- ing God’s grace for my life, do I turn to her as a channel of that grace?

CLOSING PRAYER

From a prayer of St. Athanasius: Mary, the archangel saluted you, and called you full of grace. We also address you, saying: Hail, full of grace, our Lord is with you; pray for us, O holy Mother of God, Our Lady and our Queen.

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