Fair as the moon, bright as the sun, Mary: Day 350

Fair as the moon, bright as the sun

St. Bernard compares Mary to the moon, radiantly reflecting the light of Jesus, the Sun of Justice, whom the Old Testament prophet Malachi said would one day “rise with healing in its wings” (Mal 4:2).

Of  you, Mary, was the question asked, “Who is this that looks forth

like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun?” (Sg 6:10). You came into the world, then, Mary, as a resplendent dawn, preceding with the light of your sanctity the coming of the Sun of Justice. The day on which you came into the world can indeed be called a day of salvation, a day of grace.

You are fair as the moon; for just as among all planets the moon is most like the sun, so among all creatures you are the nearest in resemblance to God. The moon illumines the night with the light it receives from the sun, and you enlighten our darkness with the splendor of your virtues. But you are fairer than the moon, for in you there is neither spot nor shadow.

You are bright as the sun; I mean as that Sun who created the sun. He was chosen among all men, and you were chosen among all women. Sweet, great, all-loveable Mary, no heart can pronounce your name without your enflaming it with your love. Nor can those who love you think of you without feeling them- selves strengthened to love you more.

Holy Lady, help our weakness. And who is more fit to address our Lord Jesus Christ than you, who enjoy in such closeness his most sweet conversation? Speak then, speak, Lady; for your Son listens to you, and you will obtain all that you ask of him. —St. Bernard of Clairvaux

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . .  .

In what other ways can Mary be compared to the dawn and the moon? How do these attributes make her beautiful to her children?

CLOSING PRAYER

From a prayer of St. Bernard: Lady, you ravish the hearts of your servants by the love and favor you show them. Ravish also my miserable heart, which desires passionately to love  you.

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