{"id":4147,"date":"2015-10-09T03:30:47","date_gmt":"2015-10-09T08:30:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/admin.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicbookblogger\/?p=4147"},"modified":"2015-10-03T14:38:05","modified_gmt":"2015-10-03T19:38:05","slug":"mary-supports-us-in-the-journey-of-life-mary-day-080","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicbookblogger\/2015\/10\/09\/mary-supports-us-in-the-journey-of-life-mary-day-080\/","title":{"rendered":"Mary supports us in the journey of life, Mary: Day 080"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

\"year_with_mary_pope_leo_xiii\"<\/a>Mary supports us in the journey of life<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pope Leo XIII recognizes the difficulties of our journey toward heaven, but he\u2019s confident that we can reach our destination safely if we hold Mary\u2019s hand as we walk.<\/em><\/p>\n

In Mary we see how a truly good and provident God has established for
\nus a most suitable example of every virtue. As we look upon her and think about her, we are not cast down as though stricken by the overpowering splendor of God\u2019s power. On the contrary, attracted by the closeness of the common nature we share with her, we strive with greater confidence to imitate her. If we, with her powerful help, should dedicate ourselves wholly and entirely to this under- taking, we can portray at least an outline of such great virtue and sanctity, and reproducing that perfect conformity of our lives to all God\u2019s designs which she possessed in so marvelous a degree, we shall follow her into heaven.<\/p>\n

Undaunted and full of courage, let\u2019s go on with the pilgrimage we have undertaken, even though the way should be rough and full of obstacles. Amid the trouble and toil, let\u2019s not cease to hold out suppliant hands to Mary with the words of the Church: \u201cTo thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears; turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us. . . . Keep our lives all spotless, make our ways secure, till we find in Jesus joys that will endure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although she was never subject to the frailty and perversity of our nature, Mary well knows its condition and is the best and most solicitous of mothers. How willingly will she hasten to our aid when we need her; with what love will she refresh us, and with what strength sustain us. For those of us who follow the journey hallowed by the blood of Christ and by the tears of Mary, our entrance into their company and the enjoyment of their most blessed glory will be certain and easy. \u2014Pope Leo XIII, Magnae Dei Matris<\/p>\n

IN GOD\u2019S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do I sometimes grow weary, wondering whether I\u2019ll ever make it home safely to heaven? In times of discouragement, have I learned to lean hard on Mary?<\/p>\n

CLOSING PRAYER<\/strong>
\nFrom a prayer of Blessed John Henry Newman: O hope of the pilgrim! Lead us still as you have led; in the dark night, across the bleak wilderness, guide us on to our Lord Jesus; guide us home.<\/p>\n

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