This month someone asked me, “Why do you Catholics pray to Mary?” I explained why we regard Mary as a mother and why the National Geographic once called her “the most powerful woman on earth.” At the Annunciation, when Mary conceived Jesus, she also conceived us in a sense. Jesus became our brother and his mother became ours. This was confirmed on Calvary when Jesus said to John (who represented us) “Behold your mother.” Mary was in the midst of the Church on Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down on the first members (that’s in the Bible)…and Mary has never left the Church. The Second Vatican Council gave her the title “Mother of the Church” and now some 2,000 years after she lived (!), a memorial Mass was proclaimed in honor of Mary, Mother of the Church, observed this year on May 21. We pray to our Blessed Mother because she is an effective intercessor. Remember the Wedding at Cana? Jesus did not intend to begin his public ministry then, but because of his mother’s urging, he changed his mind and worked his first miracle! Just as we ask our family and friends on earth to pray for us, we can ask our heavenly mother to intercede for us with her Son. He tends to listen to his mother.
In my new book “Heart to Heart with Mary,” she speaks to us as a loving mother each day of the year. The following entry is one that illustrates Mary’s care for us.
In Need of Help
Our Lady of Prompt Succor
January 8
My child, during the times you walk a perilous path, I’m concerned about you. You may encounter grave danger from natural disasters: fire, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, or earthquakes. Enemies may conspire against you. Problems regarding your family, your job, your health, or your finances might seem insurmountable. What threatens you may be minor, but nonetheless upsetting and robbing you of sleep. No matter what disturbs your peace, at the first sign of it, you can look to me with confidence for help. As quickly as any mother speeds to her child in distress, I will hurry to your aid. I will protect and defend you. I promise.
So let me wrap you in the protecting folds of my mantle and clasp you close to my heart until what frightens you passes by and your fear dissipates. Through me, God rescued all people. And through me, your compassionate mother, love and mercy flow to you when you are in distress. You can look forward to my unending help until the end of your days on earth.
Let Mary know about anything troubling you today. Tell her you have confidence in her and her love for you.
When have you experienced the power of Mary’s intercession?
