May 16, 2016 – “Mary as Our Principal Intercessor to Receive the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit”

In this continuing series on devotion to the Blessed Mother, Mark and Frances discuss just what it is that make’s Mary so significant in her role as our defender against our spiritual enemies, and in her role as a model for the Christian journey. There is one principle virtue for which Mary is most notable, and it so happens it is also the virtue that St. Teresa of Avila teaches us is absolutely indispensable for the journey of faith, and that is humility. In this conversation honoring Mary in her special month of May, Mark and Frances explore some of the events of Mary’s life, and her own words, most especially the prayer of the Magnificat, as the clearest examples of why it is that Mary is our preeminent model as a follower of Jesus Christ. After some preliminary material to lay the ground work, Mark and Frances take the listener through each verse of the ancient prayer of the Magnificat, and they use is as the principle means to reveal Mary’s heart, both in relation to the Father, in relation to her own humble state and also in her expression of complete dependence on God’s promises. In this prayer Mary expresses exactly the sentiments and the mindset we must all adopt if we wish to make our prayer effective, and indeed, in closing this conversation, Mark and Frances link all of Mary’s guidance to our life of contemplative prayer. If you are wondering how you might more effectively engage Mary to help you advance in your prayer life, this is a good listen.

Resources

Scripture Passages:

Lk 1:28, 30; Eph 1:6; Gen. 3:6; Lk 1:46-55; Mt 5:6; Lk 1:38; Lk 1:46-48; Jn 2:5; Jn 16:13-14; Jn 14:26

Articles:

“The Magnificat: Mary’s Own Prayer” by Fr. John A. Hardon, SJ

“The holy Spirit & Mary: Lessons for Pentecost” by Kathleen Beckman

Definition of Humility