1.3 Prayer
STAGE 1: Facing Reality
IMAGES OF GOD’S BEAUTY
AFFIRMING MASTERPIECES
PRAYER
Rosary
With the Church, let us contemplate Mary as the mirror of the expectations of the women and men of our time.
Mary is capable of making decisions of world importance: “Modern women and men, anxious to participate with decision-making power in the affairs of the community, will contemplate with intimate joy Mary who, taken into dialogue with God, gives her active and responsible consent […] to an event of world importance, as the Incarnation of the Word” (MC 37).
Mary is capable of courageous choices: “Modern women and men will appreciate that Mary’s choice of the state of virginity […] was not a rejection of any of the values of the married state, but a courageous choice which she made in order to consecrate herself totally to the love of God” (ibid.).
Mary stands for the humble and the oppressed: “Modern women and men will note with pleasant surprise that Mary of Nazareth […] was far from being a timidly submissive woman; on the contrary, she was a woman who did not hesitate to proclaim that God vindicates the humble and the oppressed, and removes the powerful people of this world from their privileged positions (cf. Lk 1:51-53)” (ibid.).
Mary faces sufferings with inner strength: “Modern women and men will recognize in Mary, who stands out among the poor and humble of the Lord, a woman of strength, who experienced poverty and suffering, flight and exile (cf. Mt 2:13-23)” (ibid.).
Mary extends her motherhood: “Modern women and men will find that Mary is not a mother exclusively concerned with her own divine Son but rather a woman whose action helped to strengthen the Apostolic community’s faith in Christ (cf. Jn 2:1-12) and whose maternal role was extended and became universal on Calvary” (ibid.).
Concluding Prayer
Hail Mary, well-beloved daughter of the eternal Father, admirable Mother of the Son, most faithful spouse of the Holy Spirit, glorious temple of the Blessed Trinity. Hail, sovereign Queen, to whom everyone is subject in heaven and on earth. Hail, sure refuge of sinners, our Lady of Mercy, who has never repelled anyone. Sinner as I am, I cast myself at your feet and beg you to obtain from Jesus, your dear Son, contrition and pardon for all my sins and the gift of divine Wisdom. I consecrate myself to you with all that I have. I choose you today as my Mother and Mistress; treat me then as the weakest of your children and the most submissive of your servants. Hear, O Queen, the prayers of a heart that desires to love and serve you faithfully. Let it not be said that of all who have ever had recourse to you, I was the first to be unheeded. O my hope, my life, my faithful and immaculate Virgin Mary, hear me, protect me, strengthen me, instruct me, save me. Amen!
[1-3] CALL RESPONSE COMMITMENT PRAYER