2.6 Commitment
STAGE 2: Awareness of Self
MY WORK
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
COMMITMENT
Aim: To affirm our commitment or consecration to Mary in order to do “the work of God”, i.e., to believe and grow in deep relationship with Jesus.
Readings
Work that lasts (Jn 6:25-29): When the disciples found Jesus on the other side of the sea (after the multiplication of bread), they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal”. Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent”.
Working in Mary (TD 196): “No matter how great their accomplishments may appear to others, the elect attach far more importance to what they do within themselves in their interior life, in the company of the Blessed Virgin. For there they work at the great task of perfection, compared to which all other work is mere child’s play. At times their brothers and sisters are working outside with great energy, skill and success, and win the praise and approbation of the world. But they know by the light of the Holy Spirit that there is far more good, more glory and more joy in remaining hidden and recollected with our Lord, in complete and perfect submission to Mary than there is in performing by themselves marvellous works of nature and grace in the world”.
Comment
Jesus brings in a completely new concept of work. The Jewish people of his time considered the highest expression of work the effort exerted in the observance of the law. It was along this line that the disciples asked Jesus the question, “What must we do if we are to do the works that God wants?”
We, too, are inclined to associate work with human efforts. Jesus dismantles this concept and tells us, “Do not work for food that cannot last, but work for food that endures for eternal life”. And, further on, he reminds us that it is not “many works” (plural) required of us but only “one work” (singular), and that is to “believe in the One sent by God”, i.e., Jesus.
This is what Mary aims at in Cana, when she directs the servants to Jesus, “Do whatever he tells you”. In fact, the narrative concludes with the statement, “his disciples believe in him” (Jn 2:5.11).
Montfort is not only deeply convinced of the importance of doing the “only one work”, but he is also absolutely sure of “the way” to grow in it. The “work” is our faith in Jesus and the “way” is a loving and genuine devotion to Mary (LEW 203).
This “way”, according to Montfort, “may be expressed in four words: doing everything through Mary, with Mary, in Mary, and for Mary, in order to do it more perfectly through Jesus, with Jesus, in Jesus, and for Jesus” (TD 257).
As far as our “work” is concerned, Montfort states: “This devotion, when faithfully undertaken, is a perfect means of ensuring that the value of all our good works is being used for the greater glory of God” (TD 151).
Personal Reflection and Sharing
How do I take “believing in Jesus” as “work”?
What is Mary working in me? Is she working favours or the “work of God”, i.e., Jesus? How?
At this point, what do I wish to affirm about the way the consecration is working in me?
[2-6] CALL RESPONSE COMMITMENT PRAYER