3.2 Prayer
STAGE 3: In Communion with Mary
MARY AND CHRIST
THE DISCIPLE’S WAY
PRAYER
Rosary
Let us meditate on the mysteries that honour Mary as the “inseparable associate” of Jesus.
Mary and Jesus at Bethlehem: “The shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us’. So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child […] And Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart” (Lk 2:15-19).
Mary and Jesus at the Presentation: “The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul too’” (Lk 2:33-35).
Mary and Jesus in the Temple: “When Jesus’ parents saw him in the Temple, they were astonished; and his mother said to him, ‘Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety’. He said to them, ‘Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart” (Lk 2:48-51).
Mary and Jesus at the Wedding of Cana: “When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine’. And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come’. His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you’” (Jn 2:3-5).
Mary and Jesus on Calvary: “Standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son’. Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother’. And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home” (Jn 19:25-27).
Concluding Prayer
Lord, you are always with Mary and Mary is always with you. She can never be without you because then she would cease to be what she is. She is so completely transformed into you by grace that she no longer lives, she no longer exists, because you alone, dear Jesus, live and reign in her more perfectly than in all the angels and saints. […] So intimately is she united to you that it would be easier to separate light from the sun, and heat from the fire. I go further, it would even be easier to separate all the angels and saints from you than Mary; for she loves you ardently, and glorifies you more perfectly than all your other creatures put together.
[3-2] CALL RESPONSE COMMITMENT PRAYER