The Mother Mary

she was always there for Me

our bond like no other
My beginnings
shrouded in mystery
deterred her not in
her acceptance of Life and a
mission of humble service
joy was her mantle

surrender her heart's desire
love her gift
though My Identity was
beyond her understanding and
more than she could touch
she bathed My Soul with tenderness
with a strength Divine
while her smile fed my hunger
always lifting Me higher

than each day's challenges
she guided others to follow Me
as she herself grew in stature
'till sorrow's swords pierced 

her tender heart while staring

in disbelief at My stark end
yet again her submission
responded to My final request
taking all to be her very own 

children and to draw them

each to Me as her eternal calling
never yielding to temptations

of self-pity nor punishing anger
she bore My spent Body

in sorrowful mourning 

'till Resurrection's daybreak

now she rejoices to bring the 

Gift of New Life to every soul
without ceasing her hope for

the lost to be found she 

holds on to each of her 

own faithfully fulfilling

her calling to be their

Eternal Mother

interceding for a 

Glorious Finale

Reflection/Discussion:

-Describe Jesus' relationship with His Mother.
-What role did Jesus give to Mary?
-What part does Mary play in your life?
-How would you explain Mary to someone inquiring about her?

The Offering

sorrow propels my soul
along paths illumined by

a darkness that blinds my

world leaving me grasping

for the way forward without

any clarity of meaning or purpose

from circumstances that can 

only cry out for a Hand to grasp 

in Surrender's Trust to lead me

in this valley of shadows as I

make my way to eternity's shore
by sight unseen burdened under 

the weight of a fitted cross
'till grieving is relieved by a

Graced acceptance renewed

day by day strengthened by

Another's Offering much more

torturous than mine which

intentionally bore my pain 

and carried my sorrow yet 

allowing me to  join in His 

Brokenness Gifting for Love's 

sake whose bitter pain from 

long ago is made present by 

Grace and in that decision 

purpose can abound for intentions 

lifted by wings of tears and Mercy's 

embrace bearing a willingness to 

fulfill what is missing in the Body

I can share and extend Grace's 

measure to my heart's devotions

while deepening a bond of noble 

caresses of a Heart pierced and
Body bruised for all
including
you...

Reflection/Discussion:

-What is your experience of suffering?
-How can good come from our suffering?
-What does is mean to unite our sufferings with Jesus'?
-How can Jesus' suffering bring meaning to ours?
-What does Jesus' suffering for you mean to you?