LIVING YOUR CONSECRATION

“Do whatever He tells you!” John 2:5

Mary’s desire is always that the Messianic power of her Son is manifested; so her maternal task is to point out to us those things which must be done in our lives for this to happen. At the Wedding Feast of Cana (John 2:1-12) the Mother of Christ presents herself as the spokeswoman of Her Son’s will. This can be found in her words to the servants: “Do whatever he tells you.” Thanks to the intercession of Mary and the obedience of the servants, Jesus manifested his power by changing water into wine. She will do the same for us if we stay close to her and allow her to lead us in the path of God’s will.

The more seriously we enter into it this consecration, the more serious Mary will take it. Mother Teresa compared this consecration to a covenant, a biblical concept which implies an exchange of persons (I am yours and you are mine).You can find it on the left. Consider using it yourself.

“Be Not Afraid”
By making this consecration to Mary, you are placing yourself completely and totally in her hands. You are giving her permission to form you, discipline you, and mold you into a true follower of Christ. Do not be afraid, though, because she loves you.

She will always take care of you, and knows better than anybody how to do so. It is always good to remember her words to St. Juan Diego in Mexico: "Hear and let it penetrate into your heart, my dear little son: let nothing discourage you, nothing depress you: let nothing alter your heart or your countenance. Also do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else that you need?"

Introduction to Living Your Consecration by Father Gaitley

1. Three Words for Each of our Marian Authors:

• St Louis De Montfort: Passion, Baptism, Gift

• St Maximilian Kolbe: Mystery, Militia, Love

• Blessed Mother Teresa: Thirst, Heart, Covenant

• St John Paul II: Mother, Entrustment, Mercy

Choose one word and describe how that word affects your thoughts and actions toward Mary and living your consecrated life.

2. The 3 R's:

• Renew: Daily - renew your consecration prayer, or a shortened form of it. Yearly - Renew your consecration every year on the same day.

• Relationship: Marian consecration is about establishing a deeper relationship with Mary, and like all relationships, it takes work, especially the work of communication (prayer).

• Rosary: Pray the Rosary as often as you can.

How will you incorporate these actions into your (daily) lives?

“In conclusion, if we’re fully consecrated to Mary, then she works in our lives, augments our good works, and cares for us and our loved ones even when we don’t have recourse to her (even if we don’t ask her!) She leads us to Jesus regardless of whether or not we’re thinking of her…Such is the power of Marian Consecration!” 33 Days to Morning Glory page 129 For more information visit the website: www.AllHeartsAfire.org