Pray for Us Sinners

What do we think of when we pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary? Do we think of Mary as a statue in Church or as a painting or image in a stained glass window? Or do we think of her as she actually was—a human being, a daughter, a caring companion, a loving wife and mother. Mary was and is someone we all can count on in whatever circumstance each of us may face. Truly, Mary is our mother. 

While the scriptures tell us little about our Blessed Mother’s life, they tell us enough to illustrate that Mary—in all her humanness—is the most remarkable model we have to guide us on our spiritual journey. And as we pray the Hail Mary, let us think about what we are saying and asking our Mother, the Mother of God. We are asking Mary, who is full of grace—filled with the presence of God—to pray for us sinners.

 For the Love of God

Mary, who is the dispenser of God’s grace, wants us to be filled with His presence, to be filled with the Holy Spirit, to be filled with God’s love. To live in the presence of God, we must empty ourselves of sinful behavior. Christ gives us His mother to help us in this purpose. Although Baptism washes away our original sin, we are still prone to sinful temptations. When we pray to our Mother, who is our life, our sweetness and our hope, Mary intercedes for each of us so that we will not perish in sin, but rather live for the love of God.

Therefore, how can we possibly go wrong with the Mother of God praying for us? The truth is we can go wrong when we do not keep the promises we make to Mary. When we pray to Mary, we entrust our lives with her, which means we promise to trust all that Mary gives us to help us with our lives. When we open our hearts to Mary, we promise to open our hearts to the Holy Trinity because Mary is the one human being perfectly united with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. However, if we do not pray with a trusting and open heart, we prevent ourselves from receiving the fullness of Mary’s love and the graces that protect us from sin.

 Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Let us ask ourselves, when we pray the Hail Mary, especially in the Rosary, are we giving Mary full rein to our hearts, minds, and souls? Or does the repetition of the prayer become mechanical? Our Lady’s intent is not to cause monotony; the intent of praying to Our Lady is to replenish us, strengthen us, and help us to grow in virtue and holiness. The more we absorb this prayer into our being, the more we embrace all that our Heavenly Mother wants for us—that is to be brothers and sisters to her Son Jesus Christ.

 May Mary, our Mother, pray for us sinners and may we give thanks for our Mother’s heavenly embrace.