Some Things About Mary

By Bill Harkins

The Men of St. Joseph are truly blessed. Of course, our patron, good old St. Joe himself keeps an eye on us, asking his foster Son to keep us out of trouble as we work to “Put the family in the hands of the Father.” But, there is an even more powerful advocate helping us out. Joseph’s bride, Mary.

Yes, the Mother of God is a fan of our lowly group. Why is this? Just think about it, who besides the Lord Himself, worked harder than Mary to get families back to God? This young girl, most likely in her mid – teens (like our high school sophomore daughters), offered her entire self to bring our Savior to us. Of course she watches over us weak men, who need all the help we can get, as we learn to sacrifice parts of our lives for the good of our families. She is praying with us as we lead our family in thanking God for our many blessings. She looks out for us, asking the Holy Spirit to touch us when we are facing our demons.

We know all the Bible stories: the Annunciation; the prophesies and fulfillment of tremendous sorrow for her; watching her only Son being tortured to death as if he were a criminal and yes, His resurrection. We know she was a humble inspiration for the Apostles as they stumbled along brilliantly to bring the Faith to the world. We know she was Assumed, body and soul into heaven. (By the way, why is there such a fuss about this when a mere, sinful human, Elijah, was taken to heaven body and soul – 2 Kings 2:11?) We know she is in heaven now, whispering in her Son’s ear, asking mercy for us as we fall, praying for us to have strength to get up and get through our daily challenges. Do you think that this beautiful, pure lady would forget us? This is the lady who asked her Son to help that newly wed couple at Cana, which He did.

So, what do we do about Mary?

Pray for her intercession. Re-learn the Rosary, not just how to “say” it, but how to pray it. (here’s a link to get you started: http://www.newadvent.org/images/rosary.pdf ) Read about her, model your life on her. Teach your family about her. The Catechism is full of teachings about the Blessed Mother and how she helps us.
(here’s a link to the Catechism: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/ ) Remember, the more you pay attention to her, the more you will learn about how to be a great Christian and the happier you will make her Son. Who doesn't need that? This will certainly help you in your quest to put your family in the hands of the Father.

St. Joseph, Terror of demons, pray for us.
Mary, Mother of Grace, pray for us.
Jesus, our Savior, have mercy on us.
Amen.
Bill Harkins