May Month of Mary

Mary at Cana. Whatsoever He shall say to you, do ye, (St.  John ii.  5.) 1.  Jesus’ first miracle was performed at the marriage-feast at Cana.  Thither Mary was invited, and from the words of the Gospel it seems as if Jesus was invited because His Mother had been already asked.  Thus we learn that…

The Death of St. Joseph. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. (Psalm cxv.  15.) 1.  For nigh thirty years Joseph had been the faithful spouse of Mary, the gentle foster-father of Jesus.  But now the time came for him to die.  How tenderly Mary nursed him in his…

Mary’s loss of Jesus for three days. Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing. (St.  Luke ii.  48.) 1.  When Jesus was twelve years old.  He went up with His parents for their annual visit to the Temple.  On their return they missed Him, and for three days sought Him, and sought in vain.  What…

Mary’s Life at Nazareth. Besides Thee, what do I desire upon the earth? (Psalm lxxii.  25.) 1.  When the Holy Family returned from Egypt, they took up their abode in a little cottage at Nazareth.  Yet that cottage was the closest approximation to heaven upon earth that ever has been or ever can be found.  There…

The Flight into Egypt. Arise and take the Child and His Mother and fly into Egypt. (St. Matt.  ii.  13.) 1.  It was not long before Mary experienced how true Simeon’s prophecy was to be.  In the midst of the night, as she slept with the Divine Infant by her side, she was aroused by St….

Simeon’s Prophecy to Mary. Yea, through thine own soul a sword shall pierce. (St.  Luke ii.  35.) 1.  At these words of holy Simeon all Mary’s joy was changed to sorrow.  Her Divine Son was to be a sign that would be contradicted.  His life was to be one long series of disappointments, outrages, insults, ill-usage…

15th Day — Mary’s Purification. After the days of her Purification, according to the Law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord. (St.  Luke ii.  22.) 1.  Mary’s Purification!  How strangely the phrase sounds in our ears!  What purification could be needed for her who was the pattern and…

The Nativity. She brought forth her first-born Son and called his name Jesus. (St. Matt.  i. 25.) 1.  Mary brought forth her Son in poverty and humiliation.  She had been slighted and scorned.  No room was found for her in the inn.  In the cave where the ox and ass are stabled, the Mother of…

Mary’s time of Expectancy. Joseph, son of David, fear not to take to thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (St. Matt.  i. 20.) 1.  In due course of time it became evident that Mary was to be a mother.  She had said not a word…

The Visitation. As soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. (St.  Luke i.  46.) 1.  Mary’s first action after God had come to dwell in her was one of self-denying charity.  She undertook a troublesome journey in order to visit her cousin Elizabeth. …