Episode 2328: Mary's Smile - Nightly Episode

“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints in heaven, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen”
Mary's Smile
Tonight we will meditate on the profound ways in which creation, the Virgin Mary, and divine peace speak to our hearts.
Our reflections will be based on three insightful quotes: St. Bonaventure’s, Pope Benedict XVI’s (Joseph Ratzinger) Isaiah 32:18.
Join me as we explore how these teachings can help us recognize God’s presence in all creation, deepen our relationship with Mary, and find true peace in our lives.

Creation Proclaims God
St. Bonaventure’s statement, "Every creature is a divine word because it proclaims God," invites us to see the world around us as a reflection of God’s glory. In the Catholic tradition, the natural world is a testament to the Creator’s wisdom and love. Each element of creation, from the grandeur of mountains to the delicate beauty of a flower, speaks of God’s creative power and His desire to be known by us.
This understanding calls us to a deeper appreciation and reverence for the world around us. It encourages us to see beyond the material and to recognize the spiritual truths that creation reveals. Nature becomes a place of encounter with God, where we can hear His voice and feel His presence. As St. Francis of Assisi famously said, “My God and my all!”—a sentiment echoed in the hearts of all who truly perceive the divine in creation.
Moreover, this perspective can inspire us to care for the environment, recognizing that it is a gift from God and a means through which He communicates with us. Our stewardship of creation is not only an act of respect for God’s handiwork but also a way of living out our faith and proclaiming the Gospel.
The Smile of the Virgin Mary
"How true was the insight of that great French spiritual writer, Dom Jean-Baptiste Chautard, who in L'ame de tout apostolat, proposed to the devout Christian to gaze frequently "into the eyes of the Virgin Mary"! Yes, to seek the smile of the Virgin Mary is not a pious infantilism, it is the aspiration, as Psalm 44 says, of those who are "the richest of the people" (verse 13). "The richest", that is to say, in the order of faith, those who have attained the highest degree of spiritual maturity and know precisely how to acknowledge their weakness and their poverty before God. In the very simple manifestation of tenderness that we call a smile, we grasp that our sole wealth is the love God bears us, which passes through the heart of her who became our Mother. To seek this smile is first of all to have grasped the gratuitousness of love; it is also to be able to elicit this smile through our efforts to live according to the word of her Beloved Son, just as a child seeks to elicit its mother's smile by doing what pleases her. And we know what pleases Mary, thanks to the words she spoke to the servants at Cana: "Do whatever he tells you" (cf. Jn 2:5)." —Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI)
Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) beautifully reflects on the importance of seeking the smile of the Virgin Mary. He references Dom Jean-Baptiste Chautard’s advice to frequently gaze into the eyes of Mary, recognizing her tender love and maternal care. "To seek the smile of the Virgin Mary is not a pious infantilism," he explains, "but an aspiration of those who have attained the highest degree of spiritual maturity."
Mary, as our spiritual Mother, offers us a profound example of how to live in perfect obedience and love of God. Her smile is a sign of her gentle encouragement and her intercessory power. By striving to live according to the words she spoke at Cana, "Do whatever he tells you" (John 2:5), we can bring joy to her heart and draw closer to Jesus.
This reflection invites us to cultivate a personal relationship with Mary, seeking her guidance and intercession in all aspects of our lives. Her smile symbolizes the gratuitous love of God, which she channels to us through her maternal care. As we endeavor to live in a way that pleases her, we not only grow in holiness but also experience the peace and joy that comes from being in harmony with God’s will.
Abiding in Divine Peace
Isaiah 32:18 promises us that "My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places." This verse reassures us of the peace that God intends for His people—a peace that is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of well-being and security rooted in our relationship with Him.
In the midst of life’s challenges and uncertainties, this divine peace can seem elusive. Yet, it is through our faith and trust in God that we can experience this peace even in difficult times. By turning to Mary, seeking her intercession, and recognizing the divine presence in creation, we align ourselves with God’s loving plan and open our hearts to His peace.
The peace promised in Isaiah is a foretaste of the eternal peace we will enjoy in God’s presence. As we journey through life, we can find this peace by remaining close to God, embracing His will, and finding comfort in the maternal care of Mary.
Conclusion
As we conclude today’s episode of "Faithful Reflections," let us take to heart the profound teachings we have explored. Recognizing that every creature proclaims God helps us to see the divine in the world around us. Seeking the smile of the Virgin Mary deepens our spiritual maturity and brings us closer to her Son, Jesus. And trusting in God’s promise of peace provides us with the assurance and comfort we need in our daily lives.
Thank you for joining me today. May these reflections inspire you to live your faith more fully and to find joy and peace in the knowledge of God’s presence in your life.
Until next time, may God bless you and keep you in His grace. Stay faithful, stay humble, and continue to seek the divine in every moment.