Episode 2435: Embracing Tradition and Guarding the Mind - 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”

Love Without Measure
Welcome to today’s podcast, where we will explore the profound depth of love, following the wisdom of St. Bernard of Clairvaux and the example of our Blessed Mother, Mary. Love, as St. Bernard tells us, is without measure, and through Mary, we are invited to encounter this limitless love in a way that draws us closer to Christ. We'll reflect on what it means to love without measure and to entrust ourselves to Mary, as Christ himself did. Join me as we dive deep into these themes with insights from Scripture, Church teaching, and the saints.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a Doctor of the Church known for his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, beautifully teaches us: "The measure of love is love without measure." In this simple yet profound statement, St. Bernard reveals the boundless nature of true love—a love that mirrors God’s infinite love for us. As Catholics, we are called to participate in this divine love, extending it to others without limit.

What does it mean to love without measure? First, it means that our love must transcend the limitations of our human emotions and conditions. It is a love that reflects the self-giving love of Christ on the Cross—a love that knows no boundaries and holds nothing back. St. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, reminds us of the extent of Christ's love: "But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

This love, which surpasses all understanding, is also the love that we are called to imitate in our own lives. But how do we, as finite and imperfect beings, begin to participate in such a love? The answer lies in Mary, the one who shows us how to love as Christ loves.

Fr. Michael Gaitley, in reflecting on Mary’s role in our spiritual lives, explains: "This entrusting of oneself to Mary, which the Pope beautifully describes as taking her 'into one's own home,' should be understood as our following of Christ's own example—he first entrusted himself to Mary at the Annunciation and then throughout the Hidden Life—and as his will for his disciples."

When Christ, in His infinite love, entrusted Himself to Mary at the Annunciation, He was showing us the path to perfect love. Mary, in her humility and purity, became the first disciple of Christ, and through her maternal care, she helps us to grow in this same love. As Fr. Gaitley points out, when Christ said from the Cross, "Behold, your mother," (John 19:27), He was not distancing Himself from us, but drawing us closer to Himself by giving us His most precious gift—His own mother.

This act of entrustment is not just about reverence for Mary, but about deepening our relationship with Christ. Mary, as the Mediatrix of all graces, directs everything to her Son, always reminding us to "Do whatever he tells you." (John 2:5) Through her intercession, she helps us to love without measure by leading us to the heart of Christ, who is Love itself.

To love without measure is to give ourselves fully to God, as Mary did at the Annunciation. It means surrendering our will to God's divine plan and trusting in His providence, even when it seems difficult or unclear. This radical trust and love are exemplified in Mary’s fiat: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38)

In Mary, we see a perfect model of love—love that is selfless, sacrificial, and boundless. She teaches us that to love without measure is to love with the heart of Christ. When we entrust ourselves to her, we allow her to form our hearts in the way of perfect love, so that we, too, can love as Christ loves.

This call to love without measure is not something we can achieve on our own. We need the grace of God and the maternal guidance of Mary to help us grow in this love. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that "the grace of the Holy Spirit has the power to justify us, that is, to cleanse us from our sins and to communicate to us the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ and through Baptism." (CCC 1987) It is through the Holy Spirit, working in our hearts, that we are able to love without measure and participate in the divine life.

Conclusion
As we conclude today’s episode, let us remember that the measure of love is love without measure. We are called to love as Christ loves, and through Mary, we are given the grace to grow in this boundless love. By entrusting ourselves to her, as Christ did, we draw closer to the heart of Jesus and learn to love without limits. Let us ask for Mary’s intercession, that she may help us to love with the same love that she has for her Son, and that through this love, we may come to share in the fullness of God’s divine life.

Thank you for joining us today. May the love of Christ and the intercession of our Blessed Mother guide you on your journey of faith. God bless you.

Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the source of all love. We thank You for the gift of Your love, which knows no bounds and holds nothing back. Through the intercession of Your Blessed Mother, Mary, help us to grow in love without measure, so that we may reflect Your love to the world. Teach us to entrust ourselves to Mary as You did, and through her, draw us closer to Your Sacred Heart. We ask this through her Immaculate Heart and in Your Holy Name. Amen.