Episode 2762: The Glory of the Son - Morning Episode

Episode 1690: St Leocadia

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Theology & Doctrine Catechumenate The period of instruction and preparation for baptism.

The Glory of the Son and the Compassion of the Mother
Welcome to today’s episode, where we delve into the profound relationship between Our Lord and His Blessed Mother. From St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s reflection on Mary’s praise as a glory to her Son, to St. John Henry Newman’s meditation on Mary’s unique compassion, we’ll explore the beauty of Marian devotion and its inseparable link to our love for Christ.
Segment 1: The Glory of the Son through the Praise of the Mother
St. Bernard of Clairvaux teaches us:
"Let us not imagine that we obscure the glory of the Son by the great praise we lavish on the Mother; for the more she is honored, the greater is the glory of her Son."
This truth counters a common misconception: that honoring Mary detracts from our worship of Christ. On the contrary, every honor given to Mary reflects directly on the glory of Jesus.
Mary is the perfect vessel through which God chose to enter the world. Honoring her acknowledges the magnificence of God's plan.
Application to Advent
As we prepare for Christmas, reflecting on the Incarnation, we see Mary’s pivotal role in bringing Christ to us. She is the "Vessel of Devotion," as St. John Henry Newman describes, pointing always to her Son.
Segment 2: Mary’s Compassion: The Vessel of Devotion
St. John Henry Newman writes of Mary:
But as great as was St. Paul's devotion to our Lord, much greater was that of the Blessed Virgin: because she was his mother, and because she had him and all his sufferings actually before her eyes, and because she had the long intimacy of thirty years with him, and because she was from her special sanctity so unspeakably near him in spirit. When, then, he was mocked, bruised, scourged, and nailed to the Cross, she felt as keenly as if every indignity and torture inflicted on him was struck at herself. She could have cried out in agony at every pang of his. This is called her compassion, or her suffering with her Son, and it arose from this that she was the 'Vessel of Devotion' unlike any other." —St. John Henry Newman
Mary at the Foot of the Cross
Mary’s suffering, united with her Son’s, exemplifies true compassion a suffering with another. Her heart was pierced as she witnessed her Son’s Passion, fulfilling Simeon’s prophecy in Luke 2:35.
As the “Vessel of Devotion,” Mary bore an intimacy with Christ no other could match. Her sorrow teaches us to embrace suffering in union with Christ for the redemption of the world.
Our Call to Compassion
We, too, are called to share in Christ’s sufferings. Whether through personal trials or by bearing the burdens of others, we can unite these to the Cross for the salvation of souls.
Segment 3: Flourishing in God’s Courts
Psalm 92:12-13 beautifully states:
"The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord, they flourish in the courts of our God."
Living Like the Righteous
Mary, the epitome of righteousness, flourished in her role as the Mother of God, rooted in God’s house and flourishing in His courts. Her life was one of complete surrender and trust in God’s will.
We are invited to flourish similarly, deeply rooted in our faith, growing in holiness, and bearing the fruit of righteousness in our lives.
Mary’s Example in Advent
Advent is a time to become more deeply “planted in the house of the Lord” through prayer, penance, and charity. By following Mary’s example of devotion and surrender, we can grow in faith and holiness, preparing our hearts for Christ’s coming.
Conclusion
Mary’s life was a hymn of praise to God, a reflection of His glory. Her compassion at the Cross and her righteousness throughout her life provide a model for us as we journey through Advent. Let us honor her, knowing that in doing so, we glorify Christ.
Closing Prayer
O Most Blessed Virgin Mary,
You are the Vessel of Devotion and the purest reflection of God’s love. As we honor you, we glorify your Son, Jesus Christ, and seek to imitate your unwavering faith and compassion.
Grant us the grace to flourish in holiness, to be planted firmly in God’s house, and to bear the fruit of righteousness in our lives. Teach us to unite our sufferings with Christ and to serve others with love and humility.
May we grow in devotion to you, dear Mother, and draw ever closer to your Son. Through your intercession, lead us to the joy of His Nativity. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for listening to today’s episode. May this Advent season be a time of grace and spiritual renewal for you and your loved ones. Until next time, God bless you!