Episode 2827: Trusting Mary and Following Christ - 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 of God, 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.”
Trusting Mary and Following Christ
Tonight we delve into the richness of our Catholic faith from a traditional perspective. Today, we reflect on Mary as a source of comfort and Jesus as the fulfillment of our hope. Through the words of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, alongside the timeless truths of scripture, we’ll explore what it means to trust in Mary and follow Christ.________________________________________
Segment 1: Mary, Our Refuge in Trials
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, one of the Church’s most beloved saints, offers us these consoling words:
"In trial or difficulty I have recourse to Mother Mary, whose glance alone is enough to dissipate every fear."
What a powerful reminder of Mary’s maternal love! In moments of difficulty, when the weight of life’s trials presses upon us, Mary is always there. Her presence is not passive but active a glance from her, full of love and compassion, is enough to drive away fear.
This truth echoes the Church’s tradition of turning to Mary as our refuge and help. When we pray the Memorare, we proclaim: “Never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided.”
Turning to Mary doesn’t mean avoiding our crosses, but it does mean carrying them with greater peace. She teaches us to trust, as she trusted at the Annunciation, at Calvary, and beyond.________________________________________
Segment 2: Choosing to Follow Christ
Fr. Jeffrey Kirby writes:
"The Lord Jesus calls us to Himself. He looks upon us, pierces our hearts, and invites us to follow Him. Our summons is to rekindle the gift of God and to make a personal decision for the Lord. We declare that He is the fulfillment of all our hopes and dreams. He is the cause of our every joy. He is the only way to our salvation."
These words call us to the heart of discipleship. Following Christ is not simply a one-time decision; it’s a daily choice, a continual "yes" to His invitation. Jesus, who sees into the depths of our hearts, calls each of us uniquely and personally.
In the Gospel, we see this in His encounter with the rich young man. Jesus looked at him and loved him, but the man walked away because he could not leave his possessions. Unlike that man, we are called to respond like Mary offering our own fiat, our own "yes," even when it is difficult.
Choosing Christ means recognizing Him as the fulfillment of all we long for. It’s declaring with St. Paul, “I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
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Segment 3: Living the Paschal Mystery
Fr. Kirby also reminds us:
"This is what it means to share in the Paschal Mystery and to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus."
The Paschal Mystery Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection is not just something we observe from a distance. As Christians, we are invited to participate in it. This participation begins with our baptism, where we die to sin and rise to new life in Christ.
Mary is our perfect model in this journey. At the foot of the Cross, she united her suffering with her Son’s and became the Mother of all believers. When we unite our trials with Christ’s, we participate in His redemptive work, and Mary walks with us every step of the way.
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Segment 4: Lessons for Today
How do we apply these truths to our lives?
1. In trials, turn to Mary. When we face fear or uncertainty, remember her maternal glance and seek her intercession.
2. Choose Christ daily. Following Jesus is a deliberate choice to love as He loved and to serve as He served.
3. Live the Paschal Mystery. Offer your joys and sufferings to God, uniting them with Christ’s sacrifice, and trust in the hope of the Resurrection.
As Saint Thérèse and Fr. Kirby remind us, this life of faith is a journey a journey guided by Mary and centered on Christ.
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Conclusion Prayer
Let us conclude with a prayer of consecration to Mary:
O Mary, our Mother and refuge,
In every trial and difficulty, we turn to you.
Your loving glance dispels our fears,
And your intercession strengthens our hearts.
Help us to follow your Son with faith and courage.
Teach us to love as He loved, To serve as He served,
And to trust in His promises, Even in the darkest moments of our lives.
Through your guidance, may we share in His Paschal Mystery And one day join you in the eternal joy of heaven.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.
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Thank you for joining us on Faithful Traditions. May Mary’s loving presence and Christ’s call to discipleship inspire you this week. Until next time, may God bless and guide you always.