FOURTH DAY
Meditation: MARY OUR PERPETUAL HELP OF SINNERS
St. John says: - "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." (I. St. John 1,8.) We all therefore are sinners and because of our sins we are unworthy to appear in God's sight. Yet for our comfort and consolation let us remember that. "We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Just." (I. St. John II, I.) Jesus Christ is our loving brother and as such, He is sure to plead for grace and mercy on our behalf. Jesus Christ is the son of the everlasting Father and as such, He is sure to be heard. Yet Jesus Christ is also truly God. And when we consider our sinfulness and our unworthiness to appear in His presence, to whom shall we go? Take courage, poor unfortunate sinner! When the Divine Majesty of Jesus terrifies thee and keep thee from approaching His Mercy seat: remember Mary, His Mother and thine, to whom you may go: Mary, who is the Perpetual Help of sinners.
Mary, is most anxious and zealous about the eternal welfare of our immortal souls. She is a most wise and prudent Virgin, knowing how to appease the just anger of the Divine Judge. She is the mother of all Christians and will therefore refuse her assistance to none of her children. Be of good heart therefore, poor unfortunate sinner, and take courage. This holy Virgin who is the Mother of our God and of your judge, is the mediatrix of the human race. She is full of zeal for your salvation and is powerful with God to do all the desires on your behalf. She is a most wise and prudent Virgin and knows what means to emply to appease the just anger of God and incline Him to mercy. She is the common Mother of all and will not exclude anyone from his loving care and protection. Mary is thus, the Perpetual Help of sinners.
PRAYER TO BE SAID EACH DAY AFTER THE MEDITATION
O Mother of Perpetual Help, behold me a miserable sinner at thy feet; I have recourse to thee and put my trust in thee. O Mother of Mercy have pity upon me. I hear thee called by all the refuge and the hope of sinners, be then my refuge and my hope. Help me for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to me, who recommend and dedicate myself to thee as thy perpetual servant. I bless and thank GOD for having in His mercy given to me this confidence in thee, the pledge as I believe of my eternal salvation. Alas! Too often in past times have I miserably fallen, because I had not recourse to thee! I know that with thy help I shall conquer. I know that thou will help me if I recommend myself to thee; but i fear lest in the occasions of falling I should cease to call upon thee and so should lose my soul. This, then, is the grace I seek from thee; and I conjure thee, as far as I know how and can, to obtain it for me; namely, in the assults of hell always to have recourse to thee and to say to thee: O Mary help me; Mother of Perpetual Help, suffer me not to lose my God.
Five "Hail Mary's" to obtain the special favours you seek -- then: -- Holy Mary, assist the miserable, help the faint hearted, cheer those that weep, pray for the people be the advocate of the clergy, intercede for all devout woman; let all feel thine aid who implore thy perpetual help.
V. Thou has been for us, Our Lady, a refuge.
R. A helper in needs and tribulation.
LET US PRAY
Oh almighty and merciful GOD, who hast given us to venerate the picture of Thy most Blessed Mother, under the special title of Perpetual Help, graciously grant that, amidst all the changes of our journey through life, we may be so defended by the continual protection of the same Immaculate, ever Virgin Mary, that we may deserve to obtain the rewards of Thy eternal Redemption; Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit; world without end. Amen.
