THIRD DAY
Meditation: MARY OUR PERPETUAL HELP IN TEMPTATION
We read in the first book of Kings (chap. XI) how Naas, King of the Ammonites, attacked the inhabitants of Jabes and swore he would pluck out their right eyes and make them a reproach in Israel. The men of Jabes, in their great distress, obtained a truce of seven days during which they send for help along the coasts of Israel. Great indeed was their joy, when the messengers returned and brought them glad tidings from Saul. "Go", said he, "and tell the men of Jabes: Tomorrow when the sun shall be hot, you shall have relief." There are a host of enemies on all sides, as long as we live on this earth. They are threatening to deprive us of the light of faith, so that, blind and maimed, we may fall into their captivity and become a reproach unto angels and men. To whom shall we send for help and relief? To Mary, our Perpetual Help! Yes if we but call on the Queen of Heaven with all confidence, she is sure to come to our rescue. She is that woman spoken of by St. John in the Apocalypse to whom "two wings of a great eagle were given, that she might fly into the desert." (Apoc. XII 14) and come to our aid. The wings of the eagle express the readiness and the swiftness with which Mary flies to take under her powerful protection those who place themselves under her care. The words have scarce left our lips calling upon her aid, when she is already by our side, guarding and defending us against the attacks of our enemies. There is therefore no means so sure and easy for overcoming temptations as to run to our heavenly Mother and call her again and again-- "We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God; despise not our prayers in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O ever glorious and blessed Virgin!"
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.
but thanks to all of you! i appreciate all of your inputs.
