Mary Day by Day Read online

  Mary Day By Day

  Mary Day By Day

  MARIAN MEDITATIONS FOR EVERY DAY

  TAKEN FROM THE HOLY BIBLE AND

  THE WRITINGS OF THE SAINTS

  Introduction by

  Rev. Charles G. Fehrenbach, C.SS.R.

  Illustrated

  CATHOLIC BOOK PUBLISHING CORP.

  New York

  NIHIL OBSTAT: Daniel V. Flynn, J.C.D..

  Censor Librorum

  IMPRIMATUR: Patrick J. Sheridan, D.D.

  Vicar General, Archdiocese of New York

  (T-l80)

  © 1987 Catholic Book Publishing Corp., N.Y.

  eISBN 978-0-89942-084-4

  CONTENTS

  Introduction

  January

  February

  March

  April

  May

  June

  July

  August

  September

  October

  November

  December

  Prayer to Mary

  CONTENTS

  January

  Jan. 1

  Jan. 2

  Jan. 3

  Jan. 4

  Jan. 5

  Jan. 6

  Jan. 7

  Jan. 8

  Jan. 9

  Jan. 10

  Jan. 11

  Jan. 12

  Jan. 13

  Jan. 14

  Jan. 15

  Jan. 16

  Jan. 17

  Jan. 18

  Jan. 19

  Jan. 20

  Jan. 21

  Jan. 22

  Jan. 23

  Jan. 24

  Jan. 25

  Jan. 26

  Jan. 27

  Jan. 28

  Jan. 29

  Jan. 30

  Jan. 31

  February

  Feb. 1

  Feb. 2

  Feb. 3

  Feb. 4

  Feb. 5

  Feb. 6

  Feb. 7

  Feb. 8

  Feb. 9

  Feb. 10

  Feb. 11

  Feb. 12

  Feb. 13

  Feb. 14

  Feb. 15

  Feb. 16

  Feb. 17

  Feb. 18

  Feb. 19

  Feb. 20

  Feb. 21

  Feb. 22

  Feb. 23

  Feb. 24

  Feb. 25

  Feb. 26

  Feb. 27

  Feb. 28

  March

  Mar. 1

  Mar. 2

  Mar. 3

  Mar. 4

  Mar. 5

  Mar. 6

  Mar. 7

  Mar. 8

  Mar. 9

  Mar. 10

  Mar. 11

  Mar. 12

  Mar. 13

  Mar. 14

  Mar. 15

  Mar. 16

  Mar. 17

  Mar. 18

  Mar. 19

  Mar. 20

  Mar. 21

  Mar. 22

  Mar. 23

  Mar. 24

  Mar. 25

  Mar. 26

  Mar. 27

  Mar. 28

  Mar. 29

  Mar. 30

  Mar. 31

  April

  Apr. 1

  Apr. 2

  Apr. 3

  Apr. 4

  Apr. 5

  Apr. 6

  Apr. 7

  Apr. 8

  Apr. 9

  Apr. 10

  Apr. 11

  Apr. 12

  Apr. 13

  Apr. 14

  Apr. 15

  Apr. 16

  Apr. 17

  Apr. 18

  Apr. 19

  Apr. 20

  Apr. 21

  Apr. 22

  Apr. 23

  Apr. 24

  Apr. 25

  Apr. 26

  Apr. 27

  Apr. 28

  Apr. 29

  Apr. 30

  May

  May 1

  May 2

  May 3

  May 4

  May 5

  May 6

  May 7

  May 8

  May 9

  May 10

  May 11

  May 12

  May 13

  May 14

  May 15

  May 16

  May 17

  May 18

  May 19

  May 20

  May 21

  May 22

  May 23

  May 24

  May 25

  May 26

  May 27

  May 28

  May 29

  May 30

  May 31

  June

  June 1

  June 2

  June 3

  June 4

  June 5

  June 6

  June 7

  June 8

  June 9

  June 10

  June 11

  June 12

  June 13

  June 14

  June 15

  June 16

  June 17

  June 18

  June 19

  June 20

  June 21

  June 22

  June 23

  June 24

  June 25

  June 26

  June 27

  June 28

  June 29

  June 30

  July

  July 1

  July 2

  July 3

  July 4

  July 5

  July 6

  July 7

  July 8

  July 9

  July 10

  July 11

  July 12

  July 13

  July 14

  July 15

  July 16

  July 17

  July 18

  July 19

  July 20

  July 21

  July 22

  July 23

  July 24

  July 25

  July 26

  July 27

  July 28

  July 29

  July 30

  July 31

  August

  Aug. 1

  Aug. 2

  Aug. 3

  Aug. 4

  Aug. 5

  Aug. 6

  Aug. 7

  Aug. 8

  Aug. 9

  Aug. 10

  Aug. 11

  Aug. 12

  Aug. 13

  Aug. 14

  Aug. 15

  Aug. 16

  Aug. 17

  Aug. 18

  Aug. 19

  Aug. 20

  Aug. 21

  Aug. 22

  Aug. 23

  Aug. 24

  Aug. 25

  Aug. 26

  Aug. 27

  Aug. 28

  Aug. 29

  Aug. 30

  Aug. 31

  September

  Sept. 1

  Sept. 2

  Sept. 3

  Sept. 4

  Sept. 5

  Sept. 6

  Sept. 7

  Sept. 8

  Sept. 9

  Sept. 10

  Sept. 11

  Sept. 12

  Sept. 13

  Sept. 14

  Sept. 15

  Sept. 16

  Sept. 17

  Sept. 18

  Sept. 19

  Sept. 20

  Sept. 21

  Sept. 22

  Sept. 23

  Sept. 24

  Sept. 25

  Sept. 26

  Sept. 27

  Sept. 28

  Sept. 29

  Sept. 30
r />   October

  Oct. 1

  Oct. 2

  Oct. 3

  Oct. 4

  Oct. 5

  Oct. 6

  Oct. 7

  Oct. 8

  Oct. 9

  Oct. 10

  Oct. 11

  Oct. 12

  Oct. 13

  Oct. 14

  Oct. 15

  Oct. 16

  Oct. 17

  Oct. 18

  Oct. 19

  Oct. 20

  Oct. 21

  Oct. 22

  Oct. 23

  Oct. 24

  Oct. 25

  Oct. 26

  Oct. 27

  Oct. 28

  Oct. 29

  Oct. 30

  Oct. 31

  November

  Nov. 1

  Nov. 2

  Nov. 3

  Nov. 4

  Nov. 5

  Nov. 6

  Nov. 7

  Nov. 8

  Nov. 9

  Nov. 10

  Nov. 11

  Nov. 12

  Nov. 13

  Nov. 14

  Nov. 15

  Nov. 16

  Nov. 17

  Nov. 18

  Nov. 19

  Nov. 20

  Nov. 21

  Nov. 22

  Nov. 23

  Nov. 24

  Nov. 25

  Nov. 26

  Nov. 27

  Nov. 28

  Nov. 29

  Nov. 30

  December

  Dec. 1

  Dec. 2

  Dec. 3

  Dec. 4

  Dec. 5

  Dec. 6

  Dec. 7

  Dec. 8

  Dec. 9

  Dec. 10

  Dec. 11

  Dec. 12

  Dec. 13

  Dec. 14

  Dec. 15

  Dec. 16

  Dec. 17

  Dec. 18

  Dec. 19

  Dec. 20

  Dec. 21

  Dec. 22

  Dec. 23

  Dec. 24

  Dec. 25

  Dec. 26

  Dec. 27

  Dec. 28

  Dec. 29

  Dec. 30

  Dec. 31

  INTRODUCTION

  “It is the nature of Jesus Christ to lead us surely to the Father. In the same way, it is the nature of the Blessed Virgin Mary to lead us surely to Jesus” (St. Louis Grignion de Montfort).

  THERE is no end to Marian books—nor should there be. Some are for devotion, some for edification, some for enlightenment and instruction. What is eminently desirable is an all-purpose volume that incorporates all these desiderata in one small convenient frame.

  In Mary Day By Day we have such a volume. The fusion of Scripture, reflection, and prayer in a delightfully brief potpourri more than adequately fills the need for a handy book of Marian devotion. The work is not haphazard but carefully selective. The reflections blend in with the Scripture quotes, and the prayers are redolent of both.

  Mary Day By Day is definitely not a book to be read from beginning to end, not a thriller or a mystery to be taken on a plane or bus and read at one sitting. We know the ending even before we pick up the book. What we want to do here is savor its contents—in tiny, delectable portions.

  The daily selection takes only a minute or two to read. That’s why it serves the purpose of edifying the busy individual who has time only for a taste of inspiration, perhaps at the beginning of the day, or intermittently. For such a one the daily capsule will be meaningful and adequate. The volume serves as an ideal bedside book, one you can pick up at the end of a busy day as you reach for holy water and compose yourself for a peaceful sleep.

  As implied, the book is not a gem to be treasured and hidden, but a vademecum, like the Rosary in your purse or pocket, to be utilized for solace or comfort in appropriate moments. The Scripture quotes stimulate to quick thought, the Reflections apply appropriately, and the Prayers synthesize the inspiration in both.

  In conferring the title of Doctor of the Church on St. Alphonsus, the Holy See said of his masterpiece, The Glories of Mary, “This book satisfies the needs and taste of the most diverse readers…. It is a veritable mine of ecclesiastical lore and Marian theology.” The same can be said of Mary Day By Day. Borrowing from St. Alphonsus’ foreword to his own book: “May this book help us love Jesus and Mary and become saints. We cannot hope or pray for anything better.”

  Rev. Charles G. Fehrenbach, C.SS.R.

  January

  JAN. 1

  I WILL put enmities between you and the woman, and between your seed and hers. He shall crush your head.

  —Gen 3:15

  REFLECTION. The Old Testament recounts the period of salvation history that slowly prepared for the coming of Christ into the world.

  It brings into gradually sharper focus the figure of the Woman, Mother of the Redeemer, already foreshadowed in the promise of victory over the serpent.

  —Vatican II: The Church, 55

  PRAYER. O Mary, you were chosen by God to be the Mother of the Redeemer. Protect me always from evil and obtain eternal salvation for me in heaven with you and your Son Jesus.

  JAN. 2

  CONCERNING mutual charity there is no need for us to write you, since you yourselves have learned from God to love each other.

  —1 Thes 4:9

  REFLECTION. The most powerful means we have for drawing down the benevolence of Mary toward us is a virtue.

  That virtue is love for our neighbor.

  —St. Gregory Nazianzen

  PRAYER. O Mary, you are partial toward those who imitate your Divine Son in love for their neighbor. Teach me to love my neighbor in the many circumstances of life, no matter what the cost.

  JAN. 3

  SHE is the breath of the might of God and a pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty; therefore, nought that is defiled can enter into her.

  —Wis 7:25

  REFLECTION. The Eternal Father delights in regarding the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary as the masterpiece of His hands.

  The Son delights in it as the Heart of His Mother, the source from which He received the Blood that redeemed us. The Holy Spirit dwells in Mary as in His temple.

  —St. John Vianney

  PRAYER. O Mary, you are the beloved Daughter of God the Father, the exalted Mother of God the Son, and the pure Bride of God the Holy Spirit. Teach me to know and love the Most Blessed Trinity.

  JAN. 4

  ADAM was formed first, then Eve. And, Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and was in sin.

  —1 Tim 2:13-14

  REFLECTION. Eve was the cause of death for human beings. Through her, death came into the world.

  Mary, on the other hand, was the cause of life. Through her, Life was born unto us.

  —St. Epiphanius

  PRAYER. O Mary, you are the true Eve, which means “Mother of all the living.” You brought Jesus into the world and He obtained eternal life for all. Let me never lose it.

  JAN. 5

  BEHOLD, the virgin will be with child and will bring forth a son, and they will call his name Emmanuel, which means “God with us.”

  — Mt 1:23

  REFLECTION. The Virgin Mother gave birth from her fruitful womb and inviolate body to Him Who became visible for us, to Him by Whom she had been created.

  While conceiving, she was a Virgin; while giving birth, she was a virgin; a virgin in her pregnancy; a virgin while carrying her son; a virgin forever!

  —St. Augustine

  PRAYER. O Mary, grant me the grace to prize the virtue of purity highly and practice it sedulously. Help me always to put my trust in you and find refuge in your motherly intercession.

  JAN. 6

  AND entering the house [the Magi] found the child with Mary his mother. They bowed down and worshiped him.

  —Mt 2:11

  REFLECTION. At the moment when Mary presents her Son to
the Magi, she not only performs a personal action as Mother but also acts as the figure of the Church.

  As the mother of all peoples, the Church in the person of Mary initiates her work of evangelization.

  —Pope John Paul II

  PRAYER. O Mary, you initiated the work of evangelization by presenting Jesus to the Magi. Help me to radiate Jesus to others every day of my life by all that I say and do.

  JAN. 7

  THE mother of Jesus said … , “There is no more wine.” And Jesus said, … “My hour has not yet come.” His Mother said to the attendants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

  —Jn 2:3-5

  REFLECTION. Let Mary never be far from your lips or heart. And to obtain the fruit of her prayers, do not forget the example of her life.

  With her support, you will never fall. Beneath her protection, you will never fear. Under her guidance, you will never tire. And with her help, you will reach your heavenly goal.

  —St. Bernard

  PRAYER. O Mary, enable me to heed your words as the servers did. Let me always do whatever Jesus tells me, so that He may effect in me the miracle of eternal bliss in heaven.

  JAN. 8

  GOD sent his Son born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive the full rights of adoption.

  —Gal 4:4-5

  REFLECTION. God has decreed that the whole of the Redemption should be accomplished through Mary, with Mary, and in Mary.

  Just as nothing was created without Christ, so nothing has been re-created without the Blessed Virgin.

  —St. Peter Damian

  PRAYER. O Mary, through you the world has been re-created by Jesus. Help me to contribute to this re-creation by performing all activities in union with you and your Divine Son.

  JAN. 9

  ADAM called his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.

  —Gen 3:20

  REFLECTION. We are all children of Eve according to the flesh and children of the Blessed Virgin according to the spirit. For all of us, Mary has the love of a mother and the courage of a defender.

  All find room in her. Sinners find pardon through her prayers, and the righteous are preserved in grace.

  —St. John of Avila

  PRAYER. O Mary, you are always a mother to me. Let me be always your child. Help me to come to you in all my joys as well as sorrows.

  JAN. 10

  MY sister, my spouse, is a garden enclosed, an enclosed garden, a fountain sealed up.

  —Song 4:12

  REFLECTION. Happy are those to whom the Holy Spirit reveals the Secret of Mary in order that they may come to know her.

  Happy are those to whom He opens the “Enclosed Garden” that they may enter and to whom He gives access to the “Sealed Fountain” that they may drink of the living waters of grace.