Hail Mary - Full of Grace

MOTHER OF DIVINE GRACE
Mary was conceived in God’s grace; there was no trace of sin in Her and no inclination to sin. Mary was immaculately conceived in order to be the first tabernacle of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, the saints tell us that she spent Her entire life continuously making efforts to grow in virtue so as to bear much fruit and to be an example to us. Her soul was so cultivated in grace that even the smallest seed bore fruit a hundred fold. She kept constant watch over Her heart. She watched over Her every word as though She could not trust Her tongue. She lived Her life here on this earth as a true penitent constantly living and striving to give God constant glory in Her prayers, actions and words. She lived a life of prayer and sacrifice completely imbued in God’s love and grace. Her life is for us to imitate.

We, on the contrary, are born in original sin. Even with the great gift of Baptism which gives us back sanctifying grace; we do not take great care in keeping this Baptismal gown of grace beautiful and unstained. Are we watchful as Our Blessed Mother? Despite the fact that we are aware of being surrounded by flattering, deceitful enemies whose sole aim is to use our natural weakness to bring about our fall; we have no fear and are not watchful at all!

Even though we admit and know that we are weak creatures with a fallen nature; we frequently expose ourselves to temptations that would bring down even the strongest soul. It is not enough to assure ourselves that our sentiments are heartfelt and our resolutions fervent. A single inopportune occasion is enough to destroy us. 
“But we carry this treasure in vessels of clay, to show that the abundance of the power is God’s and not ours.” (2Cor. 4, 7) The power is God’s grace – not ours! It is hard to live in continual watchfulness over our inclinations so that we may overcome them; but no one has ever become a saint without vigilance and struggle. If we turn to Our Blessed Mother, She will teach us to fully appreciate and understand how God’s grace is the only good that deserves our deep concern, the only good whose loss should cause us sorrow. If we esteem God’s grace, we will be spared many anxieties during this life and will have piled up riches for the life to come.
​
If we understand and guard this treasure of God’s grace and seek it first in our sacramental life of Penance and Holy Communion, we will come to understand it as a great treasure! Many  Christians will be surprised on the day of judgment to see themselves heavily in debt to God’s justice because they did not make use of the means given them to become a great saint! When we are on the path to virtue, not to advance is to go backwards; not to gain is to lose. The more generous we are toward Him, the more generous and liberal He will be toward us, even in this life! “Be ye perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect”.  Mary, Our Mother, help us to be perfect and to seek God’s grace in all that we do so we can give God glory with our lives.

Holy Mother of Divine Grace - pray for us sinners!