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TODAY’S WORD…

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The place of crucifixion was near a garden,

where there was a new tomb, never used before.

And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover

and since the tomb was close at hand,

they laid Jesus there.

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– John 19:41-42 (NLT)

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REFLECTION…

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Jesus lies in the tomb.

Imagine His Apostles, hovering around, disorientated and confused:

aimless, distraught, filled with sadness.

But then they turn to Our Lady,

just like weeping children rush to their mother.

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With her faith, her hope and her love,

Mary protected the newly emerging Church established by her Son,

as a mother would a new-born child, still weak and startled.

This was the Church born under the mantle of Mary.

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From the very beginning, Mary has been the Comforter of the afflicted,

of those under pressure.

What great comfort Mary’s faith must have been

to the Apostles in their grief and gloom.

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This Saturday, however, was not a sad day for Our Lady:

true that she had endured great and unimaginable sorrow during the previous days

when she had experienced her Divine Son’s indescribable suffering and horrifying death,

but now her Son was at rest

and she was serenely awaiting the moment of His Resurrection.

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We ought always to have immediate resort

to that endlessly burning light in our lives, which is the Blessed Virgin,

more so, if we go through occasions where

having left Christ,

and having abandoned sacrifice and the Cross

we find ourselves desperately lost.

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She will bring hope back to us.

Beside her we are able to live the immense joy of the Resurrection.

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QUOTE…

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“Our Lady is rest for those who work,

consolation for those who weep,

medicine for the sick,

a harbour for those assailed by tempests,

pardon for sinners,

sweet relief for the sad,

succour for those who implore.”

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– St. John Damascene

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Holy Mary, Mother of Mercy, Holy Mother of God pray for us,

that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

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… … … … … … … … … … … …… …

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Note: The main source of today’s REFLECTION is the seven-volume work

“In Conversation with God” by Padre Francisco Fernández Carvajal.