What is Total Consecration?
Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary is a 33-day course that builds on True Devotion to Mary according to St. Louis Marie de Montfort. It’s an amazing way to grow deeper in your faith and draw closer to Jesus through Mary. Each of the 33 days includes a short video, some written reflections, and prayer time. Join us!
Part II: Knowledge of Self, Day 6
Welcome back to our series and we are now on the sixth day of Part II, Knowledge of Self. Last time we ended our series with a beautiful title of “Our Lady, Virgin Most Powerful, pray for us.” Today as we continue on our journey, preparing ourselves for consecration to Our Lady, we are going to reflect several points to make us aware of some of our defects, in order to correct them.
First is the scandal and its punishment: according to the Catechism, scandal is an attitude or behavior, which leads another to do evil. The person who gives scandal becomes his neighbor’s tempter. It is a grave offense if by deed or omission; another is deliberately led into a grave offense. Scandal takes on a particular gravity by reason of the authority of those who causes it or the weakness of those who are scandalized. It prompted Our Lord to utter this curse: “whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him, to have a millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Such is the punishment to those who scandalize.
Second is a fraternal charity or brotherly correction. “The fruits of charity are joy, peace, and mercy, charity demands beneficence and fraternal correction…” Fraternal Correction is a loving and prudent way of correcting someone defects for the purpose of reforming, and even preventing that person from sinful indulgence. It is proper to administer fraternal correction, and in some cases, it is an obligation, but the correction must always proceed from the motive of charity. But what is our reaction when we are corrected? Did we listen to the person accepting corrections, and make amends of our life? How was our response, when the Blessed Mother corrected us, to stop offending God for he is already too much offended? Did we listen to her request, for example, to pray the rosary every day?
The third point is the Faith. Part I of the Catechism explains the twelve articles of Faith found in the Apostle’s Creed. We should always find a time and read pages of the Catechism of the Catholic Church because Faith is so important.
From the letters to the Hebrews it says: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” “And without faith, it is impossible to please God. For whoever draws near to God must first believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Our Lord says, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to a mulberry tree, be uprooted and be planted in the sea, and it will obey you.” Faith is powerful, capable of moving us and even creatures from one place to another. It is amazing, isn’t it? But faith is also capable of moving the Creator to touch us, to heal us and renew us in his grace. For instance, the faith of the woman who was bleeding for twelve years, the faith of blind men, the faith of the centurion, and the faith of so many people in the gospel who got healed, clearly illustrates the power of faith to move the heart of Jesus, and release his power. When we read from the gospel, we’re amazed by countless miracles performed by our Lord. Closer to our time, more than 50 thousand people witness the stupendous miracle of the sun at Fatima.
Would it be possible to reverse and make Our Lord and Our Lady amazed at us instead of us amazed at God’s wonderful works? From the gospel of St. Matthew, Our Lord was amazed and marveled at the faith of centurion when he says, “Lord I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my servant will be healed.” The church repeats the same words every day during the Holy Mass. Our Lord was amazed by the Centurions’ faith, can we have that faith, fully convinced of Our Lord’s power mercy and love? Let us ask Our Lady intercession to increase our faith in Our Lord present among us in the Blessed Sacrament.
Readings and Prayers for Day 18 of 33
Spiritual Exercises: Prayers, examines, reflections, acts of renouncement of our own will, of contrition for our sins, of contempt of self all performed at the feet of Mary, for it is from her we hope for light to know ourselves, and it is near her that we shall be able to measure the abyss of our miseries without despairing.
Luke Chapter 17: 1-10 & Imitation: Book 3, chapter 47
Luke Chapter 17: 1-10
Temptations to Sin.
1 And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come!
2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.
3 Take heed to yourselves; if your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him;
4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, and says, `I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
Saying of Faith.
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamine tree, `Be rooted up and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
Attitude of a Servant.
7 “Will any one of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, `Come at once and sit down at table’?
8 Will he not rather say to him, `Prepare supper for me, and gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat and drink’?
9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?
10 So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, `We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’
Imitation: Book 3, chapter 47
Every Trial Must Be Borne for the Sake of Eternal Life
The Voice of Christ:
Every trial must be borne for the sake of eternal life My child, do not let the labors which you have taken up for My sake crush you, and do not let troubles, from whatever source, cast you down; but in everything let My promise strengthen and console you. I am able to reward you beyond all means and measure. You will not labor here long, nor will you always be oppressed by sorrows. Wait a little while and you will see a speedy end of suffering. The hour will come when all labor and trouble shall be no more. All that passes away with time is trivial.
Litany of the Holy Ghost
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Father all powerful, have mercy on us
Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us.
Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us.
Holy Trinity, hear us
Holy Ghost, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.
Holy Ghost, Who art equal to the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.
Promise of God the Father, R. have mercy on us
Ray of heavenly light,
Author of all good,
Source of heavenly water,
Consuming fire,
Ardent charity,
Spiritual unction,
Spirit of love and truth,
Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
Spirit of counsel and fortitude,
Spirit of knowledge and piety,
Spirit of the fear of the Lord,
Spirit of grace and prayer,
Spirit of peace and meekness,
Spirit of modesty and innocence,
Holy Ghost, the Comforter,
Holy Ghost, the Sanctifier,
Holy Ghost, Who governest the Church,
Gift of God, the Most High,
Spirit Who fillest the universe,
Spirit of the adoption of the children of God,
Holy Ghost, inspire us with horror of sin.
Holy Ghost, come and renew the face of the earth.
Holy Ghost, shed Thy light in our souls.
Holy Ghost, engrave Thy law in our hearts
Holy Ghost, inflame us with the flame of Thy love.
Holy Ghost, open to us the treasures of Thy graces
Holy Ghost, teach us to pray well.
Holy Ghost, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations.
Holy Ghost, lead us in the way of salvation
Holy Ghost, grant us the only necessary knowledge.
Holy Ghost, inspire in us the practice of good.
Holy Ghost, grant us the merits of all virtues.
Holy Ghost, make us persevere in justice.
Holy Ghost, be Thou our everlasting reward.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Send us Thy Holy Ghost.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety.
V. Come, Holy Ghost! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful,
R. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.
Let Us Pray
Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame and
purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us
fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with
Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth forever and
ever. Amen.
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
English
Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ hear us.
R. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven,
R. Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Holy Mary, R. Pray for us.
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of virgins,
Mother of Christ,
Mother of the Church,
Mother of divine grace,
Mother most pure,
Mother most chaste,
Mother inviolate,
Mother undefiled,
Mother most amiable,
Mother most admirable,
Mother of good counsel,
Mother of our Creator,
Mother of our Savior,
Virgin most prudent,
Virgin most venerable,
Virgin most renowned,
Virgin most powerful,
Virgin most merciful,
Virgin most faithful,
Mirror of justice,
Seat of wisdom,
Cause of our joy,
Spiritual vessel,
Vessel of honor,
Singular vessel of devotion,
Mystical rose,
Tower of David,
Tower of ivory,
House of gold,
Ark of the covenant,
Gate of heaven,
Morning star,
Health of the sick,
Refuge of sinners,
Comforter of the afflicted,
Help of Christians,
Queen of Angels,
Queen of Patriarchs,
Queen of Prophets,
Queen of Apostles,
Queen of Martyrs,
Queen of Confessors,
Queen of Virgins,
Queen of all Saints,
Queen conceived without original sin,
Queen assumed into heaven,
Queen of the most holy Rosary,
Queen of families,
Queen of peace,
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
R. Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
R. Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
R. Have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we Thy servants may enjoy lasting health of soul and body, and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, be delivered from present sorrow and enter into the joy of eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Latin
Kyrie, eleison.
R. Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, audi nos.
R. Christe, exaudi nos.
Pater de caelis, Deus,
R. miserere nobis.
Fili, Redemptor mundi, Deus,
Spiritus Sancte, Deus,
Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus,
Sancta Maria,
R.Ora pro nobis.
Sancta Dei Genitrix,
Sancta Virgo virginum,
Mater Christi,
Mater Ecclesiae,
Mater divinae gratiae,
Mater purissima,
Mater castissima,
Mater inviolata,
Mater intemerata,
Mater amabilis,
Mater admirabilis,
Mater boni Consilii,
Mater Creatoris,
Mater Salvatoris,
Virgo prudentissima,
Virgo veneranda,
Virgo praedicanda,
Virgo potens,
Virgo clemens,
Virgo fidelis,
Speculum iustitiae,
Sedes sapientiae,
Causa nostrae laetitiae,
Vas spirituale,
Vas honorabile,
Vas insigne devotionis,
Rosa mystica,
Turris Davidica,
Turris eburnea,
Domus aurea,
Foederis arca,
Ianua caeli,
Stella matutina,
Salus infirmorum,
Refugium peccatorum,
Consolatrix afflictorum,
Auxilium Christianorum,
Regina Angelorum,
Regina Patriarcharum,
Regina Prophetarum,
Regina Apostolorum,
Regina Martyrum,
Regina Confessorum,
Regina Virginum,
Regina Sanctorum omnium,
Regina sine labe originali concepta,
Regina in caelum assumpta,
Regina Sacratissimi Rosarii,
Regina familiarum,
Regina pacis,
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi,
R. parce nobis, Domine.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi,
R. exaudi nos, Domine.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi,
R. miserere nobis.
V. Ora pro nobis, Sancta Dei Genitrix,
R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.
Oremus.
Concede nos famulos tuos, quaesumus, Domine Deus, perpetua mentis et corporis sanitate gaudere: et gloriosa beatae Mariae semper Virginis intercessione, a praesenti liberari tristitia, et aeterna perfrui laetitia. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.
R. Amen.
Ave Maris Stella
Hail, bright star of ocean,
God’s own Mother blest,
Ever sinless Virgin,
Gate of heavenly rest.
Taking that sweet Ave
Which from Gabriel came,
Peace confirm within us,
Changing Eva’s name.
Break the captives’ fetters,
Light on blindness pour,
All our ills expelling,
Every bliss implore.
Show thyself a Mother;
May the Word Divine,
Born for us thy Infant,
Hear our prayers through thine.
Virgin all excelling,
Mildest of the mild,
Freed from guilt, preserve us,
Pure and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless,
Make our way secure,
Till we find in Jesus,
Joy forevermore.
Through the highest Heaven
To the Almighty Three,
Father, Son and Spirit,
One same glory be. Amen.
