Day 3 ~ “CHILD, DO NOT FORGET THE MERCIES OF THE ETERNAL GOD AND FATHER!”
On this day we pray for the third pilgrimage grace from the Schoenstatt Shrine, the grace of apostolic fruitfulness.
Words from Father Joseph Kentenich:
Child, do not forget the mercies of the Eternal God and Father!
And behind them the mercies of the Blessed Mother. If we reflect upon the experiences we had during the past years, which each one knows best – then I believe that, by and large, we must admit that we have…grown stronger and our characters have become more reliable. We have learned to fight the spirit of the time. All in all, we can, we should, and we even must repeat the words that ascended from the lips of countless saints: “I will sing and raise the mercies of Mary, the mercies of the eternal Father God for all eternity” (cf. Ps 89, 2).
Reflection:
On this third day of Mary’s visit to your home as the Pilgrim MTA, you may look back and thank for the many graces you have received. These are the very same graces she distributes from the Schoenstatt Shrine, and which she makes available to many people through her visits. But, just like God depends on the Blessed Mother’s kindness to give of his graces to many people, so Mary depends on us, her instruments, so that many others may know all about the blessings awaiting them in the shrine – besides those that she wants to bring into the homes in each of her visits. This is the grace of becoming an apostle, a missionary of Mary’s love. This is the third grace we receive in the shrine, the grace of apostolic zeal.
Very often we encounter people, who like us, are going through a particular difficulty in life. At times like these we tend to recall the many blessings, the strength and consolation we were able to receive through our strong bond with Mary, Mother of God. For those who live a life consecrated to Mary in the Covenant of Love with her, it is easy to think of the many times they faced trials and still rested assured of Mary’s protection. These many powerful and grace-filled impressions that carry us in times of need burst out of us in the form of an encouraging word, a kind invitation or a consoling glance. Then, God’s mercy shines through us, as a fruit of our relationship with the Blessed Mother.
Then, we become her apostles and missionaries, that is, when we begin to share the mercy we have received, the mercy we cannot forget.
In the Schoenstatt Shrine we receive this grace in a very particular way. First, we need to open heart and mind for God’s inspirations, and never stop calling to mind the hand that saved us from financial disasters, the strength that carried us in times of separation or illness, the light that illumined us when we were in darkness, or the inspiration that motivated us when we felt so isolated or distressed. Then, whenever we encounter someone in a similar situation, we cannot let that person go by without sharing with them the blessings which Mary has channeled from the Schoenstatt Shrine into our life.
Do not forget the Heavenly Father’s mercies; let Mary conquer your heart and the heart of others. When you encounter those in need, share with them the riches of love you yourself have received. Become a missionary of mercy and share the goodness with which you have been blessed. Mary will give you this grace in her Schoenstatt Shrine.
Do not forget the Heavenly Father’s mercies; let Mary conquer your heart and the heart of others. When others have offended you, do not forget how much God has forgiven you. Become a missionary of mercy and share the kindness of God with others. Mary will give you this grace in her Schoenstatt Shrine.
Do not forget the Heavenly Father’s mercies; let Mary conquer your heart and the heart of others. When those you love do not appreciate your love and devotion for God and Mary, share with them simple deeds of kindness without imposing your beliefs on them. Become a missionary of mercy and give on the love of God and Mary in quiet, hidden ways. Mary will give you this grace from her Schoenstatt Shrine.
Do not forget the Heavenly Father’s mercies; let Mary conquer your heart and the heart of others. In a world that has turned its back to God only those who dare to communicate what they have experienced can be a starting point for the rest. Become a missionary of mercy, of the mercy you have received, and share the life you have lived, not only the ideas you cherish. Mary will give you this grace in her Schoenstatt Shrine.
Prayer:
Mary, Mother of Mercy, my hope and my home are found in you and in your Son. The Heavenly Father has blessed me in so many ways throughout my life. From your shrine give me the grace to share with others the goodness I have received. Your Divine Son has forgiven me so many times. From your shrine give me the grace to forgive others and embrace everyone in fraternal concern. The Holy Spirit renews my faith, my hope, and my love. From the shrine give me the grace to move away from all my fears and dare to share with others the mercy I have received. Mother and Queen of Schoenstatt, do not let me forget your mercies and send me out from your shrine as a missionary of mercy. Amen.
My Queen, my Mother,
I give myself entirely to you,
And to show my devotion to you,
I consecrate to you this day,
My eyes, my ears, my mouth,
my heart, my entire self without reserve,
As I am your own, my good Mother,
guard me and defend me,
As your property and possession. Amen.