....
We read in the
Gospel of Saint Luke that Mary said: "Behold, henceforth all generations shall
call me blessed" (Lk 1:48). "Yes, my Lady," exclaims Saint Bernard, "henceforth
all generations shall call you blessed, because you have brought forth glory and
life for all generations. In you do sinners find their pardon, and the just
perseverance and eternal life."
Listen to the
devout Bernardine de Bustis: "Do not be afraid, O sinner, even if you have
committed every kind of sin. Run to this lady and you will find her hands filled
with mercy. She desires more to do you good than you can desire to receive
favors from her."
Saint Andrew of
Crete calls Mary the guarantee of divine pardon. Here is his meaning. When
sinners call upon Mary in order to be reconciled to God, God promises them
pardon and moreover gives a pledge of it. That pledge is Mary, whom he has given
them as a champion or advocate. Through her intercession and by virtue of the
merits of Jesus Christ, God pardons all sinners who go to Mary. Saint Bridget
tells us that she heard from her Guardian Angel that the early prophets were
happy in knowing that God was to be reconciled with sinners through the humility
and purity of Mary.
No sinner need
ever fear that Mary will spurn him when he calls on her for mercy. Never!
Because Mary is the Mother of Mercy and she burns with the desire to help
unfortunate sinners. Mary is that blessed ark, says Saint Bernard, where anyone
who takes refuge will escape the shipwreck of eternal damnation. At the time of
the deluge, even the brute animals were saved in Noah's ark. And so, under
Mary's protection, even sinners are saved.
One day in a
vision, Saint Gertrude saw Mary with her cloak spread wide open. Under its folds
were many wild animals: lions, bears, tigers - all of whom had taken refuge
there. The saint noticed that Mary did not chase the beasts away. She welcomed
them kindly and caressed them. From this, Saint Gertrude concluded that even the
most sordid sinners are not only not rejected by Mary, but are even welcomed and
saved by her from eternal death. Let us then enter this ark, let us take refuge
under the cloak of Mary and she will most certainly not spurn us, but will
secure our eternal salvation.
....
