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𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 is from the Book of 𝕾𝖔𝖓𝖌𝖘 𝖔𝖋 𝕾𝖔𝖓𝖌𝖘 7

10 I am my beloved’s,
and his desire is for me.
11 Come, my beloved,
let us go forth into the fields,
and lodge in the villages;
12 let us go out early to the vineyards,
and see whether the vines have budded,
whether the grape blossoms have opened
and the pomegranates are in bloom.
There I will give you my love.
13 The mandrakes give forth fragrance,
and over our doors are all choice fruits,
new as well as old,
which I have laid up for you, O my beloved.

📖Credits: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song+of+Solomon+7%3A10-13&version=NRSVACE

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:

It has always been stated that the Church is the Bride of God. And we will meet the Groom soon, but we must keep vigil on ourselves, like virgins keeping lit the lampstands. Today is a feast of the Immaculate Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Lourdes. Jesus as both God and Man, already made a great marriage of Flesh and Divinity, and He became our example to live a good life for life everlasting. But Mary, as fully human, had made her life so devoted to God, that she devoted herself for our salvation.

With her example, she taught us obedience, humility, and purity of heart. She was filled with the spirit, and Joy overflows from her heart. From a homily of a Bishop, He noted that images of Mary would always smile. Since the greeting of the angel, since the greeting of Elizabeth. Mary had shown great joy. Her sorrow in her son's death just shows her motherly affection. She kept hope for the resurrection, and with that hope, she was filled with joy at the news. In the upper room, at the third hour of the day, Mary was also present in the descent of the Holy Spirit.

It is believed in Catholic faith, that Mary was lifted up body and soul into heaven. For what reason? That is the celebration for today. Mary, at her compassion, continued to connect with us, through the universal language of love. Apparitions of Mary have been cited all around the world. Some contains a message, some to bring hope, some to make us feel Joy and to remember Christ. But what is wonderful about these apparitions is not just her activity, but the activity of God through her. And through her we can connect to God. This would explain Marian Devotions. We honour the Blessed Mother because Jesus loved her first.

As a perfect example of a true humanity, by knowing and being able to admit our faults, may we find ourselves changing for good. To be a perfect bride for Christ, may we turn to the Blessed Mother, through her character, example, virtue, and love, that in the coming of Our Saviour, the coming of the bridegroom, we are ready to be one in spirit, and filled with his love continuously. Here on earth, and to eternity, let us give our fragrant mandrakes, those blooming grapefruits, and pomegranates, that we may lodge in heaven, the village of Love.

Let us come before the Mother, whom Jesus obeyed through, at the wedding at Cana. We believe in her intercession, and her closeness to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, that she may help us, like a friend in need. 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲.

𝘈 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘴
Ever Immaculate Virgin Mother of Mercy, Health of the sick, refuge of sinners, Comforter of the afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings; look with mercy on me. By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favors; and already many sufferers have obtained the cure for their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal.

I come, therefore, with complete confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. Through gratitude for your favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory. Amen.

𝘔𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘦
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence
I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To thee do I come,
before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.