The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did
not comprehend it (St. John i. 5)
At the time of Mary's birth the whole world
was merged in darkness. The heathen nations were
steeped in vice and pride. The Jews, too, had
corrupted their ways and departed from God.
Everywhere there was sin and gloom, scarce a
bright spot on the face of the earth. But when
Mary was born a light arose amid the darkness;
the dawn of the glorious day that was to usher in
the Redeemer. So, too, the darkness of the sinner's
soul is dispersed by Mary's holy influence. Where
the love of her is born in the soul, all becomes
full of light, and Jesus comes to make His habitation
there.
Before Mary's birth God sought in vain for
one who would always be faithful to Him, for one
soul that would always love Him as it ought. For
four thousand years He had invariably been
disappointed, but now at length He had found one
who fulfilled all His desires, who satisfied the
yearnings of His Divine Heart.
Mary in the first hour of her life brought
more glory to God than all the Saints of the Old
Testament. In her was made perfect the obedience
of Abraham, the chastity of Joseph, the
patience of Job, the meekness of Moses, the prudence
of Josue. It is because she is the model and
pattern of these and all other virtues, that she
can communicate them to us. I must beg of Mary
to obtain for me obedience, chastity, patience,
prudence, and all else I need.
Virgin most pure, Star of the Sea,
Pray for the sinner, pray for me.