Our Mistress Enters Ephesus

The Most Blessed Mary thanked the owners, who were to live with Her. Then She retired to her room and, prostrate upon the ground as was usual in her prayers, She adored the immutable essence of God, offering to sacrifice Herself in his service in the city (Ephesus) and saying:


"Lord God omnipotent, by the immensity of thy Divinity Thou fillest all the heavens and the earth (Jer. 23,34). I thy humble handmaid, desire to fulfill entirely thy holy will, on all occasions, in all places, and at all times, in which thy Providence shall deign to place me; for Thou art my only Good, my being and my life, and toward thy pleasure and satisfaction tend all my thoughts, words and actions"

The most prudent Mother perceived that the Lord accepted her prayer and her offering, and that He responded to her desires with divine power, ready to assist and govern Her always. - The Mystical City of God by Ven. Mary of Agreda Spain.

I encourage all to Imitate Mary by Imitating Her prayer. Print it, pray it, and memorize it.

The Imitation of Mary

Recently, I bought and began reading this well known book that was inspired by another well known book. It is The Imitation of Mary, and I would leave to your guess, which book inspired me to buy this book (clue - Change of names). So far, the book does not live up to my expectations, maybe because of the style, or because I don't have confidence in the author, or maybe because I am just to critical and scrutinizing of the teaching. This mostly I feel is the cause of me not enjoying the book. All this I know very well makes what is valuable seem repulsive.

What I do like is the simplicity of the book, and I think this is what makes it stand out. It focuses on the pennies of the gospel and of the graces in the life of our Blessed Mother; and so far, it has helped my walk in imitation of her who loved god most while on earth, and who loves him most intimately in heaven. I decided to share the first chapter of the first book with you, for your edification.

Imitation Of The Virtues Of The Blessed Virgin

Blessed those who do not abandon the way I have bidden them go! Blessed those who listen to what I tell them (Prov 8:32-33) and who follow the models of virtue I offer them.

In putting these words on the lips of Mary, the Church urges us to study the life of the Queen of Saints and to imitate her splendid example. Happy the man who imitates our Lady, for in imitating her he imitates Jesus, king and incomparable model of all virtues.

The Blessed Virgin's life contains lessons for everyone. If we study it, we learn how to live in prosperity and adversity, prayer and work, honours and humiliations. We shall never attain the perfection she brought to every action; but our perfection can be measured by our closeness to her.

You claim to be the servants of Mary: do you really what to become like her in her sublime holiness? Then imitate, as far as you can, her lively faith, her prompt obedience, her deep humility, her selfless intentions, her generous love. Is there anyone of you that cannot make it your aim, with the help of God;s grace, to follow Mary's example in the practice of these virtues: Without such imitation your love for her will be a weak thing indeed, and you cannot expect to receive evident proof of her special protection.

True enough, you recite daily prayers in her honour; you give external signs of your devotion to her; your belong to a society that is especially consecrated to her. And all this binds her to ask God for the saving graces you need. But if your devotion does not take you a step further and lead you to imitatte her virtues, then your devotion will not save you. The philistines took possession of the ark of the Lord and adorned it with their gifts. But the ark did not become a source of blessing for them, because they continued to adore their idols as before.

O Queen of all the virtues, is it not fitting that one who loves you should do for you what he does for his friends in this world? We try to adapt ourselves to our friends' character and to make their likes and dislikes our own. Such adaptation leads to a union of hearts. In fact, we may say that where there is no likeness there can be on friendship. Your heart, Blessed Virgin, is utterly humble, pure, submissive to God's will, and zealous for His interests. How can itbe united in the bonds of affectin to a heart that is pleasure-seeking, proud, unresigned to God's will, and without zeal for His glory?

The Apostle rightly says: "If you love me, then imitate me as I imitate Jesus" (1 Cor 4:16). If you are really my children (Mary says), then make your mother's spirit your own: the spirit of charity, peace, self-denial, and reverent love for God. Holy Virgin, from now on I will show you my loving devotion by imitationg your virtues. THere is no greate homage, no greater proof of love, that I can give.

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Observer Status

These past days I labeled 'Observer Status'.

You know how you feel when you feel like nothing is happening at this moment in your soul, yet you know god is shaping you with the currents of divine love? Fatherly love in particular? That is how I make sense of the silent working of god's action, god's Holy Spirit on me these days. I don't feel like I am on a spiritual high, nor do i feel low. I don't even feel like its a feeling. I imagine that I am in the abode of providence, and what ever happens to me is willed by god. The good and bad things of my day. And I had many.

First of all I was told by my boss to look for another job, mainly because of my irresponsible approach to work. When I was told this, I was calm and relaxed. Something that the average person would not be. I turned to god in prayer immediately, continuing my petition to him for a stable job. Of course it affected me, but I was not frantic and anxious like my usual disposition would be. On the inside was peaceful. I heard that I need to leave at the end of the year. Thank god for the extention.

On top of that my family and I need a house to relocate to at the end of the month, and we have found none as yet. With all of this I am calm and very trusting and hopeful. It must be god at work in me.

Please say a prayer for me and my family. Thanks alot for your support

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