Day 26 or 27 of the 33-Day Consecration to Mary - God is Merciful

Today is day 26 or 27 of the 33-day consecration to Mary, depending on whether you were ending on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I forgot the kids’ school uniforms in the washer overnight and realized they were still wet with only 25 minutes to the usual departure time. We left 20 minutes late. And then I realized we forgot something at home and had to go back. The fog made the drive even slower. We arrived at school at least ten minutes after the bell. And I was surprised to see how many other people were coming in late. Six of my youngest’s classmates were streaming in. The administrative assistant tossed her arms in the air and said, “Go on in; we’re not counting tardies today!” Wow! On a day where we did not have our A game, the Lord gave us an A anyway! With the Lord, there is mercy. We all know little ones make mistakes and we smile at them. We laugh with love as they try and try again. God does the same with us if we can be humble. Love covers a multitude of sins. He can turn all things for good. I invite you to the sacrament of confession/reconciliation if you can go. It’s amazing how healing it is to say you’re sorry and ask for His help. He is generous. He is compassionate. He loves you and smiles as you try again. Psalms 130:3-4 If you, LORD, keep account of sins, Lord, who can stand? But with you is forgiveness and so you are revered. Today, we consecrate ourselves, our families, our nation and our church. A Solemn Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world. Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world. O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully. We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home. Amen. --Venerable Pope Pius XII