This does not mean that he who has found Mary by true devotion will be exempt from crosses and sufferings.
Far from it; he is more besieged by them than others are, because Mary, the mother of the living, gives to all her children portions of the Tree of Life, which is the Cross of Jesus.
But along with their crosses she also imparts the grace to carry them patiently and even cheerfully; and thus it is that the crosses which she lays upon those who belong to her are rather steeped in sweetness than filled with bitterness.
If for a while her children feel the bitterness of the cup which one must drink in order to be the friend of God, the consolation and joy which the good Mother sends after the trial encourage them exceedingly to carry still heavier and more painful crosses.
Taken from The Secret of Mary by St. Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort
I really was happy to read these words again which are so very easily forgotten.
ReplyDeleteThankyou for the Lenten reminder!
AZ