Mary doesn’t abandon her devotees at death, Mary: Day 312

Last updated on: May 28, 2016 at 3:30 am by Pete Socks

Mary doesn’t abandon her devotees at death, Mary: Day 312 2016-05-20T19:46:43-05:00 Pete Socks

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Mary doesn’t abandon her devotees at death

We can learn an important lesson, St. Alphonsus tells us, from the story of how St. John of God spent his last moments.

How quickly do the rebellious spirits fly from the presence of this queen! If at the hour of death we have only the protection of Mary, what do we need to fear from all our hellish enemies? O God, what a consolation it will be at that last moment of our lives, when our eternal destiny is so soon to be decided, to see the Queen of Heaven assisting and consoling us with the assurance of her protection.

St. John of God, who was tenderly devoted to Mary, fully expected that she would visit him on his deathbed. So when he didn’t see her come to him as he lay dying, he was distressed, and perhaps even complained. But when his last hour had come, the Mother of God appeared and gently reproved him for his lack of confidence.

She addressed him in these tender words, which should encourage all ser- vants of Mary: “John, it is not in me to forsake my devotees at such a moment.” It was as though she had said: “John, what were you thinking? Did you imagine that I had abandoned you? And don’t you know that I never abandon my devo- tees at the hour of death?

“If I didn’t come sooner, it was because your time had not yet come. But now that it has come, see that I’m here to take you. Let’s go to heaven.” Shortly afterward, the saint breathed his last and fled to that blessed kingdom, there to thank his most loving queen for all eternity. So let’s be of good heart, even though we’re sinners, and feel confident that Mary will come and assist us at death, and comfort and console us with her presence—provided only that we serve her with love during the remainder of the time we have in this world. —St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Do I serve Mary in such a way now that I can be confident she will come and assist me at death?

CLOSING PRAYER

From a prayer of St. Alphonsus: Mary, sweet refuge of miserable sinners, when my soul is on the point of leaving this world, drive the Enemy from hell far from me, and come and take my soul to yourself, and present it to the eternal Judge.

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