The Goodness of Mary

Morning Star

What is the Morning Star? It is a very special star the signals the end of darkness. A Morning Star is brighter than other stars of the night, as it heralds in the new day. It is the brightest star before the sun rises. A Morning Star heralds in the sky, indicating the sun will soon arrive. It is the end to darkness, the end of night. The danger that occurs in the darkness is about to end as the night falls away.

In the fullness of time, before Jesus arrives, a pure light shines. A pure light arrives. A light that is bright and beautiful. The light that heralds into the world, a light that is more glorious is to arrive.

Our Lady is the Morning Star. She is the first light and announces the arrival of dawn, or the coming of the Lord. Saturday is dedicated to Our Lady. Sunday is the day of the Lord. Saturday is the day we prepares for the coming of the Lord on Sunday. The Morning Star prepares us by giving us a gentle glow of light. It prepares our eyes to see the brighter light which is to come, as darkness falls away.

Consider the times when life is very difficult and hardship seems will never end. Then we get a glimpse of the Morning Star. It is a glimpse that gives us the hope the end of darkness is near. Our Lady prepares us to receive the great light of the sun … son. Morning Star: Pray for us!

The next four titles have something in common. As we name her, we also name ourselves. Health, Comfort, Refuge and Help. We call out because of the many specific realities we face: sickness, afflictions, sin, guilt.

We know Mary better now, after exploring her different titles. In doing so, we have confidence in her. We call out to the Gate of Heaven, the Vessel of Devotion and the Mother of God. We call upon her for help!

Health of the Sick

Personal affliction is a reminder we need the Lord. Life is fragile. We may be robbed of our health. On our own, we can do nothing. The pandemic enforces this statement. The pandemic does not care if one is rich or poor. It reaches out to all. Call upon her. Call upon the Health of the Sick. Why? Hear more upon the Health of the Sick within the audio. Health of the Sick: Pray for Us!

Comforter of the Afflicted

Affliction comes in so many ways: alcohol, drugs, unemployment and a thousand more ways. When we are afflicted, we require comforting. Many just reach out for fleeting comfort. Alcohol, perhaps, to drown our sorrows for example. Pray to the comforter. Why is Mary the comforter? She suffered affliction at the foot of The Cross. Our Blessed Mother stands with us! Our Lady stands with the Body of Christ! Mary is our mother, given to us at the foot of The Cross. She knows the affliction in mind, body and heart.

We need a true source of comfort. Not one which is a fleeting moment. One that is permanent. Pray to her and you will receive comfort and peace. Listen to more about the comforter. Comforter of the Afflicted: Pray for Us!

Refuge of Sinners

We are all sinners. We are all guilty, with numerous regrets throughout our lives. How many times have we shown little value for Our Lord? How many times have we ignored Our Lord in our life? When facing the truth of our wickedness, we may despair. Yet, Mary is still here. Hear more about this title. Refuge of Sinners: Pray for us!

Help of Christians

This title was first given when the Church was under attack and it looked like it might be destroyed by the world. The Church turned to Our Lady, asking her to pray for us and with us! All members of the Body of Christ can call upon her for hope! A laborer who is struggling, a mother with a sick child, all of us can call upon her! We all need help, the very rich and the very poor. Everyone can call upon her.

We all need help, not just when we are sick. We need to call upon the Goodness of Mary. All of us also need help even when we are not threatened. We need help in using our wealth, for example. For some, help is needed in being united as a family. Hear more on this topic. Help of Christians: Pray for us!

Notice how the Litany names Our Lady through aspects of Motherhood, and through aspects of Virginity. In confidence that is produced by meditating and praying to Mary, we turn to her and name her the Morning Star, followed by four titles in which we pray for help.

We need help to lift our eyes to see the light of the beautiful star. And in seeing the light, call out with renewed confidence, knowing the Morning Star prepares us for the glorious light to come.

Listen to this conference and meditate on The Goodness of Mary.