What is Total Consecration?
Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary is a 33-day course that builds on True Devotion to Mary according to St. Louis Marie de Montfort. It’s an amazing way to grow deeper in your faith and draw closer to Jesus through Mary. Each of the 33 days includes a short video, some written reflections, and prayer time. Join us!
Part II: Knowledge of Self, Day 5
We are now on the fifth Day of Part II, Knowledge of Self and welcome to our series for consecration to Our Lady. From our manual for consecration, today presents the reality of judgment and punishment of sinners. This is one of the four last things mentioned by many saints and spiritual writers: Death, Judgment, Heaven or Hell. In considering the subject on judgment, we need to understand this; in the eyes of God and in his judgment, when he will execute judgment, nothing can escape, everything is written down, all our thoughts, words and actions, everything is well recorded. The proud, whether weak or strong, the self-righteous and the vindictive, those who are sinful through weakness of will, those who are hardened sinners who deliberately refuse to consider the day of judgment; everyone will stand before the Judge from whom there is nothing hidden, everyone receives no excuses but will be judged by what is just.
The Catechism says, “On Judgment Day, Christ will come to judge the living and the dead, the glorious Christ will reveal the secret disposition of hearts, and will render to each man according to his works and according to his acceptance and refusal of grace.” (CCC #682) We have to acknowledge that we are frail creatures, so prone to evil, and life is filled with many miseries. Again, nothing escapes in the rigor of God’s justice, not even idle words we spoke, and the time we wasted in our life. From the gospel of St. Matthew Our Lord says: “On the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter.”[Matt 12:36] When we pray the Confiteor, we beg our Lord to forgive us of our sins: in our thoughts, in our words, in what we have done and what we have failed to do. Now, if we render an account on idle words, which harm no one as Our Lord says, how severe would it be, when we give an account demanded of us, on our sinful and impure words, immodest actions, sinful glances and curiosities, and also for those times we spent for sinful deeds. Today, our manual for consecration says this, “O miserable sinner, O foolish sinner, what will you answer to God who knows your evil deeds–you who are sometimes afraid of an angry man? Why don’t you provide for yourself against the Day of Judgment, when no man can be excused or defended by another, but each one will have enough to do to answer for himself.”
St. John Chrysostom frequently uses this truth as a means to exhort his listeners to virtues; “If you would labor effectively to make your soul a temple and abode of the divinity, never lose sight of the solemn and awful day when you appear before the tribunal of Christ, to render an account of all your works […] consider the irrevocable sentence, which will then be pronounced upon mankind, and the terrible separation which will follow. Before it’s too late, let us save ourselves from this terrible misfortune, by a humble and sincere confession of our sins.” Let us ask ourselves, how did I use my time, talent and treasure that God has given me? How is my stewardship?
Let us turn to Our Lady Virgin Most powerful to pray for us. We find in the Old Testament, powerful typological feminine figures: in the book of Judges, for example, we have Jael, who struck the head of a Canaanite commander, another was Judith who cut the head of Holofernes, and Esther who, powerfully pleaded before the King to save the Israelites. These are prefigurations of Mary, Virgin Most Powerful. St. Louis de Montfort says: “Mary must shine forth more than ever, in mercy, in might and in grace, especially in latter times.” Surely Our Lady will shine more than ever in power. The saint added, “Mary must be terrible to the devil and his crew as an army ranged in battle, principally in these latter times. Virgin Most Powerful, pray for us!
Readings and Prayers for Day 17 of 33
Spiritual Exercises: Prayers, examines, reflections, acts of renouncement of our own will, of contrition for our sins, of contempt of self all performed at the feet of Mary, for it is from her we hope for light to know ourselves, and it is near her that we shall be able to measure the abyss of our miseries without despairing.
Imitation: Book 1, chapter 24 & Luke Chapter 16: 1-8
Imitation: Book 1, chapter 24
Judgment and the Punishment of Sin
Judgment and the Punishment of Sinners In all things consider the end; how you shall stand before the strict Judge from Whom nothing is hidden and Who will pronounce judgment in all justice, accepting neither bribes nor excuses. And you, miserable and wretched sinner, who fear even the countenance of an angry man, what answer will you make to the God Who knows all your sins? Why do you not provide for yourself against the day of judgment when no man can be excused or defended by another because each will have enough to do to answer for himself?
Luke Chapter 16: 1-8
The Parable of the Dishonest Steward.
1 He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a steward, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his goods.
2 And he called him and said to him, `What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’
3 And the steward said to himself, `What shall I do since my master is taking the stewardship away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.
4 I have decided what to do, so that people may receive me into their houses when I am put out of the stewardship.’
5 So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, `How much do you owe my master?’
6 He said, `A hundred measures of oil.’ And he said to him, `Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’
7 Then he said to another, `And how much do you owe?’ He said, `A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, `Take your bill, and write eighty.’
8 The master commended the dishonest steward for his shrewdness; for the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.
Litany of the Holy Ghost
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Father all powerful, have mercy on us
Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us.
Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us.
Holy Trinity, hear us
Holy Ghost, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.
Holy Ghost, Who art equal to the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.
Promise of God the Father, R. have mercy on us
Ray of heavenly light,
Author of all good,
Source of heavenly water,
Consuming fire,
Ardent charity,
Spiritual unction,
Spirit of love and truth,
Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
Spirit of counsel and fortitude,
Spirit of knowledge and piety,
Spirit of the fear of the Lord,
Spirit of grace and prayer,
Spirit of peace and meekness,
Spirit of modesty and innocence,
Holy Ghost, the Comforter,
Holy Ghost, the Sanctifier,
Holy Ghost, Who governest the Church,
Gift of God, the Most High,
Spirit Who fillest the universe,
Spirit of the adoption of the children of God,
Holy Ghost, inspire us with horror of sin.
Holy Ghost, come and renew the face of the earth.
Holy Ghost, shed Thy light in our souls.
Holy Ghost, engrave Thy law in our hearts
Holy Ghost, inflame us with the flame of Thy love.
Holy Ghost, open to us the treasures of Thy graces
Holy Ghost, teach us to pray well.
Holy Ghost, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations.
Holy Ghost, lead us in the way of salvation
Holy Ghost, grant us the only necessary knowledge.
Holy Ghost, inspire in us the practice of good.
Holy Ghost, grant us the merits of all virtues.
Holy Ghost, make us persevere in justice.
Holy Ghost, be Thou our everlasting reward.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Send us Thy Holy Ghost.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety.
V. Come, Holy Ghost! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful,
R. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.
Let Us Pray
Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame and
purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us
fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with
Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth forever and
ever. Amen.
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
English
Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ hear us.
R. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven,
R. Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Holy Mary, R. Pray for us.
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of virgins,
Mother of Christ,
Mother of the Church,
Mother of divine grace,
Mother most pure,
Mother most chaste,
Mother inviolate,
Mother undefiled,
Mother most amiable,
Mother most admirable,
Mother of good counsel,
Mother of our Creator,
Mother of our Savior,
Virgin most prudent,
Virgin most venerable,
Virgin most renowned,
Virgin most powerful,
Virgin most merciful,
Virgin most faithful,
Mirror of justice,
Seat of wisdom,
Cause of our joy,
Spiritual vessel,
Vessel of honor,
Singular vessel of devotion,
Mystical rose,
Tower of David,
Tower of ivory,
House of gold,
Ark of the covenant,
Gate of heaven,
Morning star,
Health of the sick,
Refuge of sinners,
Comforter of the afflicted,
Help of Christians,
Queen of Angels,
Queen of Patriarchs,
Queen of Prophets,
Queen of Apostles,
Queen of Martyrs,
Queen of Confessors,
Queen of Virgins,
Queen of all Saints,
Queen conceived without original sin,
Queen assumed into heaven,
Queen of the most holy Rosary,
Queen of families,
Queen of peace,
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
R. Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
R. Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
R. Have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we Thy servants may enjoy lasting health of soul and body, and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, be delivered from present sorrow and enter into the joy of eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Latin
Kyrie, eleison.
R. Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, audi nos.
R. Christe, exaudi nos.
Pater de caelis, Deus,
R. miserere nobis.
Fili, Redemptor mundi, Deus,
Spiritus Sancte, Deus,
Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus,
Sancta Maria,
R.Ora pro nobis.
Sancta Dei Genitrix,
Sancta Virgo virginum,
Mater Christi,
Mater Ecclesiae,
Mater divinae gratiae,
Mater purissima,
Mater castissima,
Mater inviolata,
Mater intemerata,
Mater amabilis,
Mater admirabilis,
Mater boni Consilii,
Mater Creatoris,
Mater Salvatoris,
Virgo prudentissima,
Virgo veneranda,
Virgo praedicanda,
Virgo potens,
Virgo clemens,
Virgo fidelis,
Speculum iustitiae,
Sedes sapientiae,
Causa nostrae laetitiae,
Vas spirituale,
Vas honorabile,
Vas insigne devotionis,
Rosa mystica,
Turris Davidica,
Turris eburnea,
Domus aurea,
Foederis arca,
Ianua caeli,
Stella matutina,
Salus infirmorum,
Refugium peccatorum,
Consolatrix afflictorum,
Auxilium Christianorum,
Regina Angelorum,
Regina Patriarcharum,
Regina Prophetarum,
Regina Apostolorum,
Regina Martyrum,
Regina Confessorum,
Regina Virginum,
Regina Sanctorum omnium,
Regina sine labe originali concepta,
Regina in caelum assumpta,
Regina Sacratissimi Rosarii,
Regina familiarum,
Regina pacis,
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi,
R. parce nobis, Domine.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi,
R. exaudi nos, Domine.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi,
R. miserere nobis.
V. Ora pro nobis, Sancta Dei Genitrix,
R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.
Oremus.
Concede nos famulos tuos, quaesumus, Domine Deus, perpetua mentis et corporis sanitate gaudere: et gloriosa beatae Mariae semper Virginis intercessione, a praesenti liberari tristitia, et aeterna perfrui laetitia. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.
R. Amen.
Ave Maris Stella
Hail, bright star of ocean,
God’s own Mother blest,
Ever sinless Virgin,
Gate of heavenly rest.
Taking that sweet Ave
Which from Gabriel came,
Peace confirm within us,
Changing Eva’s name.
Break the captives’ fetters,
Light on blindness pour,
All our ills expelling,
Every bliss implore.
Show thyself a Mother;
May the Word Divine,
Born for us thy Infant,
Hear our prayers through thine.
Virgin all excelling,
Mildest of the mild,
Freed from guilt, preserve us,
Pure and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless,
Make our way secure,
Till we find in Jesus,
Joy forevermore.
Through the highest Heaven
To the Almighty Three,
Father, Son and Spirit,
One same glory be. Amen.
