Our Lady of the Rosary

Today is the beautiful feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.   Only a few years ago, that would not have made an impression upon me because I really didn't pray the Rosary unless someone started one and it would appear rude for me to exit the scene.  I know, not very classy, but it is truth.

Over the last several years, I have gained a new found respect and love for this beautiful expression of prayer.  Perhaps it was through working closely with the teens in LifeTeen and hearing about how the Rosary changed their lives or brought them closer to Christ.  Perhaps it was listening to our youth minister describe his experience of praying a certain mystery while having a sort of metaphysical experience placing himself within the scene of a particular aspect of the mystery that converted my heart.

Whatever it was, it worked and I am forever grateful.  It has changed my prayer life, my heart, my focus for my life and my family.  It has opened my heart to a deeper level of Marian Devotion and though I am new to it all, I can see how drawing closer to the Blessed Mother is really drawing closer to Christ.

It is through the praying of the mysteries of the Rosary that I am able to place myself into the role of mother.  Trying to imagine being Mary, looking for my Son who was left behind at the Temple.  Or as a mother watching her Son being mocked, beaten, and eventually crucified.  As the mother holding her newborn Son for the first time.  Bringing Him to the priests to be consecrated to God.  All of these experiences do not focus on Mary, rather, they bring the very real human emotion into the scene.  I can experience the love, the pain, the sacrifice in a truer sense because I can relate to the occurrence as a mom.

I am currently reading True Devotion to Mary.  It is a bit over my head most of the time, but I am beginning to comprehend the message within the text.  Love of Our Lady does not take away from the love we have for her Son.  It only magnifies it.   Christ gave us His mother as He died on the cross.  She was the first Disciple of Christ.  She was the one who knew how to love Him perfectly.  How can we not learn from her example.

I invite you to delve into the Rosary.  Start with one decade a day.  Take baby steps.  Allow the love of Mary to move your heart and guide your soul towards her Son.