Adoration of the Magi
MABUSE
c. 1510


TWENTY-FOURTH VISIT
Visit to the Blessed Virgin Mary

My most powerful Lady, in the midst of my misgivings as to my eternal salvation, how great is the confidence which I feel when I have recourse to thee; and when I think that thou, my Mother, art, on the one hand, so rich in graces, that St. John Damascene calls thee "a sea of graces;" [In Nat. V. M. or. 1] St. Bonaventure, "the assemblage of graces," [Spec. B. V. c. 7] that is, the source in which all graces are congregated; St. Ephrem, "a fountain of grace and of all consolation;" [De Laud. Dei Gen.] and St. Bernard, "the fullness of every good;" [De Aquaed.]----and when, on the other hand, I reflect that thy desire to do us good is so great, that thou esteemest thyself offended, as St. Bonaventure says, by him who does not ask thee for thy graces: "they sin against thee, O Lady," he says, "who do not ask of thee;"----O most rich, O most wise, and most merciful Queen, I see that thou knowest far better than I do the wants of my soul, and that thou lovest me far more than I can love thee! Know, then, the grace for which I now ask thee; obtain me the grace which thou knowest to be the most expedient for my soul. Ask this favor from God, and I am satisfied.

Ejaculatory prayer. My God, grant me the graces which Mary asks Thee for me!


[From the Naples Edition.]

Let us go, says St. Paul, to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy in the time of need. [Heb. iv. 16] Thou, divine Mary, art this throne or grace, [St. Antoninus-----P. 4. tit. 15. c. 14] from which God dispenses all His blessings. Most amiable Queen, thy delight is to assist those who are in the wretched state of sin: behold, then, at thy feet a grievous sinner, imploring the aid of thy prayers. Help me to the utmost of thy power, and without delay: the wonders of thy mercy will be enhanced by saving one that has deserved a thousand Hells. Thy Son cannot withstand thy intercession. I entreat thee, therefore, by the love which thou entertainest for Jesus, to procure pardon for me for the past, and grace to lead a holy life for the future. O Mary, thou art my strength. and the ground of my hope.



Ejaculatory prayer. O Mary, cast a look of compassion on me.

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