Grace, Purity, and Mary’s Intercession – Aug 05 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Aug 05, 2024, on how the dedication of St. Mary Major reminds us of Mary's essential role as the Mother of God and Mediatrix of all graces, calling us to seek her intercession for holiness and purity.

The Basilica of St. Mary Major, a historic church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built by Pope St. Sixtus III after the Council of Ephesus confirmed that Mary is the Mother of God, thus honoring the role of Mary in our salvation. The homily reflects on the importance of Mary’s mediation and the grace of God, comparing grace to snow, which purifies and renews us. We are called to emulate Mary's purity and seek her intercession to resist sin and become holy.

00:00 - Dedication of St. Mary Major
00:15 - Pope St. Sixtus III and the Council of Ephesus
00:38 - Importance of Mary as Mother of God
01:02 - History of the Basilica's Construction
01:45 - Sixtus III's Mosaic and Poem
02:14 - Martyrs and Mary's Intercession
03:24 - Early Christian Prayers to Mary
03:56 - Mary as Mediatrix of All Graces
04:17 - Symbolism of Grace and Snow
05:54 - Legend of Snowfall at St. Mary Major
07:11 - Mary's Purity and Mediation
07:51 - Grace and Purity in Christian Life

Ave Maria!

Mass: Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major - Opt Mem - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_di_Santa_Maria_Maggiore
Readings: Monday in the 18th Week in Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/080524.cfm
1st: jer 28:1-17
Resp: psa 119:29, 43, 79, 80, 95, 102
Gsp: mat 14:13-21

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1124&r=904

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