Ave Maria Meditations
Love of the Blessed Virgin produces a marvelous tenderness in our whole spiritual life. Little by little, this love enriches our heart with a sentiment of trust and submission previously unknown. It leads us step by step to the joyful acceptance and love of the many trials which beset us.
O Mary, I owe you so much! May I always be grateful to you. O Mary, I love you, I love you; forgive my negligence.
The one who loves Mary follows the path of salvation; the one who disdains her love, even if he had the gift of miracles, does not deserve any trust. Why yield to fear still when we love Mary with a sincere love? The person whom Mary has won to her love remains always held in the net of her affection, and the more the devil tries to tear him away from her influence, the more the net of the Virgin closes around him to protect him.
Mother like no other, Mother most admirable, pray for us!
O how sweet you are! Why is it that the servants of Mary obey in everything with such joyful simplicity? What is it that gives them such filial tenderness in their relations with God? Why are they so understanding, so kind and friendly with the worst people in the same way? O Mary, it is you. Through the maternal protection with which you enfold them, you communicate to them, without their knowledge, your signature humility and your unequalled sweetness.
Blessed Edward Poppe
