Hail Mary, full of grace.
Oh Mother Mary, Virgin Mary, Holy Mary! The Archangel Gabriel called out to you, and you obediently gave attention. You set the example for us Holy Mother. When we hear the word or the voice of God calling us we must also be mindful and give attention for the Lord does not speak to strangers but to his beloved. The Lord speaks to us as He knows us. We are all His children. When I hear the Lord calling I will stop and say to my Lord, “Speak Father for I am listening”. Nothing will come between me and the voice of God in that instant.
The Archangel acknowledged that Mother Mary was full of grace; the grace of God. She was already in His favour. The use of those words came not from the Archangel but through the will of God. Oh chosen one, pure one, the Lord’s elect. I look to you and seek how to cleanse myself of all impurity. How can the Lord ever want to speak to me in my present state of defilement? It is I who impedes me yet at every occasion I blame others for my own shortfalls. Show me Blessed Mother how I can take a small sip from that fountain of grace which you live so that I too may glance up at a chance meeting before the Lord.
Our Lord is with thee.
Yes, our Lord is truly the Lord of all. He is the Lord of those who seek him; those who do not and those who disparage him. Where do I fall my Lord? I fear that I straddle through and through among all these my Lord. I wish you to be with me too. Why can You not be with me always? Am I that seed that strays off the fertile soil? I see the sun, I feel the rain, yet I sprout no roots. Mother Mary had You with her. Oh Holy Mother, I stretch out my hand. Please take it and lead me to the Lord. Show me the way for the Lord is with you and not with me.
Blessed art thou among women,
Truly blessed are you our Holy Mother. You are blessed not only among women but also among all humankind. The Lord blessed you with the grace of being mother to His beloved Son Jesus Christ. In perfect purity you gave birth through your virginity and delivered amongst us all, our Saviour. Humble was He born yet mighty He has risen. We await the return of the Lord’s beloved Son.
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Jesus, the holy fruit of your womb in which we share in the Holy Eucharist. Oh sweet splendor and life giving fruit; please nourish us with your divinity. Blessed Mother, you prepared a feast of holiness when you gave birth. Invite us to the table and let us all share in the goodness you offer us all. Let no one leave hungry from this holy table. Feed all of your poor children through the fruit of thy womb.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
By your name you are called Holy for you were selected and called by God Himself to be the mother of His Son, Jesus Christ. Mother Mary, please call us by name to you. Let each and every one of us hear our name called by thy sweet holy lips. I fear I am going deaf oh sweet Mother. Please keep calling. Never give up on me.
pray for us sinners,
A sinner I was born and I sinner I will die. Please pray for me my Holy Mother for without your prayers I will not be with my Lord and Saviour. I weigh heavy with my burdens and I struggle under the weight. My legs want to buckle but I press on in the hope that your prayers will lead me to my Lord and be saved. My clothes are drenched in tears. Oh Mother, let your gentle breath when you pray dry my clothes. Brush away my tears with your prayers.
now and at the hour of our death.
It is always the hour of our death for we know not when death will come. I will call on you my dear Mother so that not an empty minute will go by when my prayers are not being heard by you; for fear that my time is now.
Amen.
Peace…Grace…Silence
Copyright 2016, Luciano Corbo
Luciano Corbo
Luciano Corbo holds a Master of Arts - Integrated Studies from Athabasca University. His major interests are Culture, Work, Organizations and Leadership, within a context of Catholic Social Teaching Principles. He writes from Canada.
2 responses to “Hail Mary – A Meditation”
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Greetings Bob. Thank you for your note.
If one was to quote scripture, then you are absolutely correct. One should use, “The Lord is with thee.”
The Hail Mary Prayer has been revised a number of times through the centuries. Using the term “The Lord is with thee” in the prayer version, (rather than quoting scripture), is actually a recent revision. The traditional form is in fact, “Our Lord is with thee.” This is how one would have prayed the Hail Mary a century ago.
I am including a link that you may find interesting. It provides some of the history for the prayer.
God Bless,
Luciano
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07110b.htm