Saturday, August 5 : Saint Bernard

Mary was very discreet; we have proof of this in the gospel. Where do you see her having been talkative or full of presumption? Once she stood at the door wishing to speak to her son, but she did not use her maternal authority either to interrupt his preaching or to enter the house where he preached (Mk 3,31). If I remember correctly, the evangelists only allow Mary’s words to be heard four times. First, when she addressed the angel – and this was only in answer to him. Secondly, during her visit to Elizabeth when, having been praised by her cousin, Mary wanted to praise the Lord even more. Third, when she complained to her son, then aged twelve, that his father and she herself had searched for him anxiously. Fourth, at the wedding of Cana when she intervened with her son and the servants. On all other occasions Mary showed herself slow to speak, quick to listen, for she “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart,” (Lk 2,19.51). No, nowhere will you find that she spoke out, not even about the mystery of the Incarnation. Woe to those of us who are full of air! Woe to those of us who pour out our souls like leaky containers! How many times Mary heard her son, not only speaking in parables to the crowd, but in private, revealing to the disciples the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven. She saw him working miracles, then hanging on the cross, dying, risen and ascending to heaven. How many times could we say that on any of those occasions the Virgin’s voice was heard?… The greater Mary is, the more she humbles herself, not just in all things but more than all.

Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team