Remember Mary is the theme of the January edition of E-Voc, the monthly newsletter of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.

The month of January begins with the feast of Mary, the Mother of God. She is the doorway through which we enter into the New Year. How appropriate, since she is the one through whom the Divine Word entered our human history! Having just passed through the season of Advent waiting, wondering and hoping, Mary as Mother of God continues to guide the discerning heart towards openness to the Spirit.

Mary is one who held the memory of God’s promises. Her cousin Elizabeth exclaimed, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” She remembered what God had promised to her and allowed that deep memory to move her forward in faith, even in times of darkness. Mary’s grace-full-ness helped her remember the events of salvation history that were lodged in the deep memory of the Jewish people and to claim her own part in that story with great humility.

“The Mighty One has done great things for me … God has come to the help of his lowly servant … God has remembered the promises made to Israel…” Mary remembered God’s promises to her and to her people. God has remembered and God will remember the promises made. God is the great promise-keeper!

Mary can be our model when we doubt the presence, the activity, the power or the personal call of God in our times of discernment. “Remember!” she says with conviction. Take a look back at your personal salvation history. See how God has reached into your life and remember the promises you have tucked away in your own treasure of memories. When you find yourself doubting, call out to Mary in the beautiful prayer of remembering, the Memorare.

The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.