Twenty-ninth Day
Mary stood by when her Son died for the redemption of souls. But through her whole holy life she had constantly before her mind the work He had come to accomplish. Now she sees those souls red with the divine blood by which they were purchased. She lives in the joys of heaven, to which all souls are likewise destined. Her Son gave His life for the souls of men; but she as Mother gave her Son for that purpose. Therefore the love of her heart embraces also purgatory; and therefore she is also the loving Mother of the souls in purgatory. The woman in the Gospel who so eagerly and persistently sought after her lost groat, is but a faint symbol of the love of Mary for the souls which she has lost—though only for a time—which she sees separated from heaven, from her Son, and from herself, and suffering in the flames of fire. She burns with love for those poor souls, well remembering the words of her divine Son, when He said that even a cup of water given in His name would be rewarded with the joy of heaven. And if Jesus, while hanging on the cross, cried out, “I thirst,” which, according to the opinion of the Holy Fathers, meant “I thirst for souls,” can we suppose that Mary will not satisfy His desire, and still His thirst? “Those who love and truly serve this most gentle Mother can indeed be called fortunate, for not alone here on earth, but also hereafter in purgatory, will she be their helper and comforter.”
Prayer.
Release, O Lord, etc., etc.