As I sat down to write this post, I fully intended to comment on the Gospel from today’s Mass (Lk 11:27-28).? Sometimes mistakenly interpreted as a put-down of Mary by Jesus, in reality it?is an strong endorsement of Our Lady’s holiness.? In response to a woman praising Mary for being the earthly mother of Jesus, the Lord emphasizes what really makes the Blessed Mother special: her constant obedience to God’s will.? As I prepared to type my thoughts on this encounter, however, I felt the Holy Spirit moving me in a different direction.?
Yesterday, was one of the most important days of my life and I’d like to share some of the details.? As some of you know, for the past 33 days I’ve been preparing to?consecrate my life to Jesus through Mary (according to the method popularized by St. Louis de Montfort).? I was able to rally a group of over 100 individuals to make this Total Consecration along with me.? As a way to encourage everyone, I’ve been reading the prayers and meditations on my nightly radio show and sending email blasts.? Yesterday, on the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, we made our consecration.? Responding to Jesus’ words spoken from the Cross (“Behold your mother”) in John 19:27, I took Mary into my home yesterday.? This morning we (“Mom” and I)?went to Mass and received Our Lord together.? When my words fell short and I wasn’t able to adequately give Him the praise He deserved, I asked her to take over and love Him with her heart.? Although I was tired, groggy and still fighting the after effects of shingles, I felt peaceful.? Mom is with me now and she’s never going to leave.? She will help me to?grow closer to her Son and, believe me, I need all the help I can get!
I have to admit, I was skeptical when I heard about the Montfort Consecration.? However, when I saw endorsements from Pope Pius IX, Pope Leo XIII, Pope St. Pius X, Pope Benedict XV, Pope Pius XI, Pope Pius XII, Blessed Pope John Paul II, Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Cardinal Justin Rigali, I realized that there was probably “something to this devotion”.? I decided to pursue it, figuring that these folks are a lot smarter than me, especially when it comes to the Catholic Faith.? I’m glad I did because I now see the power of Total Consecration!
So what changes for me?? On the surface, not a whole lot.? I’m still a husband, father, lay Catholic evangelist, author and radio host.? Internally, however, EVERYTHING has changed.? While I will still try to lead a good life and proclaim the “Good News” of the Catholic Faith, I’ll now do?all of my actions?by Mary, with Mary, in Mary and for Mary so that (according to St. Louis de Montfort) “we may do them all the more perfectly by Jesus, with Jesus, in Jesus and for Jesus”.
Even though my lay apostolate (Following The Truth) has existed since 2008, yesterday marked a new beginning for me and for my work.? “Mom” is now on the Board of Directors and will be helping to direct my efforts.? She will help me to move in the direction most pleasing to Our Lord.? I am excited to see where the road leads.? As long as she’s with me, I know that road will lead me straight to Jesus!
Thank you, Mom, for coming to live with me.? I love you and, borrowing the motto from Blessed Pope John Paul II’s pontificate, I am “Totus Tuus” (Totally Yours)!
“Totus tuus ego sum, et omnia mea tua sunt. Accipio te in mea omnia. Praebe mihi cor tuum, Maria.” (“I belong entirely to you, and all that I have is yours. I take you for my all. O Mary, give me your heart”) – St. Louis de Montfort
