I am very excited.? In 3 days, my Mom will be arriving and she’ll be staying with me for a LONG time.? We’re going to do lots of great things together and she will even be helping me to spread the “Good News” of the Catholic Faith through my Following The Truth apostolate.? Do you want to know the best news of all?? She?has promised to?be with me every time I speak to Jesus, especially when I receive?Him in Holy Communion.? She will even help?me when I get tongue-tied and don’t?know?what to say to the Lord.? What’s?the?big deal about that?? Did I mention that my Mom has never sinned and that her will is one with the will of?Jesus!? She has the unique ability of being able to “clean up” my prayer requests and present them to Jesus in the way that pleases Him the most.? Now do you see why I’m excited?!!!
As many of you know, I have been deeply involved (along with 100+ others individuals) in the 33 day preparation period for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary which will take place on October 7th.? Sometimes referred to as the Montfort Consecration (named for St. Louis de Montfort, who is credited with formalizing this devotion), it is considered by many to be the quickest and surest way to grow closer to the Lord.? In August of this year, I?decided ?to make the Total Consecration.? I also resolved to encourage?others to make the Consecration along with me.? In order to facilitate the process, I have?devoted ?all of my daily radio programs?for the past?month to preparing for this Consecration.? I’ve invited people to listen as I led the prayers and commented on the meditations.? Many of us have been corresponding by email and through a special Facebook group (Thanks, Katy!), as we traveled the road leading to Total Consecration.? For over a month, we’ve climbed hills and descended into valleys.??I have encountered obstacles ranging from apathy to a case of the shingles!?? But, due to God’s grace and the help of each other, we persevered.? And I’m glad we did!
I still have some last-minute “house cleaning” to do so that everything is ready when Mom arrives on Friday.? Even though I’ve spoken to her in the past and read about her life, our relationship has been lacking.? Unfortunately, the blame lies with me.? She’s always been there to help me, but I haven’t taken the time to get to know her and invite her into my life.? That changes on Friday, which just happens to be the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary.? On that day, along with over 100 others, I will turn my life over to the Blessed Mother, holding nothing back!? Our Lord offered us a gift 2,000 years ago as He was dying on the Cross.? Speaking to the beloved disciple (St. John), He uttered the words “Behold your mother”?and John “took her into his home” (Jn 19:27).? On October 7th, 2011, myself and over 100 others will also accept the Lord’s offer and take Mary into our homes and our lives and we will never be the same.
I can’t wait until you get here, Mom…I love you!!!
Hi Gary: I am finding that at mass I am more focused and appreciative at what is happening. I am so thankful for you taking on this consecration for us because it has truely helped me in understanding all of the prayers, meditations, etc, which I know I would not have if I did not do this with you. It has brought a deeper meaning for me and I know for others. God bless you Gary!
Wow! What an exciting course we have have run this last month. Nearer and dearer would be the two best words to describe my relationship to Jesus through Mary. Your program has uplifted, supported and aided my path throughout these last few weeks. It has made this, an already simple although profound journey, easier. How wonderful to be able to share what you love doing with others who feel the same to give you strength to share with those who don’t. Thank you Gary for your insights, style and motivation during these steps of preparation. It wasn’t always easy, but oh, hasn’t it been worth it?