August 7: Day 2 of the Novena for the Feast of the Assumption

POVERTY

Poverty is another trait of Our Lady during her whole life, but we want to underline it from the beginning of her journey. All paths taken suppose and demand poverty. It is impossible to go on a journey if we are loaded with too many things. A journey is always a detachment from persons and things.

The poverty of Mary was a progressive detachment, a mysterious insecurity and a dark premonition. Her poverty fulfills perfectly the messianic ideal of a “humble and modest” people, the anawim who remain faithful and who seek refuge in the name of the Lord. Jesus thought of her above all, when he proclaimed, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Jesus did nothing but describe Mary when he proclaimed the beatitudes. 

Thanks to this radical and evangelical poverty, Mary lived in total simplicity, open to the Word of God and in joyful dependence to His will.

(silent reflection)

Prayer

Lord God, with love you look at the humble and the poor and You reveal to them, as you revealed to Mary, the presence of your Son. By your Spirit, allow us to see in them the sacrament of your visit, through Jesus Our Lord.  

Amen.