Episode 2184: St. John of the Cross, St. Louis de Montfort and the Magnificat

In today’s episode, we delve into the profound insights of St. John of the Cross, St. Louis de Montfort, and the Virgin Mary as revealed in the Gospel of Luke. Our focus will be on understanding the transformative power of divine love, the role of humility, and the profound impact of surrendering to God's will.
"Where there is no love, put love and you will find love." — St. John of the Cross
St. John of the Cross, a Spanish mystic and Doctor of the Church, is renowned for his deep spiritual insights and poetic expressions of divine love. This quote encapsulates his teaching on the active pursuit of love as a means of spiritual transformation.
Active Charity: St. John emphasizes that love is not merely a feeling but an active choice. In situations where love is absent, we are called to be the source of that love.
Spiritual Growth: This principle encourages us to look beyond our natural inclinations and to cultivate a love that reflects Christ’s selfless and sacrificial love.
Finding God in Others: By putting love where it is lacking, we not only transform the environment but also draw closer to God, who is the source of all love.
Now lets transition to St Louis De Monfort
"Dearly beloved Mother, grant, if it is possible, that I may have no other spirit but yours to know Jesus and his divine will; that I may have no other soul but yours to praise and glorify the Lord; that I may have no other heart but yours to love God with a love as pure and passionate as yours. I do not ask you for visions, revelations, feelings of devotion, or spiritual pleasures. It is your privilege to see God clearly; it's your privilege to enjoy heavenly bliss; it's your privilege to triumph gloriously in heaven at the right hand of your Son and to hold absolute sway over angels, men, and demons; it is your privilege to dispose of all the gifts of God, just as you wish . . . The only grace I beg you to obtain for me is that every day and every moment of my life I may say: Amen, so be it, to all that you did while on earth; amen, so be it, to all that you are now doing in heaven; amen, so be it, to all that you are doing in my soul, so that you alone may fully glorify Jesus in me for time and eternity." —St. Louis de Montfort
St. Louis de Montfort, a French priest and confessor, is celebrated for his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and his promotion of Marian consecration. This prayer reflects his deep desire for total union with Mary to achieve a perfect love for Jesus.
Total Consecration: St. Louis de Montfort's spirituality centers on consecrating oneself to Jesus through Mary, recognizing her unique role in God’s plan of salvation.
Humility and Surrender: The prayer highlights a profound humility and a willingness to surrender completely to God's will, embodying the virtues of Mary.
Union with Mary: By seeking to embody Mary’s spirit, soul, and heart, St. Louis de Montfort teaches us to aspire to her perfect discipleship and intimate relationship with Jesus.
Daily Verse: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever." — Luke 1:46-55
This passage, known as the Magnificat, is the Virgin Mary’s hymn of praise in response to the Annunciation, where she accepts God’s will to become the Mother of Jesus.
Mary's Humility: Mary acknowledges her lowliness and the greatness of God, exemplifying the virtue of humility that should be at the heart of every believer.
God's Faithfulness: The Magnificat reflects God's faithfulness to His promises, showing His mercy across generations and His preferential option for the humble and oppressed.
Reversal of Fortunes: The hymn speaks of God’s justice, where the proud are humbled and the lowly exalted, highlighting a divine reversal that is central to the Gospel message.

Conclusion:
As we reflect on the wisdom of St. John of the Cross, St. Louis de Montfort, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, let us be inspired to cultivate a love that actively seeks to transform our world, to embrace humility and surrender to God’s will, and to magnify the Lord in all that we do. By following these examples, we can grow closer to Christ and live out our faith more fully each day. Thank you for joining us on "Faithful Reflections." May God's love and peace be with you always. Now go out and convert somebody. Good Day