Episode 2829: Explaining the Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Monday Prime with Sharon

Introduction:
Sharon: Welcome to today’s episode of The Heavenly Hosts and the Sinless Virgin – Little Office of the BVM – Monday Prime
where we explore the rich spiritual heritage of the Church from a traditional Catholic perspective. I’m Sharon, your host, and joining me as always is Walt, our insightful co-host and not a bad Catholic Apologist if I might say so.
Walt: Thanks, Sharon. Today, we’ll delve into the Byzantine Troparion and other prayers and passages that highlight the heavenly hosts, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the profound beauty of contrition and redemption. We’ll also include reflections from the great saints and theologians to deepen our understanding. Sharon do you mind opening with a prayer?
Opening Prayer:
Sharon (Host): In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we come before You in humility and gratitude for the gift of faith. Send forth Your Holy Spirit to guide our words and enlighten our hearts. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels, and all the saints, may this podcast inspire all who listen to draw closer to Your eternal truth and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sharon:
Segment 1: The Heavenly Hosts
Let’s begin with the Byzantine Troparion, which addresses the princes of the heavenly hosts. It reads:
"Princes of the heavenly hosts, we, though unworthy, beg you to encircle us through your prayers under the shelter of the wings of your spiritual glory. Guard us as we come to you and sincerely cry: 'Deliver us from dangers, O princes of the powers on high!'"
This beautiful prayer reminds us of the heavenly protection we are invited to ask for—especially from St. Michael and the angels who stand before the throne of God.
Walt:
Exactly, Sharon. The Troparion reminds us of the intercessory power of the angels. St. Thomas Aquinas, in his Summa Theologica, describes the angels as God’s messengers and protectors. They play a vital role in our spiritual journey by inspiring us to choose good and avoid evil.
St. Michael the Archangel, as the leader of the heavenly hosts, exemplifies this. In Revelation 12:7-9, we read about how St. Michael and his angels defeated the devil and his forces. This spiritual battle is ongoing, and the angels assist us by defending us against temptations and guiding us to holiness.
Sharon:
That’s an important point, Walt. This prayer highlights our need for humility as we approach the angels. We recognize that we are unworthy yet confident in their readiness to guard us under the shelter of their spiritual glory. It’s a beautiful reminder of God’s providence.
Walt:
Absolutely. Another way to think about the heavenly hosts is through the Choirs of Angels. Each choir has its unique role in God’s divine plan. For example:
• The Seraphim worship God continuously, proclaiming His holiness.
• The Cherubim guard divine mysteries and the Garden of Eden.
• The Archangels, like St. Michael, are protectors and messengers to humanity.
Understanding their roles can deepen our devotion and inspire us to pray more fervently for their assistance.
Sharon:
And let’s not forget that the angels also aid us in our mission to evangelize. Pope St. Gregory the Great described the angels as “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). Their role isn’t just to protect us but to help us bring others to Christ.
Walt:
Yes, Sharon. That’s why prayers like the St. Michael Prayer and devotions to the guardian angels are so powerful. They remind us that we’re not alone in this spiritual journey. The heavenly hosts are always interceding for us, leading us closer to God.
Sharon:
Let’s take a moment to reflect on how we can incorporate devotion to the angels in our daily lives. Whether it’s through morning prayers to our guardian angels, praying the Chaplet of St. Michael, or invoking their aid in moments of spiritual battle, we have so many opportunities to call upon these mighty helpers.
Transition to Segment 2:
Now, let’s explore how these heavenly beings play a role in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and our worship here on earth.
Sharon:
Segment 2: The Sinless Virgin
The role of the Blessed Virgin Mary shines brightly in prayers like the Byzantine Troparion and the beautiful hymn, Hail, Virginal Wisdom. These texts exalt Mary as the Immaculate Conception, chosen by God to be the dwelling place of His divine wisdom.
Her title as the Immaculate Conception reflects her unique privilege of being conceived without sin—a fitting preparation for her role as the Mother of God, or Theotokos.
Walt:
And Sharon, St. Louis de Montfort expresses this so perfectly in his True Devotion to Mary when he says:
"Mary is the safest, easiest, shortest, and most perfect way of approaching Jesus."
Mary’s sinlessness and her singular role as the Theotokos make her the most powerful intercessor we have before the throne of God. This reality is beautifully expressed in the Angel’s Prayer at Fatima, which reads:
"O my God, I believe, I adore, I hope, and I love Thee. I ask pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do not love Thee."
This prayer, taught to the children of Fatima by an angel, shows us how Mary’s Immaculate Heart is intertwined with our call to faith, adoration, and reparation for the sins of the world.
Sharon:
Exactly, Walt. Mary’s role is always to lead us to her Son, Jesus. Her fiat, her “yes” to God, serves as a perfect model of obedience and faith for all of us. When we invoke her intercession, we align ourselves with the will of God, just as she did at the Annunciation.
Walt:
That’s a great point. Her sinlessness doesn’t distance her from us—it draws her closer. She understands our struggles and offers her maternal care to bring us closer to Christ. This is why the Church encourages Marian devotion, especially through the Rosary, where we meditate on the mysteries of her life and her Son’s life.
Sharon:
Yes, and the Church Fathers often refer to Mary as the New Eve. While Eve’s disobedience brought sin into the world, Mary’s obedience opened the door to salvation. St. Irenaeus famously wrote, “The knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by Mary’s obedience.”
Walt:
That’s profound, Sharon. And her role doesn’t end there. Mary continues to intercede for us as our spiritual mother, especially through her Immaculate Heart. The messages of Fatima emphasize this, calling us to devotion to her heart as a means of attaining peace and salvation for the world.
Sharon:
This reminds me of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who had an intense devotion to Mary. He taught that by consecrating ourselves to her Immaculate Heart, we give her permission to shape us into saints. He said, “Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”
Walt:
Absolutely. And as Catholics, our love for Mary always leads to Jesus. Devotion to her is never an end in itself but a means of deepening our relationship with Christ.
Sharon:
Let’s challenge ourselves to grow closer to Mary this week. Perhaps it’s through praying the Rosary daily, meditating on her virtues, or making an act of consecration to her Immaculate Heart. Let’s allow her to guide us as we strive to follow her Son more closely.
Transition to Segment 3:
Next, we’ll explore how Mary and the heavenly hosts unite in their mission to draw us into the life of Christ and how they intersect in our liturgical worship.
Sharon:
Segment 3: Contrition and Redemption
Turning to Psalm 51, often called the Miserere, we encounter one of the most profound expressions of contrition in all of Scripture. Let’s hear these powerful words:
"Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy spirit from me."
This psalm, attributed to King David after his grave sin with Bathsheba, is a heartfelt plea for God’s mercy and a clean heart.
Walt:
Psalm 51 is indeed a timeless expression of repentance. King David’s sorrow reminds us that no sin is too great for God’s mercy if we approach Him with humility and contrition.
St. Augustine reflects on this psalm beautifully, saying:
"The tears of repentance are the wine of angels."
What a striking image! Our repentance not only restores us to God but also brings joy to the heavenly hosts. It’s a reminder that our journey of conversion is deeply connected to the spiritual realm.
Sharon:
That’s so true, Walt. Contrition isn’t just about feeling bad for our sins—it’s about turning back to God with our whole hearts, trusting in His mercy. The Church gives us a tangible way to do this through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Walt:
Yes, and the sacrament is such a gift. Through the priest, Christ Himself forgives our sins and restores the grace we’ve lost. St. John Vianney, the patron saint of priests, once said:
"God is quicker to forgive than a mother to snatch her child from the fire."
That’s the depth of God’s love and mercy.
Sharon:
And isn’t it incredible that God doesn’t just forgive us—He renews us? David’s prayer in the Miserere asks not only for pardon but for a new heart and spirit. This renewal allows us to grow in holiness and deepen our relationship with God.
Walt:
Right. True contrition is transformative. It’s not just about avoiding sin but about striving for virtue. When we experience God’s forgiveness, we’re called to respond with gratitude by living a life that reflects His love.
Sharon:
This transformation is beautifully illustrated in the story of the Prodigal Son. After squandering everything, the son returns to his father, not expecting anything but hoping for mercy. Instead, he’s met with open arms, a robe, and a feast. That’s how God receives us when we repent—He rejoices in our return.
Walt:
What a comforting thought, Sharon. It’s also a call to practice mercy ourselves. Jesus tells us, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” When we forgive others, we mirror the mercy God has shown us.
Sharon:
Let’s reflect this week on areas where we need God’s mercy in our lives. Perhaps it’s time to revisit the Sacrament of Reconciliation or to offer forgiveness to someone who has hurt us.
Walt:
And as we pray the Miserere, let’s remember that God’s mercy is always available to us. No matter how far we’ve strayed, His grace is greater than our sins.
Sharon:
Next, we’ll look at how contrition and redemption prepare us for deeper participation in the sacraments and the life of the Church.
Sharon: Turning to Psalm 51, often called the Miserere, we find one of the most profound expressions of contrition:
“Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy spirit from me.”
Walt: This psalm reveals King David’s sorrow for his sins, a model for us. St. Augustine reflects on this psalm, saying:
“The tears of repentance are the wine of angels.”
Repentance opens our hearts to God’s mercy, restoring our relationship with Him.
Sharon:
Segment 4: The Virgin Mary in Scripture and Theology
Proverbs 8 offers us a profound meditation on the personification of Wisdom, describing her as present with God from the very beginning of creation. While the immediate context of this passage speaks of divine Wisdom, the Church, through the lens of Marian theology, sees in these words a reflection of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s role in salvation history. Consider this verse:
"The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his ways, before he made any things from the beginning."
This passage has often been associated with Mary because she is the masterpiece of God’s creation, prepared from all eternity to fulfill her unique role as the Mother of the Redeemer. Just as Wisdom is present at the foundations of the world, so too was Mary chosen before all time to be the vessel through which the Eternal Word would become flesh.
Walt:
This idea is beautifully articulated by St. Maximilian Kolbe, who described Mary as the “created Immaculate Conception.” He explained that while the Holy Spirit is the “uncreated Immaculate Conception,” eternally proceeding from the love of the Father and the Son, Mary is the perfect human reflection of this divine reality. St. Maximilian wrote:
"Before time began, in the eternal designs of the Most Holy Trinity, Mary was conceived in the mind of God as the Mother of the Redeemer."
Her immaculate nature—free from original sin from the first moment of her conception—was not only a singular privilege granted by God but also an essential preparation for her role as Theotokos, the God-bearer.
Sharon:
Mary’s special role is foreshadowed in the Protoevangelium of Genesis 3:15, where God says to the serpent:
"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."
This “woman” is understood by the Church as Mary, whose cooperation with God’s plan brought forth Jesus, the New Adam. The “offspring” of the woman is Christ, who ultimately crushes the serpent’s head, symbolizing the victory over sin and death.
Walt:
The Church Fathers and saints have also drawn parallels between Mary and the Ark of the Covenant, which was created to house the presence of God. Just as the Ark was fashioned with the purest gold and set apart as holy, so too was Mary crafted in perfect purity, set apart to carry God Himself within her womb.
This connection is evident in Revelation 11:19–12:1, where St. John describes the Ark of the Covenant appearing in heaven and immediately transitions to the vision of the “woman clothed with the sun.” The Church sees this as a reference to Mary, crowned with glory, who brought forth the Savior and continues to intercede for her children as the Queen of Heaven.
Sharon:
Mary’s role as the embodiment of divine Wisdom and her place in salvation history invite us to a deeper appreciation of her fiat—her “yes” to God at the Annunciation. Her response to the angel Gabriel, “Let it be done to me according to your word,” is the ultimate act of human humility and cooperation with divine grace.
Walt:
Indeed, her fiat reflects the essence of Proverbs 8—a wisdom rooted in trust, obedience, and perfect alignment with God’s will. Through her Immaculate Conception and her ongoing intercession, Mary continues to be a source of wisdom and grace for the Church, guiding us closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Sharon:
In honoring Mary, we fulfill her prophetic words in the Magnificat:
"All generations will call me blessed."
She is the perfect reflection of God’s wisdom and love, a beacon of hope for all who seek to follow Christ. Let us entrust ourselves to her maternal care, knowing that she always leads us to her Son.
Closing Reflection:
Sharon: As we reflect on the heavenly hosts and the Blessed Virgin Mary, let us strive to emulate their holiness and trust in God’s will. Mary’s sinless example calls us to purity, and the angels remind us to walk in faith and obedience.
Walt: Yes, and through prayers like the Troparion, Psalm 51, and the Angel’s Prayer, we are equipped to grow in holiness and seek God’s mercy daily. Sharon do you mind closing us out with a prayer?
Closing Prayer:
Sharon: Let us pray.
O God, who in Your infinite mercy have given us Mary as our Mother and the angels as our guardians, help us to trust in their intercession and follow their example. Through the prayers of the saints, may we grow in faith, hope, and love, and one day rejoice with them in Heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Sharon: Thank you for joining us tonight. May the intercession of Mary and the heavenly hosts guide you in your faith journey.
Walt: Until next time, stay rooted in tradition and anchored in truth. God bless! Now go out and convert somebody.