[B-Chan]

Our Lady's prayers are indeed powerful. I usually put little credence in tales of direct supernatural intervention, but I have to admit that every time I ask Our Lady to mention my problems to her divine Son, the problem in question works itself out in a way that can only be called miraculous. (The composer's tale related above is particularly moving; as an artist, I've had several such episodes myself.)

My dear grandmother in heaven also intercedes for me with Jesus; many's the time when, for example, an unclean thought has come into my mind, that I have heard (quite clearly!) her voice saying "Son, don't dwell on that". A quiet, motherly voice that I identify with Our Lady often joins her in these admonitions. I sometimes smell roses and my grandmother's unique scent (she wore Cashmere Bouquet) during these moments.

(Please note that I claim no special status regarding these events. I am about as far from being a holy person or mystic as one can get and still be a Christian!)

I believe the Lord gave us His mother for a good reason: Once one truly understands Who Jesus is, it's difficult to approach Him as one might approach a fellow human being; though He is fully man, He is also fully God, and His divine Majesty and Royalty are overwhelming.

(This is the main problem I have with the "personal relationship with Christ" thing. Yes, we have a personal relationship with the Lord — but He is our King, not our heavenly fishin' buddy!)

Our Lady stands as a mediatrix between her Son and us poor humans; lacking a divine nature herself, she is one of us, albeit one who is sinless and holy by the Grace of her Son. As our mother, she offers us the comfort of her motherly voice and soothing embrace, never asking praise for herself (though we gladly offer it!) but always, always raising our eyes to her Son and kindly saying "Do whatever He tells you."

I deeply love Our Lady, and I know that as the Troubles increase, so will her presence and aid to us, her children. May God forgive us all on this Shrove Tuesday!

[dsc]

"I usually put little credence in tales of direct supernatural intervention"

I figure, if it can happen to me, it can happen to anybody.

[Aquinasfan]

My dear grandmother in heaven also intercedes for me with Jesus; many's the time when, for example, an unclean thought has come into my mind, that I have heard (quite clearly!) her voice saying "Son, don't dwell on that". A quiet, motherly voice that I identify with Our Lady often joins her in these admonitions.

Great story.

[Aquinasfan]

My dear grandmother in heaven also intercedes for me with Jesus; many's the time when, for example, an unclean thought has come into my mind, that I have heard (quite clearly!) her voice saying "Son, don't dwell on that". A quiet, motherly voice that I identify with Our Lady often joins her in these admonitions.

Great story.

[sneakers]

Re your post #9: That was put so beautifully! My sentiments exactly!

Thank you!

[Bigg Red]

I am about as far from being a holy person or mystic as one can get and still be a Christian!)

**

Maybe not, friend. But you are one heck of a preacher. (And you made me cry.)