FIRST DAY OF THE NOVENA
Our Lord and Our Lady want to help us.
Holy Scripture Says:
“Come to Me, all you that labor, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. For My yoke is sweet and My burden light.” (Mt. 11:28-30)
Our Lady Said:
“Come near, my children...”
Meditation:
What a wonderful invitation! In all simplicity Mary at La Salette calls the two children to come NEAR. Her words echo her Son’s invitation to come to Him, that we may find rest from our burdens and refreshment for our flagging, wearied, anxious spirits. This, too, is Mary’s desire: that her children—meaning us as well—should feel welcomed and loved, despite our sinfulness and unworthiness, for she is a Mother of Mercy and she invites us to weep over our sins with her, and to be reconciled with her Son, Jesus Christ.
For Mary wishes us to come nearer to God, Who desires only good for us, despite our sinfulness. We must approach and listen to her words, spoken with the love and concern of Jesus. She and her Son wish that, during this La Salette Novena of prayer, we may “have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). This is a wonderful promise and reward, in return for this special time of prayer and they want us to feel at home with them and sense the fullness of life that God wishes for us—which is a life of grace here below, leading to life of eternal joy and happiness up above. God loves me despite my sins and unworthiness. The devil seeks to discourage, while Mary looks to encourage! Jesus and Mary love me despite my unfaithfulness. They invite me to believe and trust in their love for me, and to unburden myself by weeping over my past sins and unfaithfulness.
[Quiet Reflection]
Our Prayer:
Virgin Mother of La Salette, we approach thy loving Son with confidence.
We place, before our Savior, our sins and failings, our labors and burdens, our cares and worries, our thoughts and feelings, our words and actions, during these days of prayer and reflection.
May Christ ease our burdens, and fill us with His presence and grant us His mercy.
With faith, we ask for His blessings to be poured upon us and upon those whom we hold close to our hearts.
[Mention Intention]
Our Father, Hail Mary
Final Invocation:
Our Lady of La Salette, Reconciler of Sinners, pray without ceasing for us who have recourse to thee.
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