Praying for Mary's Lost Children

by Mary Ann Halloran

Once a year I try to make a short Ignatian retreat.  While on an Ignatian retreat, one meditates on a scripture given to them by their director. You put yourself into the scene as you meditate and see where the Spirit leads.

Last year on my retreat, I was meditating on the scene of Mary and Joseph frantically looking for their lost son Jesus for three days. (Any mother can understand how distressing that would be.) My role in the meditation seemed to be to console Mary, who was crying for her lost boy. I also witnessed her joy and relief when she found Jesus in the temple. I rejoiced with them.

The fruit of that meditation is that I have felt strongly in my heart ever since to pray with Mary for all of her lost children in the world today whom she weeps over. There are so many of her children lost and hurt, unknowingly trying to find their way to her Son. How happy Mary is when her children find their way to peace in Jesus and into the folds of her mantle.

“And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.’ I tell you in the same way, there will be more JOY in Heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.’   Luke 15:6-7

Please join me praying with Mary for all her wandering children. The Good Shepherd is there for them. How beautiful that we can play a part in helping, through our prayers and sacrifices, those who don't yet know God's love, and at the same time, we console Mary.

Let's keep Heaven rejoicing. We'll join in the party up there someday!