Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day 9

Day 9
2 Cor.1:7-11

7 Our hope for you is firm, for we know that as you share in the sufferings, you also share in the encouragement. 8 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction that came to us in the province of Asia; we were utterly weighed down beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, we had accepted within ourselves the sentence of death that we might trust not in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. 10 He rescued us from such great danger of death, and he will continue to rescue us; in him we have put our hope [that] he will also rescue us again, 11 as you help us with prayer, so that thanks may be given by many on our behalf for the gift granted us through the prayers of many.

Who has entrusted their needs to your prayers? How does Mary want to be with you in your prayer?

Many ask for our prayers but I know I am not as faithful in prayer as I need to be.  That is why I am grateful at Mass that our prayers of the faithful always contain the request:  "for those for whom we have promised to pray and for those for whom we have forgotten to pray and for those for whom we find it difficult to pray".  Prayer is such a simple thing and should not be taken lightly.  As we come to the end of this novena it makes me want to deepen my habits of prayer throughout the season of Lent so that I can walk with Jesus in the desert.  I am so glad to have such a wonderful spiritual family to walk with me.  Thank you Pro Sanctity!

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day 9

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day 8

Day 8
Heb. 4:14-16
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. 16 So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help. 

How does Jesus’ humanity help you to trust in Him? How does Mary’s life with Jesus show you how to trust Him?

I especially appreciate that Jesus experienced pain and sadness like we do and infinitely more than we ever have so that when I am in pain and sadness I know He has been there.  Mary too experienced pain and sadness throughout her life with Christ.  Even though they were intimately connected with God at every moment, it amazes me that they chose not to be immune from these things.  

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day 8

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day 7

Day 7
1 John 5:12-15
13 I write these things to you so that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God. 14 And we have this confidence in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, we know that what we have asked him for is ours.

What is God giving to you when you trust in Him?

I know I have peace but need to trust more.  What about you? 

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day 7

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day 6

Day 6

Eph. 3:7-13
7 Of this I became a minister by the gift of God’s grace that was granted me in accord with the exercise of his power. 8 To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light [for all] what is the plan of the mystery hidden from ages past in God who created all things, 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the principalities and authorities in the heavens. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness of speech and confidence of access through faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over my afflictions for you; this is your glory.  

When has the Holy Spirit given you the grace and trust to speak about God to others? 

I remember once many years ago speaking to a co worker about God.  I was wearing a Christian necklace and it started a conversation.  I wonder every now and again if this person has come to faith.  As a Christian I know I should have many more memories than this.  I need to pray for the boldness and trust to speak of Him more.  

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day 6

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day 5

Day 5

Luke 5:3-7

3 Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 4 After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” 6 When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that they were in danger of sinking.    

Consider the fruits of trust in your relationship with God.  What was the fruitfulness of Mary’s trust?

I have heard Teresa Monaghen say often that we pray for a flood and we are holding a teacup.  I think this is true.  God wants to give us so much that our nets will break.  Let us not be afraid of what will happen if we ask for great things.  Mary knew that God would give great things to her just through her trust in him.  

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day 5

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day 4

Day 4

Jer. 17: 5-8

5 Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. 6 He is like a barren bush in the wasteland that enjoys no change of season, But stands in lava beds in the wilderness, a land, salty and uninhabited. 7 Blessed are those who trust in the LORD; the LORD will be their trust. 8 They are like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It does not fear heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still produces fruit.

What graces have you received when you have put your trust in God? How does Mary’s Magnifcat teach you the “Way of trust”? 

Some of the greatest experiences I have had of grace when I put my trust in God happen when I am speaking and writing and ask for his guidance.  It seems before I know it that things are coming through my fingers and from my mouth that I know are not my own but coming from God through the Holy Spirit.  As I read the Magnificat what strikes me is that very little of it is focused on Mary herself and the vast majority is about God and the wonders He has done.  It is another example of complete trust.  What about the rest of you?  Please share your thoughts with us. 

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day 4

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day 3

Day 3

Is. 12:2-4

2 God indeed is my salvation; I am confident and unafraid. For the LORD is my strength and my might, and he has been my salvation. 3 With joy you will draw water from the fountains of salvation, 4 And you will say on that day: give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name; Among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name.

What areas in your life does God want you to entrust to Him? Does Mary’s trust in God encourage you to trust in difficult times?

I wish I was confident and unafraid more.  I worry a lot about unforseen happenings and have a strong desire to be in control at all times.  Mary's example teaches me that in every circumstance God is trustworthy and His hand is guiding and protecting us. 

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day 3

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day 2

We continue reflecting on Our Lady of  Trust through Scripture

Day  2

Wis. 3:7-9

7 In the time of their judgment they shall shine and dart about as sparks through stubble; 8 They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD shall be their King forever. 9 Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect.

Who are the sparks in your life that help you to trust God?  How does Mary light your way to Christ?

As I read the questions above I think of so many holy family members and friends as well as so many priests, deacons and other consecrated individuals who have lit my way.  I also see Mary as one of the first to fully trust God in His true form as the trinity, Father who sent an angel to speak to her, Son who she lovingly carried in her womb, and Spirit who overshadowed her.  She was truly and completely immersed in divine life.  

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day 2

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day One

Please join us in praying a novena to Our Lady Of  Trust.  Our own Anne Zugelder has suggested some scripture and questions for meditation as we prepare to enter into the season of  Lent.  Each day we will meditate on the scriptures and corresponding questions provided and conclude by praying the prayer to Our Lady of  Trust.  Please post your comments and reflections here so we can grow together on our journey toward holiness and trust.

Drawn by the need of your help in the many trials that engulf us in this life, we come to your feet, O Virgin of Trust, to pour out to the heart of a mother our wishes and failings.

            Although it is our duty to strive for perfection, it is also true that our mortal body makes the path difficult, and the enemies of our soul cease not from their attacks, while everywhere we are enticed to leave the difficult and straight way known by only a few travelers.

            And all the while, our suffering along the way, our own interior weakness and temptations press heavily to torment us and produce in our souls a feeling of faintness and sadness, which means only one thing: distrust, in ourselves, in our ideal, in the means to attain it.

            But your motherly look which follows us, and your Immaculate Heart, which your Son points out to us, open our souls to a new feeling – the assurance of your help. And we want it, O Mary.  We ask it of you, we beg for it, O loving Mother. 

            When sin entices us, stay with us and be our strength.  When mediocrity absorbs us, do not leave us.  When the ascent to the perfection of the Father leaves us weary, whisper a word of help, O Mary – trust!

            If we will listen to this word of yours, the way will be easier, the goal closer, and our confidence more certain that we shall reach sanctity.

            So repeat this word often – trust.  Repeat it to us and to everybody, O Mary, because all people must become saints.  Amen.

Bishop Guglielmo Giaquinta

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Day One

Ps. 31:14-17

14 I hear the whispers of the crowd; terrors are all around me. They conspire together against me; they plot to take my life. 15 But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.” 16 My destiny is in your hands; rescue me from my enemies, from the hands of my pursuers. 17 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your mercy.

When have you put your trust in God in a difficult situation? How does Mary model this for you?

Our Lady of Trust Novena 2013 Day One