MAY DEVOTION: UNDERSTANDING THE MARIAN TITLES IN THE LITANY OF LORETO – DAY 10: “MOTHER MOST ADMIRABLE”

It is fitting that after reflecting on Mary’s amiability, we then advance to another similar title, reflecting her admirability: “Mother Most Admirable”. The term admirable is an adjective denoting the quality or action of one that deserves to be praised and admired. It also means praiseworthy, good, great, inspiring or deserving admiration or praise; excellent; splendid.

First, Mary’s admirability springs from her humility and holiness. She was created to be the pure, holy, spotless, and a loyal servant to God: “I’m the lowly handmade of the Lord.” (Lk. 1:38). In her admirability, she was sinless, beautiful in and out, had the perfect use of reason, being also a model of Christianity. In her admirability, she was praised by the Holy Trinity: The Father praised her through the words of the Angels Gabriel as “Full of Grace” (Lk. 1:28). The Holy Spirit praised her through the words of Elizabeth as “Blessed art thou amongst women…” (Lk. 1:42); while our Lord Jesus Christ undoubtedly praised her all through his life as a loyal and obedient son.

Reflecting on Mary’s admirability before God and men, leads us to contemplate deeper on the Scriptures and understand the places she was spoken of in prophecy. Thus, Song of Songs 6:10 reads: “Who is she that comes forth as the morning rises, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army set in battle array”. In Psalm 45:10-15, her admirability is also spoken of: “Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words: forget your own people and your father’s house. So will the king desire your beauty: He is your lord, pay homage to him. And the people of Tyre shall come with gifts, the richest of the people shall seek your favour. The daughter of the king is clothed with splendour, her robes embroidered with pearls set in gold. She is led to the king with her maiden companions. They are escorted amid gladness and joy; they pass within the palace of the king. and works through her.” Compare with Rev. 12:1 “And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed in the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head.” In Song of Songs 1:15, we also read of her admirability before God as was prophesied long before her: “How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how very beautiful! Your eyes are like doves.” In Song of Songs 6:4, we also read: “You are beautiful, my darling, as Tirzah, lovely as Jerusalem, majestic as an army with banners.”

Therefore, having been prepared by God in such an admirable way, she became worthy to bring forth His beloved Son, the Word incarnate through her womb. There’s nothing more admirable than that.

Invoking her wonderful title, “Mother Most Admirable”, leads us to admire and contemplate on her beautiful soul joyfully. In our “Mother Most Admirable,” we find the reflection of our dreams, the verification of what we consciously or unconsciously look for and desire, the revelation of the harmony and completeness that we always look for in ourselves and in others, both physically and spiritually. Therefore, as beautiful as she is, Mary is worthy of our admiration, worthy of being admired. Thus, admiring Mary means opening one’s heart to faith, to hope, and to the certainty that God is not inert or resigned to the evils and weaknesses of the humans, but continues to love his creatures and call them to his divine greatness and perfection. Above all, one of the thoughts of St. Joseph Marello summarizes Mary’s admirability: “Mary’s beauty consists in so many little virtues, all of which are so perfect that, united in her beautiful soul, they confer on it an irresistible attraction and a heavenly charm.”

Oh Mother Most Admirable, pray for us that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Shalom!
© Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ
Paroquia Nossa Senhora de Fatima, Vila Sabrina, São Paulo, Brazil
nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com

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PS: Have you prayed your Rosary today?