Marian devotion

It is the month of May, traditionally a month devoted to Mary. The time seems right to ponder again the role of Our Lady in our lives.

Who is she for me?

It is a good question to ponder. Who is this woman who "all generations call blessed"?

God-bearer.
Mother most pure.
Queen of Angels.
Strength of Apostles.
Courage of Martyrs.

Somehow, such images contradict the somewhat saccharine vision of some religious art.

A favorite prayer of mine is the oldest known prayer to our Lady:

We fly to your patronage,
O holy Mother of God;
despise not our petitions in our necessities,
but deliver us always from all dangers,
O glorious and blessed Virgin.

Amen.

She is strong as armies. Powerful and yet tender. Queen, with all the regality that such a description demands. Mother, with all the dear care that such an image evokes. Lady. Woman. How can we not look to her in each situation?