CALVARY AND MARY. Jesus climbing is symbolic of our climbing our own CALVARY. We should never presume to have the strength to carry our cross by ourselves. Our Lady can help you every step along the way. Life without Jesus and Mary can be very sad, depressed and even bitter. That is why we cry out to Mary in the prayer the Hail Holy Queen… “Hail holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope.”
PILGRIM PEOPLE. We are pilgrim people heading towards our eternal destiny—which is heaven. As we climb the mountain towards our eternal destiny—heaven—Mary can guide us, help us encourage us, and comfort us. Spend some time now to talk to Mary about your past journey of life… Talk now to Mary about your present journey… Talk to Mary about your future journey—your future pilgrimage in life.
STAR OF THE SEA. The great Marian Doctor Saint Bernard depicts this powerful image. The SHIP at sea is being assaulted by constant waves. The wind is beating mercilessly against its rudder. The waters are starting to enter in with a real danger of losing the ship, of the ship capsizing and eventually sinking. Then all of a sudden a beautiful star breaks through the night clouds and glimmers forth. This star seems to be pointing towards the shore. The captain, with great confidence, looks deep into the star and decides to follow it. The waves subside, the storm calms down, the winds abate. With almost unspeakable peace and swiftness the ship is already arriving safely at the shore. The ship, captain and all the members are saved! Thanks to the STAR OF THE SEA.
LIFE AND THE STAR OF THE SEA—OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA. In the midst of the tempests, storms, afflictions, trials, temptations constantly present in life, we must lift our gaze to Our Lady, star of the sea. She will safely direct us to the port of salvation, to our eternal home which is heaven.
MOUNTAIN TOP/SHORE. Both the mountain top of the Transfiguration as well as the shore are symbolic for heavenly rest at the end of the journey, by sea or by land. Jesus wants to walk with us, talk with us, be with us and to accompany us the whole way. Our Lady also wants to keep us close to her on this perilous journey.
DISTRACTIONS AND TEMPTATIONS. It is all too easy to give up the climb of the high and challenging mountain; it is all too easy to sink in the waves of our own sensuality and selfishness and to give up the fight. For that reason we want to call out to Mary who will always lead us to Jesus. The devil has a mortal fear of Mary and even her Holy Name. Why not in moments of temptation to call upon the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.
Fr Broom