Comments on: Monday June 10, 2019 Mary, Mother of the Church

By: TM

TM — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 01:49:13 +0000

Dear Mary,
Thank you for taking the time to explain to us the use of the word “despise” in this prayer. You are such a wonderful teacher.

As a mother, I must also admit there have been requests my children have made that I did, in fact, despise. Still, they are my children no matter what, just as we are Mary’s children. We, no doubt, have made Mary sigh at our worries and choices, but she hears our cries, opens her heart and cradles us in her arms.

By: A

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 15:22:37 +0000

Mary, outstanding work today! One of your best reflections! Steeped in knowledge to give us background information that greatly increases our understanding. I can tell that you put a lot of hard work into this, and I am grateful for the research you do for your reflections, which helps you educate us.

TM, I agree. I noticed the word “despise” and thought it was harsh, too. Thank you for the explanation, Mary! It rings true, because when I thought of the word, I had an image in mind of Mary turning up her nose at the request, as if it’s not worthy of her, and so it seemed incongruous. But your explanation of the class system at the time of the prayer’s writing put it all together, Mary.

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 14:27:03 +0000

I really do hate autocorrect. Two words autocorrect changed should read UNDERSTAND at the beginning, and RECOURSE not recluse in the last paragraph.

???

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 14:20:48 +0000

The Memorare has always been a favourite prayer which I have committed to memory. I have no problem with the word despise. One would have to be in the mind of the author to under why he used that word. Despise is indeed a very strong word. He must have felt the weight of his sin(s). Did he feel that he was a despicable man? Was it another way of saying, Mother, I am not worthy!

Could he be saying, even tho’ I am a despicable man, I have confidence that you will answer my plea. Whatever his petition was, he must have seen it as something to be despised. Only the author can tell you why he used that word. Sounds to me like he was humbling himself before our Blessed Mother who he knew could not refuse to answer such a prayer.

Mary, Mother of God, Mother of the Church, Mother of Redeemed Humanity, pray for us who have recluse to you. Amen.

Wishing you a blessed week. God bless.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 14:10:41 +0000

Memories…The Memorare was the prayer said in the huddle before each of my high school basketball games (in the late 70s). I am so grateful for my faith formation as a child. The prayer holds a special place still. A small group of my high school friends have been known to break into a spontaneous Memorare by text—-alternating lines between us when someone close to one of us is in need. Mary still at the foundation of our faith.

By: Linda

Linda — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 13:30:10 +0000

I have always found that in praying the rosary I feel much closer to the blessed mother. What an amazing woman! I hope you have a blessed week Mary. Thank you for reminding us that Mary is the mother of the church, therefore we can pray to her.

By: Mary Ortwein

Mary Ortwein — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 12:29:03 +0000

Hi, TM,
I looked up the Memorare online, and honestly wished I had looked it up before writing this reflection. The prayer itself is attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux, was popularized by Fr. Claude Bernard, was recited daily by St. Francis de Sales, and was suggested as a solution by St. Teresa of Calcutta for people who needed help desperately.

About the “despise not our petitions,” the Latin word for despise is despicere, which is the origin of English words despise and despite. It means to look down on or scorn. I agree, it seems harsh. My guess for why it is there is the age in which it was first written: the 15th century. In the 1400s, ordinary people did not see themselves as worthy of respect–by nobility, church, or God. In the culture, their requests would be more likely to be scorned than considered–by anyone. Even those with places in the church or nobility saw themselves definitely “in a pecking order.” So the term then would have the connotation of “please, don’t ignore my request” in today’s parlance.

Readers, other or additional explanations?
Mary Ortwein

By: TM

TM — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 11:41:10 +0000

Your writing today, especially the line “a mother who can find you over in the corner sobbing,” makes Mary so accessible.

The Memorare is also beautiful and a favorite prayer, although the line “despise not our petitions” has always confused me, it sounds so harsh for a Mother’s prayer. Any insight you can give would be appreciated.