What if?
The Hail Mary Solution
Photo By: Flickr/Mother of Divine Providence
As a resident of two states, Idaho and Montana I am fortunate to belong to two great parishes, with two dedicated pastors. My pastor here in Montana is a convert, with a very great love for and dedication to our Blessed Mother.
I've been working lately on my reactions to news about events happening in our world. Everything from the latest atrocities being carried out against Christians and Jews in the Middle East to the guy that cut me off when I was signaling a lane change. The sorts of things that make my pastor in Idaho a "recovering rageoholic".
My Montana pastor had an answer to these maddening, frustrating, saddening happenings. I call it the "Hail Mary Solution." When I hear or experience something that makes me want to react in a negative, unchristian way, I say a Hail Mary.
It works and some days I say a LOT of Hail Marys.
More to my pastor's point, Mary, our Blessed Mother is our heavenly Mother. Sometimes we forget how much she cares about us and wants us to include her and reach out to her, especially in our times of temptation, anger and fear. In addition she is the mother of our Savior, the spouse of the Holy Spirit, pretty good references for heavenly help.
My devotion to Mary isn't worship, or adoration. That alone is God's. But my devotion is a reaching out to someone I know cares for me and wants my ultimate salvation.
Best of all, it works.
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About the Author
I have been married for 38 years and have 2 adult children and 4 1/2 grandchildren. I graduated June 1982 from Cal State University Los Angeles, CA with a BA in Child Development. I received my Diversified Teaching Credential and was an Elementary school teacher 1984-2012 and am now retired. I currenly split my time between Meridian, ID where my mom lives and Laurel, MT where my husband and I live on a 40 acre farm/ranch. We are raising 4 cows, 3 chickens, 5 cats and 2 dogs. Living in 2 places has given me the unique opportunity to belong to 2 parishes, a very enriching experience. I grew up, the oldest of 6 children and as a cradle Catholic, in Southern California. I have a wonderful, loving family and a very dear husband and 2 dear sons. I like to listen to Catholic family radio and am inspired by the hosts of many of the wonderful programs to share little insights that help me become a better person.
