Have you ever been in a crowd—shopping mall, parish gathering, park, or family event—with lots of little kids around? At this event, did any of the children become lost or get into a tight spot and call out to their mothers for help? I’ll bet as soon as the child called out, the mother recognized the voice and rushed to the child’s aid. It happens all the time and in all kinds of situations.
Why? Because every good mother recognizes the voice of her child, even if it’s mixed with a multitude of other voices.
This is absolutely true of our Blessed Mother Mary as well. Because you are God’s child, you are also Our Lady’s child; the two go hand-in-hand. Mary accepted you as her beloved child at the Annunciation and again at the foot of the Cross. Her devotion to you is total and unending, encompassing all that you are, do, think, feel, and say. As long as you are Mary’s child, she will always be at the ready to help you in every situation, no matter the circumstances.
Saint Alphonsus Liguori was deeply devoted to the Blessed Mother, and confident in her role as mother of all humankind. In his own life, he experienced her help countless times and was certain that she would help others as well. His convictions led him to write about Mary extensively.
“Be of good heart, then, all you are children of Mary. Remember that she accepts as her children all those who chose to be so. Rejoice! Why do you fear to be lost, when such a Mother defends and protects you?” Saint Liguori wrote in his book, The Glories of Mary.
We certainly can be of good heart regardless of what happens because we are Mary’s own children. We have both the right and the obligation to call out to her whenever we’re in trouble. Like all good mothers, her ears are tuned into the voices of her children. She knows each one individually and is constantly listening, just like mothers listen for the voices of their children.
All you need do is to call out to her, “Mother! I need you!” She’ll not only hear your voice, but she’ll recognize it as yours. No matter how many people there are in the world making noise—chattering, yelling, shouting, singing—she knows each voice singularly. She hears the call, perceives the need, and rushes to her child’s side. Our mother of mercy and grace will be there for you in all dangers, difficulties, needs, doubts, and fears.
There’s another quote, one from Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, that I like very much and often quote in my books, appearances, and personal conversations:
“In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Let not her name depart from your lips, never suffer it to leave your heart. And that you may obtain the assistance of her prayer, neglect not to walk in her footsteps. With her for guide, you shall never go astray; while invoking her, you shall never lose heart; so long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception; while she holds your hand, you cannot fall; under her protection you have nothing to fear; if she walks before you, you shall not grow weary; if she shows you favor, you shall reach the goal.”
In your need, call out to our Blessed Mother. She will hear and recognize your voice. I promise.
