J.M.J. Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591), Priest and Doctor, had a lively and persevering love for the Mother of God.
In an article entitled "Mary and the Holy Spirit in the Writings of John of the Cross," the Reverend Emmanuel J. Sullivan, O.C.D., wrote:
"In addition to the four Marian references in his major works,
there is also a very significant reference to Mary in John's Prayer of a Soul Taken with Love. John always manifested
a deep awareness that he belonged totally to Mary, and in this
very beautiful little prayer, he gives expression to his equally
deep conviction that Mary belongs totally and completely to each
one of us. In this prayer, John speaks for all of us as he says
to our heavenly Father:
"You will not take from me, my God, what You once gave me, in Your only Son, Jesus Christ, in Whom you gave me all I desire.
"Mine are the heavens and mine is the earth. Mine are the nations,
the just are mine, and mine the sinners. The angels are mine,
and the Mother of God, and all things are mine; and God Himself
is mine and for me, because Christ is mine and all for me. (Sayings
of Light and Love, 26-27)
"I find this reference to Mary, in a certain sense, even more
significant than all the others. Here John isn't just recounting
wonderful things about Mary, but is telling us she is ours, with
us and for us, always and everywhere. He is telling us that we
must realize and appreciate that Mary belongs totally and completely
to each one of us. Our guide on the road to union with God is
no distant stranger, but our very own Blessed Mother."
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