Page:MaryHelpOfChristians.djvu/77



Preparatory Prayer  (p.  51).

e carry  the  precious  treasure  of  sanctifying grace in  a  frail  vessel. Our inclination  to evil  remains  with  us,  and  continues  to  impel  us to  that  which  is  forbidden. On whom  shall  we call  for  aid? Call on  Mary! She is  conceived without sin. She, the  lily  among  thorns,  who never lost  God's  friendship,  is  our  advocate. Let her, who  was  found  worthy  to  become  the  Mother of our  Redeemer,  inspire  you  with  trust  and  confidence. The Church  invokes  her  as  the  refuge of sinners,  and  under  no  other  title  does  she  show her love  for  us  more  convincingly  and  her  power with God  more  efficiently.

E may  trust  confidently  in  Mary's  intercession and  aid  in  all  temptations  and  trials, if we  but  have  recourse  to  her. Therefore St. John  Damascene  writes:  "Come  to  my  aid,  O Mother  of  my  Redeemer!  Thou  art  my  help,  my consolation  in  life.  Come  to  my  aid,  and  I  shall escape  unscorched  from  the  fire  of  temptation; amongst  a  thousand  I  shall  remain  unharmed;  I shall  brave  the  storms  of  assault  unwrecked.  Thy