Yearning Hearts: Embracing the Invitation to Deeper Love with Christ and Mary

Reflecting on God's love and His calling for an intimate relationship with Him is of utmost importance, especially for devotees of Mary, the mother of Jesus. 

1. Deeper Understanding of Mary's Role: Reflecting on God's love helps us better understand Mary's unique role in salvation history. It allows us to appreciate her extraordinary fiat, unconditional "yes" to God's will, and her central role in bringing Jesus into the world. By reflecting on God's love, we can see how Mary's intimate relationship with God led her to embrace her divine mission wholeheartedly.
2. Drawing Closer to Mary: Reflecting on God's love can draw us closer to Mary as our spiritual mother. By understanding God's immense love for us, we can recognize how Mary's maternal intercession and care flow from that love. This reflection allows us to develop a more profound devotion to Mary, seeking her guidance and support as we strive to follow Christ.
3. Embracing Our Vocation: Reflecting on God's love helps us discern and embrace our unique vocation within the Church. Just as Mary responded to God's call with a resounding "yes," we too are called to respond to God's love by discovering and living out our God-given mission. By reflecting on God's love, we can find inspiration and courage to fulfill our roles in the Church and serve others with love and selflessness.

Caution: Superficial Devotion: There is a risk of falling into a superficial or sentimental devotion to Mary if our reflection on God's love does not lead us to a genuine and transformative encounter with Christ. Ensuring that our reflection goes beyond mere words or rituals, leading to a deepening of our faith and a more significant commitment to living as disciples of Christ, is vital.

The Longing for Intimacy with God

"Open to me, my sister, my friend, my dove, my perfect one!"

"I was sleeping, but my heart was awake. The sound of my lover knocking! "Open to me, my sister, my friend, my dove, my perfect one! For my head is wet with dew, my hair, with the moisture of the night." (NABRE)

In this two-part reflection, we explore the depths of our spiritual journey, drawing inspiration from the Scriptures and the Handbook of the Legion of Mary Association.

Motivations for Choosing this Passage:

1. Awakening the Passion for God: The Song of Songs reminds us of God's passionate love for His people and their reciprocal response. It stirs our souls, inviting us to rekindle the fire of love for God within us.

Context and Literary Background:

The Song of Songs, often attributed to King Solomon, is a poetic and allegorical depiction of the love between a bride and a bridegroom. However, it also serves as a profound metaphor for the love relationship between God and His people. In Song of Songs 5:2, we encounter the bride's voice, expressing her longing for the presence of her beloved.

The passage signifies a deep desire for intimacy, a yearning to be close to God, to experience His love, and to be fully united with Him. It speaks to the universal human longing for communion with the Divine, an innate desire for a personal relationship with God.

The ideas presented in the Song of Songs and the life of King Solomon, as portrayed in the biblical narrative, have contradictions that provide essential points for reflection. These contradictions arise from the stark differences in themes, values, and behaviors found in the Song of Songs and the historical accounts of Solomon's life.

1. Monogamy vs. Polygamy: The Song of Songs portrays a love relationship between two individuals, the bride, and the bridegroom, characterized by exclusivity, intimacy, and faithfulness. Song of Songs 6:8: "There are sixty queens and eighty concubines, and virgins without number." This verse, while not explicitly referring to Solomon, suggests many relationships beyond a monogamous union, contrasting with the exclusive love relationship portrayed in the Song of Songs. 

2. Fidelity vs. Idolatry: The Song of Songs celebrates love's beauty and purity, emphasizing the lovers' devotion and faithfulness. Song of Songs 8:6: "Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD." This verse highlights the strength and exclusivity of love. In contrast, Solomon's multiple marriages to foreign women led him to adopt and tolerate the worship of foreign gods, considered a form of idolatry and a departure from the exclusive devotion to the God of Israel.

3. Love and Intimacy vs. Political Alliances: Song of Songs 1:4: "Draw me after you; let us run. The king has brought me into his chambers." This verse reflects the longing for intimate companionship and mutual desire, which differs from Solomon's marriages driven by political alliances rather than the passionate connection depicted in the Song of Songs.

4. Simplicity vs. Material Wealth: Song of Songs 2:1: "I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys." This metaphorical language highlights the simplicity and natural beauty of love. In contrast, Solomon's accumulation of wealth and luxury, as described in 1 Kings 10:14-29, contrasts the understated imagery of love found in the Song of Songs.

These contradictions between the ideas presented in the Song of Songs and the life of King Solomon, as depicted in the biblical narrative, highlight the complexities and inconsistencies within the biblical texts themselves. We are also invited to reflect on our relationship with God in our life-story and particular contexts, recognizing the varying operant perspectives and values underlying our response to God's love.

For our reflection, consider the following questions: 

1. Monogamy vs. Polygamy:

- Do I offer God my wholehearted devotion and exclusivity, or am I divided in my loyalty and affection?

   Example: Am I truly committed to spending quality time with God in prayer and reflection, or do I often get distracted by other activities and prioritize them over my relationship with Him?

2. Fidelity vs. Idolatry:

- Do I remain faithful to God, honoring Him as the one true God, or am I prone to idolatry by placing other things or pursuits above Him?

   Example: Do I seek validation and identity primarily from my career or social status rather than finding my true worth and purpose in my relationship with God?

3. Love and Intimacy vs. Political Alliances:

- Do I approach my relationship with God with a genuine desire for love, intimacy, and personal connection, or do I view it more as a transactional arrangement based on my agendas?

   Example: Do I pray and seek God's guidance primarily when I am in need or facing challenges rather than cultivating a consistent, deep connection with Him in both good and evil?

4. Simplicity vs. Material Wealth:

- Do I find beauty and fulfillment in the simplicity of my relationship with God, or do I get caught up in material wealth, possessions, and the pursuit of worldly success?

   Example: Am I more concerned about accumulating material possessions and pursuing worldly achievements rather than seeking a simple, contented life centered on growing closer to God and serving others?

These examples provide specific scenarios for us to reflect upon, offering opportunities for honest self-assessment and identifying areas where we may need to adjust or refocus our priorities to deepen our relationship with God.

2. Mary as a Model: Recognizing our weaknesses in reciprocating God's love to us, we are invited to turn to Mary to deepen our understanding of her role as our spiritual mother and her assistance in our journey of evangelization.

"The Legion aims to bring Mary to the world as the infallible means of winning the world to Jesus," emphasizing the importance of Mary in their mission. The study of armies, including the Legion, focuses on binding soldiers to their leader for coordinated action. However, the relationship between the Christian soul and Mary is even more profound, surpassing mere unity. Mary's influence over the soul is described as complete, surpassing even the closest earthly unions. Without Mary's support and presence, the soul cannot lift itself to God or do His work. ) (Official Handbook of the Legion of Mary 2014, updated January 2022, p.25.)

Embracing the Call to Evangelization

Theme: "I was sleeping, but my heart was awake."

Intimacy:

"Identity of blood implies between Jesus Christ and Mary a similarity of formation, of features, of inclinations, of tastes, of virtues; not only because the identity of blood very frequently creates such a similarity, but because in Mary's case (her maternity being altogether a supernatural fact — the effect of overwhelming grace) this grace took hold of this more or less general principle of nature and developed it in her in such a manner as to make her the living image and portrait of her divine Son in every way so that whoever could see her, could admire the most exquisitely formed image of Jesus Christ. This same relation of motherhood established between Mary and her Son an intimacy not only as to intercourse and communion of life but as regards an interchange of hearts and secrets; so that she was the mirror reflecting all the thoughts, feelings, aspirations, desires, and purposes of Jesus, as he, in turn, reflected more eminently, as in an unspotted mirror, the miracle of purity, of love, of devotedness, of immense charity which was the soul of Mary. Mary could, therefore, say with greater reason than the Apostle of the Gentiles: "I live, not I: it is Jesus who lives in me." '(De Concilio: The Knowledge of Mary) (Official Handbook of the Legion of Mary 2014 -as updated January 2022, p.209)

Frank Duff emphasized the importance of personal holiness and intimate union with God as the foundation for effective evangelization. His writings highlight the need to respond to God's call with an awakened heart, ready to do His will.

Barriers to the invitation to intimacy with Christ and Mary and possible solutions to the insights and ideas for the Legion of Mary Association in their mission of evangelization are as follows:

1. Intimacy with Christ:

Barriers:

- Lack of personal prayer and reflection time.

- Busy schedules and competing priorities.

- Spiritual dryness or lack of motivation.

Possible Solutions:

- Provide regular opportunities for members to participate in spiritual retreats or days of recollection to deepen their prayer life.

- Encourage forming small prayer groups where members can support and hold one another accountable in their spiritual journey.

- Offer resources and guidance for personal reflection on the Scriptures, such as recommended readings or study materials.

2. Emulating Mary's Fiat:

Barriers:

- Fear or hesitation in fully surrendering to God's will.

- Difficulty discerning God's call or applying it in their apostolic works.

- Balancing personal responsibilities and commitments with the call to serve others.

Possible Solutions:

- Provide ongoing formation and spiritual direction to help members discern their unique mission and gifts for evangelization.

- Share stories and testimonies of individuals who have embraced God's call and witnessed the fruits of their "yes."

- Foster a culture of support and encouragement within the Legion, where members can share their experiences and challenges in living out their apostolic commitment.

3. Trusting in Mary's Intercession:

Barriers:

- Limited understanding or misconceptions about Mary's role in the Church.

- Difficulty in developing a personal relationship with Mary.

- Cultural or personal biases that hinder trust in intercessory prayer.

Possible Solutions:

- Offer educational sessions or talks on the role of Mary in the life of the Church, drawing from Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and writings of saints.

- Encourage the practice of Marian devotions, such as the Rosary, and provide resources or group gatherings to support and deepen members' devotion to Mary.

- Share personal testimonies and stories of answered prayers through Mary's intercession to inspire and encourage members to trust in her maternal care.

By identifying and addressing these potential barriers, the Legion of Mary can create an environment that nurtures intimacy with Christ, fosters a spirit of emulation of Mary's fiat, and strengthens trust in Mary's intercession, enabling members to fulfill their mission of evangelization more effectively.

May we heed the call of the Song of Songs to arise and come away with our Beloved. Let us allow this passage to awaken within us a burning desire for intimacy with God and a renewed commitment to the mission of evangelization. May we embrace our roles as ambassadors of Christ and instruments of His love in the world. May Mary, our Mother, and Queen, accompany us on this journey, leading us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.

Studying the Faith: Barriers and the Ways to Overcome Them

Study plays a vital role in deepening a Legion of Mary member's understanding of faith. It fosters intellectual growth, spiritual enrichment, supports ongoing formation and catechesis, strengthens the apostolate, facilitates personal transformation, and encourages continuous learning and growth. By embracing study, Legion members can become more equipped, knowledgeable, and spiritually mature in serving and evangelizing others. 

However, there are barriers to the practice of studying one's faith. Here are some of the barriers and the ways to overcome them.

1. Self-sufficiency and knowledge pride: Some individuals may enter the study with an attitude of self-sufficiency or excessive pride in their existing knowledge. This can hinder their ability to approach the study humbly and with an open mind.

Recommendation: 

- Emphasize a spirit of devotion: The Legion's approach to study encourages members to approach it with a spirit of devotion and prayer. By emphasizing the humble seeking of knowledge and the role of the Blessed Mother, it helps repel self-sufficient and knowledge-proud individuals who may disrupt the study process.

2. Lack of commitment and dropping out: Some individuals may initially show interest in the study but quickly lose motivation or become disengaged, leading them to drop out prematurely.

Recommendations: 

- Encourage active engagement and accountability: The Legion's study system requires active participation from each member, who are expected to give reports, ask questions, and engage in discussions. This level of engagement helps mitigate the tendency to drop out and ensures that members remain actively involved in the study process.

- Provide a supportive and inclusive environment: The text mentions that the Legion system creates an environment where members feel comfortable and confident sharing their thoughts, difficulties, and progress. This supportive atmosphere helps mitigate barriers by encouraging members to express themselves and seek assistance when needed openly.

- Focus on practical application: The Legion emphasizes the practical application of knowledge acquired through study. The study process becomes more meaningful by encouraging members to apply their knowledge in teaching, instruction work, or Catholic Evidence Guild work. It motivates members to continue their engagement with the material.

- Supervision and guidance of the Spiritual Director: The Spiritual Director plays a crucial role in supervising the study work and ensuring that members receive guidance and support. They can address barriers by providing additional resources, clarifying misunderstandings, and fostering an environment of continuous learning.

3. Lack of comprehension and retention: Some members may need help comprehending and retaining the material they study, especially if the study approach is not tailored to their individual learning styles or if the subject matter is complex.

Recommendations:

- Provide diverse learning resources: Offer a variety of study materials, such as textbooks, audio recordings, videos, or visual aids, to accommodate different learning preferences and enhance comprehension.

- Encourage note-taking and reflection: Encourage members to take notes during their study sessions and allocate time for personal reflection. This practice helps reinforce understanding and retention of key concepts.

- Facilitate group discussions: Organize study sessions where members can discuss and exchange ideas, clarifying concepts and deepening their understanding through collaborative learning.

4. Time constraints and competing priorities: Busy schedules and competing responsibilities can hinder members' ability to allocate sufficient time for dedicated study, leading to consistent engagement or complete comprehension.

Recommendations:

- Establish realistic study goals: Help members set realistic goals considering their time constraints and commitments. Breaking down the material into manageable portions can make it more feasible to incorporate regular study sessions into their routines.

- Provide flexible study options: Offer flexible study options, such as online resources or recorded lectures, which allow members to study at their own pace and fit it into their schedules more efficiently.

- Emphasize the value of prioritization: Emphasize the importance of making the study of faith a priority and highlight the benefits of dedicating time to deepen one's knowledge and understanding of the faith.

By implementing these strategies, the earlier barriers can be reduced, creating a more conducive environment for studying the faith within the Legion of Mary and maximizing their engagement and growth.