Donkeys for Mary
ONE
The Angel Gabriel said to Mary “Behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy.
Once Mary knew Elizabeth was in need she did not wait for someone else to take responsibility, no, she did not hesitate, she arose and went with haste to bring Jesus to the home of Elizabeth and John the Baptist who was in her womb.
Since it is about 90 miles from Nazareth to Ein Karem, where Elizabeth lived, most probably Mary rode a donkey. Mary wants to bring Jesus to our family and friends, but she still needs a donkey. Will you be the donkey for Mary?
TWO
If you are willing to be the Donkey of Mary then you need to do what she asked and she asked us to pray the Rosary every day. I am amazed the number of people who do not pray the Rosary every day.
Fatima May 13, 1917 Pray the Rosary every day in order to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war.
June 13, Pray the Rosary every day
July 13, Continue to pray the Rosary every day in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary, in order to obtain peace through the world and the end of the war, because only She can help you.
August 19, Continue praying the Rosary every day.
September 13, Continue to pray the Rosary in order to obtain the end of the war.
October 13, 1917 I am the Lady of the Rosary. Continue to always to pray the Rosary every day.
I think Our Lady wants every person in the world to pray the Rosary every day!
THREE
Make the choice to be Mary’s Donkey, her beast of burden to bring Mary and Jesus to others. Are you a dad or mom, grandparent or God-parent? Then you have a responsibility to help your kids, grand-kids and God-kids to Jesus. The most effective means to lead people to Jesus is through Mary and the Rosary.
You take the initiative to share life with those for whom you are responsible. Then invite them to pray the Rosary with you, or listen to the podcast or print out the transcript, read and pray. Then ask them what caught their attention and have a conversation.
FOUR
Parents are the primary educators in the faith. It is not enough to leave it to the Catholic schools and schools of religion. Their job is to support you as parents, not to replace you if you abdicate your responsibility. It is your responsibility to hand on the faith and the best way is through friendship and good conversation. The Rosary podcast gives good content to help you learn the faith, think about the faith and then discuss. The Family Rosary may be the easiest way of handing on the faith to kids by listening to the Podcast and praying together and then being intentional of having a conversation after by asking simple questions like – what caught your attention?
FIVE
Ask people what is going on in their life. They may share real difficulties. Ask them what you can keep in prayer for them.
Then follow up. Ask how that situation is going? Has it resolved?
Ask: Could we pray the Rosary together for this need?
Is there some human need you can fulfill? Do they need someone to listen to them? Do they just need to have some fun or joy – some good distraction from their difficulties? Do they need a meal? Is there some material need you can help them with? Then do not hesitate, be like Mary and make haste to help them.
It only takes 15 minutes to pray the rosary and we can be the Donkeys of Mary by bringing the Rosary to others.
The problem with the world is that it has forgotten God. The answer is a return to God. The way is very simple, so simple you keep missing it – it is friendship, good conversation and the Rosary.