Collect taken from the memorial of St. Maria Goretti, virgin and martyr.
Collect: O God, author of innocence and lover of chastity, who bestowed the grace of martyrdom on your handmaid, the Virgin Saint Maria Goretti, in her youth, grant, we pray, through her intercession, that, as you gave her a crown for her steadfastness, so we, too, may be firm in obeying your commandments. Through our Lord Jesus Christ…
“O God, author of innocence and lover of chastity, who bestowed the grace of martyrdom on your handmaid, the Virgin Saint Maria Goretti, in her youth,”
– The Christian demand for chastity is not about restriction and control so much as it is about delighting in the innocence and goodness that it brings. As the source of these grace, God is pleased to see them embraced and lived, so he often pours out even more grace on those who do so.
“grant, we pray, through her intercession, that, as you gave her a crown for her steadfastness, so we, too, may be firm in obeying your commandments. ”
– Scripture promises a crown to those who are victorious, who stay faithful and obedient to God’s commands no matter what. Maria’s profound example makes her a powerful helper, so we seek her prayer to help us remain steadfast in our respective challenges.
Questions & Advice: Do you see chastity as a negative reality (absence of sex) or as a positive good? Do you let your youth or immaturity be an excuse to waver in obeying God’s commands? How often do you think about the fact that God himself has promised to give you a crown if you are faithful?
Read about the call to Chastity in the Catechism (2337+). Spend some of your daily prayer time reflecting on how far you are willing to go to obey God’s commands. Ask St. Maria to pray for your resolve.
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| Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis! |