(5) May 28
Mary is the "Virgo Potens," the Powerful Virgin
THIS great universe, which we see by day and by night, or
what is called the natural world, is ruled by fixed laws, which the Creator has
imposed upon it, and by those wonderful laws is made secure against any
substantial injury or loss. One portion of it may conflict with another, and
there may be changes in it internally; but, viewed as a whole, it is adapted to
stand for ever. Hence the Psalmist says, "He has established the world,
which shall not be moved."
Such is the world of nature; but there is another and still
more wonderful world. There is a power which avails to alter and subdue this
visible world, and to suspend and counteract its laws; that is, the world of
Angels and Saints, of Holy Church and her children; and the weapon by which
they master its laws is the power of prayer.
By prayer all this may be done, which naturally is
impossible. Noe prayed, and God said that there never again should be a flood
to drown the race of man. Moses prayed, and ten grievous plagues fell upon the
land of Egypt. Josue prayed, and the sun stood still. Samuel prayed, and
thunder and rain came in wheat-harvest. Elias prayed, and brought down fire
from heaven. Eliseus prayed, and the dead came to life. Ezechias prayed and the
vast army of the Assyrians was smitten and perished.
This is why the Blessed Virgin is called Powerful—nay,
sometimes, All-powerful, because she has, more than anyone else, more than all
Angels and Saints, this great, prevailing gift of prayer. No one has access to
the Almighty as His Mother has; none has merit such as hers. Her Son will deny
her nothing that she asks; and herein lies her power. While she defends the
Church, neither height nor depth, neither men nor evil spirits, neither great
monarchs, nor craft of man, nor popular violence, can avail to harm us; for
human life is short, but Mary reigns above, a Queen for ever.
