I pray each morning that I not be blind

To Christ, Who moves that day among my kind.

I dare not turn a Hungary man away,

Lest I be leaving Him unwed today.

I dare not slight some tattered, unclothed one,

Lest I should fail to warm and clothed God’s Son.

I cannot pass one languishing in bed,

Lest it be Jesus lying there instead.

Each weary burden-bearer on the road

Shall have my help, for it might be His load.

And every lonely stranger that I see

I must greet kindly for it might be He.

I shall walk softly on the road today,

I could meet Christ down any traveled way.

Mary, Mother,
Grace-filled vessel,
Poised throughout your life
To receive God’s word.

Always listening,
By obedience wooing,
Caressing to your heart
The holy Word of God
From your holy infancy.

You conceived in your heart
Our God eternal,
Before He entered
Your virginal and Immaculate Womb.

Grace upon grace
Your beauty unfolded
In blossom so rare
Upon this Earth.

Season upon season,
You moved in silence hidden,
In prayer secure.

O Mary Mother,
With kiss so sweet,
Lavish upon me
Thy Holy Maternity.

I entrust to your sublimity
My formation within my mother’s womb,
Make happy that dear chamber,
In which my life and love
Were bequeathed and body grown.

“Behold your Mother,”
He said from His Cross.
Now, do I behold you,
And take you to my heart.

Speak here the words
You whispered in Christ’s ear
As He laid his little head
Upon your breast.

Jesus received from you
Milk and kindness
With gentle regard.
Caress now my humanity.

Make me ever your home,
As I welcome you to my soul,
Make me your hearth,
With fires burning bright.

Purify my moments
And sanctify my soul.
By virtue, virtue of your wedded Spouse,
Petition the Holy Spirit of Your Son.

Send angels, as you once did stewards,
To wait upon the words of your Son,
Miracles followed
On your behest at Cana.

I wait now and ever in your arms,
Embraced as the Christ Child.
Look upon me, dear Mother
And heal my wounded yet happy heart.

Joann Nelander