Day Three of Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Third Day

Mary, the mother who clothes us with the Scapular

Reflection: Luke, the Evangelist, relates the affectionate and
motherly gesture of Mary who wraps little Jesus in swaddling clothes.
A gesture made by every mother as a sign of protection and care.
We too are wrapped in swaddling clothes by Mary, our Mother and
Sister; through the Scapular she looks after us and protects us.
She wraps us so that we may grow strong and robust in the school of her Son.

Prayer: Virgin Mary, you who wrap your Jesus in swaddling clothes,
teach us to be always small so that we may "be carried in God's arms".
Virgin Mother, who wrap your Jesus in swaddling clothes, help us to clothe
ourselves with your Son, so that each day we may be a sign of God's love.
Virgin Mary, Splendor of heaven, hold us tight under your mantle.

My commitment is to clothe myself with the Scapular so that I may witness,
even externally, to my love for Jesus and Mary. Above all, I wish that the
Scapular may remind me to live every day in the school of Jesus,
after the example of the Virgin.

Flower of Carmel
Vine blossom-laden,
splendour of heaven,
Child-bearing yet maiden,
None equals thee.

Mother so tender,
whom no man didst know,
On Carmel's children
thy favours bestow,
Star of the sea.

Novena: Day Two of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Second Day

Mary, wonderful in her service

Listening to the Word: The Visitation (Lk 1: 39-45)

Reflection: Soon after hearing the Angel's message, the Mother of the Lord goes to her cousin Elisabeth who is old and expects a child. The Gospel says that she left in a hurry to place herself at the service of the needy. The Virgin does not allow the fact that the hope of Israel will be fulfilled in her "go to her head", but in utter humility she leaves to serve through small and simple house tasks.

Prayer: Mother Mary, expert servant, help us understand that it is only by being each other's servants that we can be true followers of your Son.
Mother Mary, expert servant, enable us to be always available to those whom we meet in our daily life.
Mother Mary, Vine blossom laden, help us compete in being charitable

My commitment is to serve those who are close to me. In imitation of the Virgin Mary, I shall try to serve ever better those who are least pleasing to me.

Flower of Carmel
Vine blossom-laden,
splendour of heaven,
Child-bearing yet maiden,
None equals thee.
Mother so tender,
whom no man didst know,
On Carmel's children
thy favours bestow,
Star of the sea.

You will find the Gospel Reflection here