The ultimate in saying "Yes" is Christ's death upon the cross. Just as our humanity holds us back from giving all we have been given, Christ, being fully human, hesitated as he approached our hour of salvation. ("My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.") He also doubted. ("My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?") Then, being fully divine, he forgave us for all that holds us back. ("Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.")

Although forgiven, saying "Yes" continues be a struggle for us. So, as Marianists, we remind ourselves daily, at 3 P.M. local time, of Jesus' "Yes" and our united "Yes" with the following prayer:

  Lord Jesus,
       We gather in spirit at the foot of the Cross
       with your Mother and the disciple whom you loved.
       We ask your pardon for our sins
       which are the cause of your death.
       We thank you for remembering us
       in that hour of salvation
       and for having given us Mary as our Mother .

       Holy Virgin, take us under your protection
       and open us to the action of the Holy Spirit.

       Saint John, obtain for us
       the grace of taking Mary into our lives, as you did,
       and of assisting her in her mission. Amen.

       May the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit
       be glorified in all places
       through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.


Amen, peace and love,

aj

(For a history off the Three O'clock Prayer visit the Mary Page here.)