Refuge

Statue of Our Lady, Help of Christians in the refectory of the Pontifical College Josephinum. A "refectory" is essentially a fancy word for a cafeteria... this statue of Our Lady watches over the first year seminarians while we eat.

    "Let the outcasts of Moab sojourn among you; be a refuge to them from the destroyer. When the oppressor is no more, and destruction has ceased, and he who tramples under foot has vanished from the land, then a throne will be established in steadfast love, and on it will sit in faithfulness, in the tent of David, one who judges and seeks justice and is swift to do righteousness." -Isaiah 16:4-5

    Blessed virgin mother, Mary, refuge of sinners and help of Christians, pray for us! 

    Take all those who once lived in death, who sojourned in the land of gloom, and bring them home. Be our refuge in every age, be our comfort amidst the nations of sin. 

    

    For the destroyer is still active, he is prowling like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8), he still enslaves, oppresses, and tramples many under heavy burdens of sin and pain. See how this people is trapped by lies, for they do not know who they are or who they can trust-- they have lost all hope, for they believe they are abandoned by all.

    "In the path where I walk, they have hidden a trap for me. I look to the right and watch, but there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me, no man cares for me." -Psalm 142:3-4

    It is a wicked work of the evil one to make the beloved forget her name, to make this people forget their true love. Blessed Mother Mary, bearer of the Word made flesh, proclaim to this people: you are not abandoned!

    "For the Lord delights in you and makes your land his spouse. As a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you." -Isaiah 62:5

    When you are our place of refuge, you will present yourself as the seat of wisdom; as the throne of Christ. Jesus Christ, the bridegroom, will come with steadfast and faithful love, and taking his seat upon you, daughter of David, he will judge with justice.

    In the light of justice will every soul be seen, and in the scale of righteousness will every person be measured. This is why we tremble with fear, for we know the immensity of our weakness, the depravity of our sin.

    "We have heard of the pride of Moab, how proud he was; of his arrogance, his pride, and his insolence-- his boasts are false. Therefore let Moab wail, let every one wail for Moab." -Isaiah 16:6-7

    

"Wail, O gate: cry, O city; melt in fear, O Philis'tia, all of you!... What will one answer the messengers of the nation? "The Lord has founded Zion, and in her the afflicted of his people find refuge."- Isaiah 14:31-32

    Our Lady, the new Zion, the new mountain of the Lord, is our refuge! As the Lord comes to judge with justice, she reminds us of our salvation, the passion that the Lord has for us. She reminds us that we are the beloved whom He has died for. She reminds us of who we are, and who he is-- for we are loved, and he loves us. So, peoples of all nations, led in humble repentance by the humble heart of Our Lady, will come to the Lord, and they will beseech His mercy.

    "In those days the house of Judah shall join the house of Israel, and together they shall come from the land of the north to the land that I gave your fathers for a heritage." -Jeremiah 3:18

    The Lord has promised His mercy. He has given us a sure refuge and hope in Our Lady, who will lead us to His cross, the cross of the love of a bridegroom for His bride. We will be judged in justice, yes... but what sin can overwhelm the weight of the just and righteous sacrifice of Christ?

    Mary, help of Christians, refuge of sinners, bring us to the merciful judgement of your son, Jesus. Teach us to receive the faithful and steadfast love He pours out for His bride.