Mary delivers us from a catastrophic vision of things

"The uncertainties of the present time, the doubts about the future, not only about the planet but also about humanity, because of geopolitical tensions and social fractures within nations, make us fear the worst. The Church is not spared this severe diagnosis. However, even though the counter-testimonies of its members and leaders, as well as our own sins and betrayals can corrupt and bruise her, let us never forget that our trust in the Church is based first of all on God's faithfulness to her. Made up of sinners, the Bride of Christ is only holy through the very holiness of God, and through the grace of God who calls her members, unceasingly and ever more, to conversion.

Mary delivers us from a catastrophic vision of things. No matter how low we may fall, her maternal help will never fail us. She is the woman who, in the book of Revelation, in the midst of the turmoil and tumult of the universe, crushes the head of the serpent. God has placed her at the forefront of human history, and she accompanies, as a most loving Mother, our chaotic journey towards the homeland of Heaven. Let us entrust ourselves to her. May her immaculate beauty shine and illuminate our path towards the incandescent and eternal light that is Christ in glory!

When despondency threatens us, when discouragement makes us doubt others, ourselves and the Church, the "little girl Hope" evoked by [French poet] Charles Péguy, who is personified by the Virgin Mary, opens a way out for us. By humbly placing ourselves, as she did, under God's gaze, we know that the Lord will never abandon us; that everything is possible for those who believe; and that even if we fall, in his forgiveness, God raises us up. However low we fall, we will only fall in God, into his infinite mercy. Only hope can overcome our doubts and our failures.

The Virgin Mary, "the beautiful Lady", represents hope against all despair.

Bishop Dominique Rey of Fréjus-Toulon, France

Excerpt from his homily given on December 8, 2022 at the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Grace in Cotignac.

Source: www.france-catholique.fr (Translated)