The Penitential Dimension of the Hail Mary

I am often amazed at the richness of the Hail Mary. In spite of its brevity, it is nothing less than a concise treatise of theology, a beautiful liturgical prayer, a great source of personal meditation, a manual for nourishing preaching, a reliable picture of the Blessed Virgin’s true greatness, a model for genuine Christian life, and a sort of hub that leads to some of the finest works in art, poetry, painting and music.

It is also a place for different kinds of spiritual exercise. In the Hail Mary we are encouraged to praise, to thank, to ask for, to trust even more. Faith, Hope and Love fit well in the inner harmony of Heaven and Earth that is so characteristic of this beloved prayer. Heaven makes heard its voice through the Archangel; the Earth replies through the voices of the believers, using a humbler tone to ask for intercession and help.

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