“Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will.” ~ Ben Stein
Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. This feast was established in thanksgiving for Mary’s intercession in the Battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571 when a fleet of Christians defeated the navy of the Ottoman Empire.
The pope had called for all Christendom to pray the rosary as the enemy was getting closer. He knew full well that the defeat of the Christians in this key battle could well mean the destruction of Christianity. He placed his confidence in God as well as in Mary’s intercession to God for us. Miraculously, the Christians won the battle and the pope declared the day as a feast of Our Lady. We have commemorated that same feast through all of these years.
There are still many battles that are being waged in our world. The oldest — and fiercest — battle is the war between God’s people and the devil. Praying the rosary helps to arm us in that battle so that we may overcome the enemy. Praying the rosary helps us to remain humble. Praying the rosary helps us to focus upon our saving God.
There are many people in the world who would tell us that prayer is senseless. They would say that there is no God and that prayer is just a waste of our time. We, on the other hand, have great confidence in God and believe that He always hears our prayers. Our confidence is best evidenced by our belief that God will come to our aid. We know that He can. Our faith attests that He will.
Be confident in your prayers to the Lord today. Be confident, as well, that the Blessed Virgin Mary is willing and able to take your needs to her Son. Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, Pray for Us!
FAITH ACTION: Take time to pray the rosary today, slowly and reflectively.