October is one of the months when we venerate Our Blessed Lady, Mary, the Mother of God, in a special way. We ask our Mother to help us, just as we often do in daily life. Many people pray the rosary or ask her intercession for a special reason. When we pray the rosary, we reflect on the mysteries of Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection. The mysteries give an overview of how He saves His people. The rhythm of the repeated prayers helps our meditation and contemplation to deepen. This October is an opportunity to begin to pray again the rosary, individually or as a family, or in school or in a group. I invite you to pray the rosary each day this month.

 

Soon after becoming Pope, Pope Francis spoke of his prayer to Mary the Untier or Undoer of Knots. He remembered a painting which he saw in Germany during a very difficult time of his life. It portrayed Our Lady surrounded by little angels who helped her untangle bands or ribbons of linen cloth which had become tangled into knots and were unusable. Today we might think of the way in which computer leads or earphone wires become tangled and it take ages to unravel them. The original painting was commissioned by a wealthy man who had marital problems and could not see a way forward. He asked Our Lady to help him. At the wedding feast of Cana, when they ran out of wine, Mary knew that Jesus would sort it out and provide a solution. This was gallons of wine!

 

Many situations of life are knotted together and seem unresolvable. They cause sleepless nights and endless worry. These may be relational difficulties, workplace tensions, family problems or problems with the neighbours. People wonder to move forward and try to find ways forwards in daily life. A helpful ear can help us clarify the problems. Talking to another person can be useful. A spiritual guide can assist. Often though, there is no clear way forward and then we seek the help of prayer. We can ask Mary the Untier of Knots to help us.

 

You might pray with me now,

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Mary, Mother of Mercy, Untie the knot of my life (name request).

Come to my aid, Mother of God.

Give me greater freedom to love God and my neighbour.

Jesus, have mercy on me.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Archbishop John Sherrington

Archbishop of Liverpool