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A Short-Cut That Really Works
by a husband, who is the father of six children and a businessman

Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.”
And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
–John 19:27

Probably the best decision i ever made to get closer to God was to make a total consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the context of my Miles Jesu family. Thanks to a new friendship with Mary that followed, her prayers brought me closer to Jesus than i would have ever gotten on my own. The fruit from the consecration and impact on my vocation have been deep and profound.

However, for many years i struggled with doubts not only about this kind of commitment but also about the idea of having a relationship with Mary at all. There were many obstacles i had to overcome to grow closer to Mary (and therefore to Jesus) and especially before dedicating myself using the method found in St. Louis de Monfort’s book True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin.

Perhaps you’ve considered or desire to explore a closer relationship with Jesus through Mary but have faced your own doubts and concerns? Maybe you are considering making a consecration in Miles Jesu but feel like something is holding you back? Then you might be able to relate to the hurdles i had to overcome in my own journey.

Monsters Under the Bed
The first obstacle i had to deal with was fear of losing control. I remember having doubts like, “Hey, i’m already a good practicing Catholic...is this really necessary? Don’t i already do a lot more than the average Catholic?” Such thinking pointed to the fact that deep down i was afraid to give God the green light for complete control of my life. I was afraid of dramatic change. Of deep conversion. “What if i become like one of those wild-eyed, crazy-haired religious fanatics? What if Jesus wants me to wear a gigantic, tarp-sized scapular to the office or to buy milk at the grocery store?”

What i was most afraid of was exposing the dark back-alleys of my soul, of my past and of my character. I had a vague uneasiness that the consecration would allow the brilliance of Christ to shine in places that i didn’t want to see. Thankfully, all my fears came true! God gave me the courage and strength, through the loving prayers of Mary, to surrender with joy and to face my weaknesses.

We advance more in a brief period of submission to Mary
and dependence on her than in whole years of self-will and self-reliance.
– True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin, by St. Louis de Montfort

The Luther Effect
The second hurdle was the concern that giving myself to Jesus through Mary might not be theologically correct. Because of my lack of solid formation about the Church’s teaching, doubts often plagued me that i would offend God if i gave any or too much attention and love to Mary. Many of these doubts came from my association with well-meaning but misguided Protestant organizations during my university days. I also had (and continue to have) dear friends who are Protestants who influenced my thinking without me being fully aware of it. The simple remedies of studying Catholic apologetics, the Catechism and St. Louis de Montfort’s book all quickly dispelled such concerns.

But mostly, it was the life and teachings of Venerable John Paul II that influenced me the most. What was the source of his tireless apostolic zeal, his love for God, his tender care for the flock? I believe the answer is found in his own words:
“Our entire perfection consists in being conformed, united and consecrated to Jesus Christ. Hence the most perfect of all devotions is undoubtedly that which conforms, unites and consecrates us most perfectly to Jesus Christ.

Now, since Mary is of all creatures the one most conformed to Jesus Christ, it follows that among all devotions that which most consecrates and conforms a soul to our Lord is devotion to Mary, his Holy Mother, and that the more a soul is consecrated to her the more will it be consecrated to Jesus Christ.” –Apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae

Totus Tuus.
–Apostolic Motto of Pope John Paul II

The Time Has Come
If you’ve not made a consecration to Mary, i encourage you to speak with Jesus about it. ask Him point blank: “Do you want me to know your mother better? Is it true that if i consecrate my life to her, she will bring me much closer to you than i ever could get on my own? If this is your will for me, dear Lord, please show me.” Ask with faith and you can be assured he will show you. My prayer is that you respond with a generous YES when he does. Your life will never be the same.

Vinculum members of Miles Jesu live the charism of Miles Jesu in their families and in their workplace.