Hail Mary, Full of Grace

After receiving the sacrament of confession, a person may walk into Mass feeling renewed, only to notice how quickly old habits and judgmental thoughts can resurface. Sometimes, it takes no more than a minute to realize that the same tendencies just confessed can reappear almost immediately.

This experience often raises unsettling questions: Why is the mind so quick to wander? Why does human nature seem so prone to weakness? Is spiritual progress even possible?

Yet, moments like this can also lead to clarity. Feelings of discouragement can turn into reminders that without divine assistance, humanity truly struggles. Looking toward Mary—the example of a human who lived without sin—one can reflect on how such purity was possible. The answer, again and again, points back to grace: Mary was filled with it, and it is grace that enables anyone striving for holiness to grow.

Such realizations naturally lead to prayer, not from despair but from hope: a simple plea for God’s grace to strengthen human frailty and transform the heart.

Pray for God’s grace in all things.

Hail Mary, Full of Grace

The Lord is with thee;

Blessed art thou among women,

And blessed is the fruit of thy womb,

Jesus.

Holy Mary,

Mother of God,

Pray for us sinners,

Now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.