This image is called Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Many people who are in physical, emotional, and spiritual peril have been saved and blessed while praying and contemplating the meaning of this icon. Allow me to underscore that “Our Lady” is the Blessed Virgin Mary and the “perpetual help” is Christ Jesus who was forever being begotten by God the Father from before all time and was born in flesh of the Virgin Mary. Let us turn to our dear loving Savior for all mercy, consolation and rescue. See how sweetly he is shown holding the hand of his mother. He held her hand as any normal child would hold his mother’s hand, for closeness, guidance and security. When he held her hand, as the Son of God in flesh, he was not holding her hand for his comfort. Rather, as Almighty God, he was thereby holding her hand and the hand of all humanity in our sorrows and distress. Yes, he is holding your hand in every sorrow, sickness and shame you endure.
This icon shows our Lord depicted as a vulnerable child looking at the instruments of his crucifixion. He, who as a little child sat upon the lap of his blessed virgin mother, matured into a man yet with all innocence and humility. On the last day of his life he was stripped, abused and assaulted until dead. He who was thus abused and assaulted can truly understand the spiritual and emotional needs of those who are affected by emotional, physical and sexual abuse.
Our Lord Jesus said the following statements about children: “Let the little children come to me and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of heaven…Their angels have access to the God the Father at all times…It would be better if a millstone were hung around a person’s neck and thrown into the depths of the sea rather than to hurt one of these little ones…As you have done anything, even giving a cup of cold water, for one of these little ones you have done it to me.”
Those most vulnerable and in need of our protection need you to be the mother, father, family and friend to protect them from abuse. Learn more by clicking below.
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Blessings+
Father Daniel
