Episode Transcript  

One

Kolbe’s Key Insight: The Spirit Comes to Us in Mary

In our last meditation, we learned that St. Maximilian Kolbe taught that we encounter the Holy Spirit in Mary and through Mary. He called her the Immaculate Conception, not simply as a title of honor, but to reveal her identity.

The Holy Spirit is the uncreated Immaculate Conception. Mary is the created Immaculate Conception. Their union is so perfect that the Spirit acts only through her. That’s why Kolbe said Mary is “almost the incarnation of the Spirit.” When we belong to her, we live under the influence of the Spirit. The first step in becoming docile to the Spirit is to consecrate or entrust ourselves completely to Mary, just as Jesus did for thirty hidden years. If we want to hear the voice of the Spirit, we must enter Mary’s school, the Rosary, meditation, and personal friendship with her.

Two

Learn to Listen in Daily Meditation

Jesus said, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.” (Mt 6:6). If we want to hear the Holy Spirit, we must enter silence.

Daily meditation, especially in Mary’s presence, is where we begin to recognize the Spirit’s voice. St. John says the Good Shepherd calls his sheep by name, and they know his voice (John 10:1–5). But how can we know that voice if we never sit still and listen? That’s why the habit of daily meditation is essential. In this quiet time, especially when done while praying the Rosary, we let Mary teach us to recognize the Spirit’s movements. She helps us notice what Jesus is asking and leads us to a simple daily resolution. In Mary’s company, we begin to say yes to the small things, and that’s where docility begins.

Three

Guard Your Peace or Miss His Voice

The Spirit speaks in peace. But how often do we lose that peace through frustration, noise, arguments, and inner turmoil? If we are agitated, we will not hear the Spirit’s gentle prompting. That’s why St. Paul says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Col 3:15).

Mary is the model of interior peace. From Bethlehem to Calvary, she kept her heart anchored in God. Her peace was not a feeling, it was rooted in humility, trust, and surrender. With Mary beside us, we can learn this kind of peace, too. When trials come, instead of reacting with fear or anger, we can respond from the Spirit, by pausing, breathing, and staying with Mary. Practicing peace in difficult moments creates the best conditions for the Holy Spirit to guide us. Without peace, there is confusion. With peace, there is clarity.

Four

Praise Unlocks the Flow of Grace

Gratitude draws grace. St. Thérèse told her sister, “If we thank God for one grace, He will give us ten more. And if we thank Him again, He will multiply them beyond measure.” Mary lived this truth. When Elizabeth greeted her with the words, “Blessed are you among women,” Mary responded without hesitation, “My soul magnifies the Lord!” (Lk 1:46). She immediately turned the praise toward God.

In the School of Mary, we learn to thank God not just when we feel good, but always. Gratitude changes our interior atmosphere. It clears away discouragement, anxiety, and spiritual fog. Thanksgiving is faith in action, and faith opens the door to the Spirit. If you want to be more docile to the Holy Spirit, thank Him constantly. Be grateful to Him for every little inspiration, every whisper of light. And if you don’t feel grateful, ask Mary to thank God on your behalf. She always sees the goodness of God, even when we cannot.

Five

Friendship with Mary Makes It Simple

You don’t need to be a theologian to be docile to the Holy Spirit. You need to be little. You need to be Mary’s child.

Start simply: talk to her every day. Tell her what’s on your heart. Ask her what Jesus wants from you today. Then wait in quiet and pay attention to what stirs in you. Maybe it’s a small desire to help someone, a nudge to apologize, a reminder to pray, a moment of clarity about something you’ve been avoiding. And when you take even one step in response, Mary rejoices. Like a good mother watching her child take their first steps, she smiles and she’s ready to catch you if you fall. In that moment, you’re already walking in the Spirit.

Suggested Resolutions:

Choose one resolution for today to help you grow closer to God, or create your own. Here are some ideas to inspire you. 

• Talk to Mary every day. Tell her what’s on your heart. Ask her what Jesus wants from you today. Then wait in quiet and pay attention to what stirs in you.

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