Pope John Paul II referred to Mary as Mother to all and Mother forever. The faithful know they can count on the heavenly Mother's concern: Mary will never abandon them. By taking her into our own home as a supreme gift from the heart of the crucified Christ, we are assured a uniquely effective presence in the task of showing the world in every circumstance the fruitfulness of love and the authentic meaning of life. May the meditations offered here accompany you over the next four weeks, and may the woman who so loved the Word lead you to "Do whatever He tells you." (Jn 2:5) And may you live by the Word of the Lord so that it takes on the flesh of your own life.