Marian Monday Vol III

Not too many people know of this one particular Marian devotion called Our Lady Undoer of Knots.

Someone shared with me the book of prayers for this devotion during my internship with the Theology of the Body Institute back in 2009. I can't say that I have done the actual Novena, but I have contemplated on this particular painting a few times. It depicts the Virgin Mary untying knots while treading on the head of a snake, which represents the devil. Her crushing of the serpent represents the prophecy in Genesis 3.15 that "[thy seed] shall bruise the serpent's head". Below the figure of Mary is a representation of the Archangel Raphael with Tobias based off the Book of Tobit in which the pair travel together to Sarah so that Tobias can ask for her hand in marriage. Pretty powerful imagery.

The knots represent the problems and struggles we face for which we do not see any solution. According to the prayer book, "Knots of discord in your family, lack of understanding between parents and children, disrespect, violence, the knots of deep hurts between husband and wife, the absence of peace and joy at home. They are also the knots of anguish and despair of separated couples, the dissolution of the family, the knots of a drug addict son or daughter, sick or separated from home or God, knots of alcoholism, the practice of abortion, depression, unemployment, fear, solitude…Ah, the knots of our life! How they suffocate the soul, beat us down and betray the heart’s joy and separate us from God."

I wanted to share this devotion in case someone out there may need it. I know I have my share of "knots". To purchase a prayer book, read the testimonies, learn more info, go to: http://www.maryundoerofknots.com

Thanks for linking up!