Sub Tuum Praesidium

The Imitation of Mary

DILIGENCE IN PRESERVING SANCTIFYING GRACE:
  Mary was conceived in God's grace; there
was no trace of sin in her nor any inclination
to sin. Therefore, unlike us, she had no reason
to fear falling into sin. Yet, if you were to
judge by the way she acted, you would say that
she had as much reason to fear it as we do, or
even more than we do!
  She watched constantly over her own heart
as though creatures could have drawn her
affections to themselves. She watched over her
every word as though she could not trust her
tongue.
  In her conception she was given all the privileges
that go with sinlessness, yet she decided
to live permanently as a penitent!
  We, on the contrary, are surrounded by flattering,
treacherous enemies whose sole aim is
to use our natural weakness to bring about our
fall. Yet we have no fear and are not watchful
at all!
  We admit that we are weakness incarnate,
yet frequently we expose ourselves to temptations
that would bring down even the strongest soul.