Untangling Knots

We all have regrets, mistakes we made, things we wish we could do over.

As a parent, especially, I have regrets: the hugs I should have given, the praise that was due but I never offered, the harsh words I said without thinking, the priceless opportunities I wasted.

Unfortunately, we can't undo what we've done. We can't fully recover what we've lost, or completely repair the damage. Our mistakes can be so complicated, with rippling effects.

Sometimes our wrong choices make our lives tangled messes.

Fortunately, we have a merciful God Who can do -- or undo -- anything, and a Mother who wants to help. Our Lady has a special title for this job: Mary, Undoer of Knots.

The title can be traced back to the second century when Saint Irenaeus of Lyons wrote that "the knot of Eve's disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary. For what the virgin Eve had bound fast through unbelief, this did the Virgin Mary set free through faith."

Pope Francis has mentioned his devotion to Mary, Undoer of Knots. And indeed, we need her help today.

A painting associated with the devotion shows an angel giving Mary a knotted ribbon symbolizing a life knotted with sins and mistakes. Undoing such knots is impossible for us, but Mary's intercession can work them out. I don't know how God can undo the bad things I've done, but I know that He is capable, eager and willing to rescue me (again).

The following prayer is included in a novena to Mary, Undoer of Knots. This and other materials can be found online or in book form.

Prayer to Mary, Undoer of Knots

Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exists in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exist in my life. 
You know very well how desperate I am, my pain, and how I am bound by these knots. 
Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of His children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life. 
No one, not even the evil one himself, can take it away from your precious care. In your hands there is no knot that cannot be undone. 
Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with Your Son and My Liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot.

[Mention your request here]

I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all. You are my hope. 
O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution, and, with Christ, the freedom from my chains. 
Hear my plea. 
Keep me, guide me, protect me, o safe refuge!

-- Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.