Flower of Devotion

On one occasion, on the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Love, the Gospel sang the words “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord!” in the church, St. Gertrude greeted the Mother of God with a devout and sincere intention, at the same time presenting to her the ineffable joy which she felt when, full of trust, she gave herself over to the will of God to dispose of her as He pleased.
The Blessed Virgin, with the most cheerful and benevolent countenance, answered: “Whoever will piously present to Me this ineffable joy of Mine, I will show him that I am truly his mother, as they ask Me to do in the hymns which Holy Church sings. Indeed, I will show myself to him as the glorious Mother of the King, and as the Mother of those who recite their prayers devoutly and humbly. I will use his omnipotence to refresh them, and to help them in their prayers and to give them a salutary superabundance of grace and mercy.