take off your scapular
"Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him." —1 Kings 19:19
By throwing his cloak over Elisha, Elijah called him to be his disciple. Elisha then left his farm and family to become Elijah's disciple (1 Kgs 19:21).
The scapular represents Mary's cloak. When we put it on, we are agreeing to leave everything behind to become Mary's disciple. In doing this, we accept Mary as our principal guide in being and making disciples for Jesus (see Mt 28:19).
When we wear the scapular, we commit ourselves to deny our very selves, take up the cross daily, and follow Jesus (see Lk 9:23). We commit ourselves to live our lives with Mary at the foot of Jesus' cross (see Jn 19:25).
When we wear the scapular, we are not saying we are perfect but rather that we are repentant and willing to be holy in every aspect of our conduct (see 1 Pt 1:15).
If you don't have a scapular, go to your parish or Catholic bookstore and get one. If you are wearing a scapular, take it off and put it on the table in front of you. Pray to know what it means to wear the scapular. Then ask for the grace to follow Jesus immediately and totally. Decide to be Jesus' disciple with Mary's help. Then put on your scapular. Be a disciple of Christ. Make disciples for Christ. Live a new life in Christ.
Prayer: Father, may the life I live no longer be my own but a life of faith in You (Gal 2:20).
Promise: "Say, 'Yes' when you mean 'Yes' and 'No' when you mean 'No.' Anything beyond that is from the evil one." —Mt 5:37
Praise: "God Who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name; His mercy is from age to age on those who fear Him" (Lk 1:49-50).
Reference: (Please ask the Lord about participating in our Discipleship retreats. Call 513-662-5378 for information.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, November 29, 1995
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 4, 1995