A month after we celebrate Mary’s Assumption, and a week after her birthday, we remember her seven sorrows. This feast day, and this monthly devotion encourages us to reflect on the seven sorrows. These are:
- The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)The into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
- Loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:41-50)
- Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17)
- The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30)
- The deposition of our Lord’s body from the Cross (Psalm 130; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-37)
- The burial of Jesus (Isaiah 53:8; Mark 15:40-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)
Each of these events show that Mary’s suffering is linked with important events in the life and death of her son.
As a mother, I know this to be exceedingly true. When my child so much as falls, I feel a visceral twinge in my body and I have to suppress my reaction so I can assess how bad the damage actually is instead of projecting. And when there is pain, my heart wishes I could take it for myself so my child doesn’t have to feel it. And yet I know that my role as a parent is not to prevent my child from suffering. It’s not to keep them from feeling any pain, as much as I would like to do it. Pain and suffering are a part of life. So, I let my head prevail and play my role.
As mothers, we suffer with our children, and do what we can to help them bear their pain with grace. We can look to Mary as am example, as she carried her motherly pain and suffering with great grace. We know that the causes for her sorrow brought glory to God and salvation to the world. We can also lift up our sorrows, motherly and otherwise, and use our kingdom priesthood that was conferred to us at baptism, joining them with the sacrifice of our Lord at Holy Mass. In this way, our sorrow and suffering can also be given to God and used for His glory and the salvation of souls.
For those of you suffering deeply, closely walking with Our Lady, I wish I had more to say, and more comfort to give you. I wish I could tell you why sorrow and suffering exists in your life, why it comes in the forms it does, and what we can do to minimise it. Many people who are much wiser than I, have tackled this question and come up short.
All I can say is, please reach out for help, as difficult as that is. There may be ways your parish can provide support, perhaps through support groups or simple fellowship. It is also good to spend time in prayer and reflection – I find my troubles are best left at the feet of our Lord in adoration. It is also worth getting in touch with other support services such as helplines or counselling services if you are in crisis.
I would also like to offer to pray for you. If you are suffering or know someone who is, leave just a first name, nickname, or even a descriptor (e.g. for a friend, for a woman I know, for a person I met) in the comment section (or in the prayer request post for September), and I will bring all these intentions to our Lord in prayer this week (as usual, I would ask all readers to keep them in their prayers as well!).
This month especially, but any time when we too experience sorrow or suffering, let us remember Mary’s Seven Sorrows, linked to events which bought our salvation. Let us unite our sorrows to hers, as we bring them together to the sacrifice of Mass, giving everything for God’s glory.
Until next time, let’s pray for each other. And remember, we can do Mom things through Christ who strengthens us!
Mom Things Through Christ 