The Feast today is for Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows. We all have our sorrows in life at some point. I seemed to have breezed through the first couple of decades with nothing life shattering but there were a few things that occurred to me that marked me for life. I like that Mary can relate to my fears, grief, frustrations, doubts, and anxiety. Mary was a woman who must have known panic in her life. From an angel’s appearance to her son’s disappearance, she must have had anxiety. She also knew great grief. Watching her son suffer and die must have been too much for her heart that had been predicted would be pierced.

When I was in Puerto Vallarta recently, I took time to say a rosary generally for all of of the people praying for me, as well as some specific people. I thought of a friend whose brother has a brain tumor, a young woman with a drug addiction who is working the streets, a man who had been on death row whose little hand-made angel graces my home, and a number of other stories that tear at my heart. Our Lady of Sorrows is someone I can relate to. I think of my family and friends who feel sorrow at my prognosis. I feel tremendously sad when I think of how my illness effects them. There is no escaping the reality of what is to come.

I have to keep my eyes on Jesus though–who was about his Father’s business. I think that I must be too. Whatever happens, I believe God will work all things for good. I trust a merciful God who desires for me peace and rest. I also know that my Mother will embrace me tenderly and care for me. Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us, that we who know sorrow will know the mercy of God.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

What sorrow has visited you?

How does Our Lady of Sorrows help you?

Prayer

Beloved Mother of God, dear Lady of Sorrows, you have walked a path of pain in life. Be with us in our anguish. Comfort us and heal us, we pray in the name of Jesus, the Suffering Servant. Amen.