Some people refer to Mary as Our Lady of Sorrows, with images reflecting the struggles, the trials, and the sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary: from the moment after the Angel invited her to become the Mother of Jesus to the many sorrows to come later, including:
- The challenge of explaining to her fiancé, Joseph, and her family, all that the Angel Gabriel shared with her about her role in becoming the Mother of Jesus, and enduring the judgment of some in the community…
- Not finding any room in an inn and the resulting less-than-ideal circumstances of giving birth in a cave, and then caring for a newborn in a manger…
- The painful prophecy of Simeon speaking of how a “sword” would pierce her heart…
- Yet another prophecy foretelling Mary at the foot of the Cross watching her only son die a humiliating, torturous death…
- The sorrow and anxiety she experienced when Jesus was lost in the temple…
- And other sorrows that we can imagine when she sees or hears how Jesus is misunderstood by the crowds in their home of Nazareth, and when she experiences the negativity of the various religious leaders of the day that Jesus encounters.
These events have not been recorded and shared with us for the purpose of depressing us. Quite the opposite! We are called to remember and reflect on these events, in part, to help us realize that “good news” does not mean we are always going to experience happy, joyful things, or a pleasant, comfortable environment all the time. The Good News was and is that none of those challenges “did her in.”
Yes, Mary encountered real sorrow. But they were never lasting sorrows. And that is the Good News for her and for us: God has never and will never abandon us.
So, you may be experiencing sorrow in our world today in one or many areas of your life, for example:
- Not being able to visit family in a nursing home
- Planning to “celebrate” Thanksgiving this year at home alone, without joining or inviting extended family or friends so as to maintain social distance
- Struggling with sorrow after the death of a close friend or family member ~ perhaps someone you were not able to see in person recently due to social distancing.
The key is following Mary’s example by not losing our faith and abandoning Jesus when we, too, encounter sorrows. Instead, as Mary did, let us cling to Him ever more tightly, trusting that what He has done for our mother, He wants to do for each of us as His beloved sons and daughters.
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that we realize You hear our every prayer, dry every tear, and hold us close when we feel “done in.”
You’re invited to follow the link below to enjoy the beauty reflected in images captured in the photography of Father Matt. Let the vibrancy of color and the clarity of vision refresh your spirit and elevate your mood. Proceeds will support the ministries of our parish and comfort home:
