HOPE AMIDST PAIN

There are at least two good reasons Catholics and some non-catholics love the person of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Besides the fact that she is the Mother of Jesus Christ our Lord, she reminds us, in a sublime way, of our earthly mothers (the sufferings and travails they have to go through), and also the humility and resolve with which she accepted all that happened to her. 

There are seven instances in the Gospels where Mary’s motherly heart is tested by sorrow and every Christian should see these as pointers for the daily crosses we are called to bear:


• *The Prophecy of Simeon* (Luke 2:34–35). Simeon told Mary that she will suffer with her Son since he will be a sign of contradiction. Mothers today have to put up with difficult children and love them all the way. Most young people also have to deal with being misunderstood. It is important that we look to Christ and Mary for inspiration.


• *The escape and Flight into Egypt* (Matthew 2:13). Shortly after the birth of Jesus, the threat of death forced his parents to flee for safety. Sometimes parents have to put up with inconveniences and make time to be in the lives of their children despite their busy schedules. This is what parenthood is about; love and self-sacrifice for the other.


• *The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem* (Luke 2:43–45). The loss of a child through miscarriages, sudden death or kidnap and disappearance is a difficult time for parents. Mary teaches us how to be gentle with ourselves and our children and to see that they are always in God’s hands.


• *The Meeting of Mary and Jesus on the Via Dolorosa* . Although there is no express reference to this in Scripture, we cannot deny the fact that Mary must have met with Jesus on the way to his crucifixion. A part of every mother dies with her dying child. Mary is a good role model of compassion and empathy.


• *The Crucifixion of Jesus on Mount Calvary* (John 19:25). Spiritual maturity is needed to see that death is not the end of a person’s life. They are ultimately in the hands of God (cf. Mk 12:27). Mary accepted the loss of her Son because it is the means by which the world will be saved. May parents who have buried a child draw strength from the mystery of the death and resurrection of Christ.


• *The Piercing of the Side of Jesus, and His Descent from the Cross* (Matthew 27:57–59). A sword also pierced the heart of Mary when Jesus was pierced and brought down from the Cross. A true mother is united with her child in his or her suffering and illness. The strength that parents show in the face of their ailing children helps them to heal faster.


• *The Burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea* (John 19:40–42). In many cultures, it is a taboo for a parent to bury their child. But where they happen, we must accept the reality of their passing away. They are gifts to us from God and we should be grateful for the time we have spent with them and not dwell on the question of why things happened the way they did. This often clouds our memories and makes us ungrateful. Mary was sorrowful but she did not become hopeless.


True Christianity is in touch with human suffering. Christ suffered and so did his mother Mary. We have the assurance of Christ and the maternal intercession of his mother that our sufferings, though long and painful, shall never be in vain. There will be a joyful end to your present sorrow.


*Prayer*
Heavenly Father, teach me to trust in your providence and protection. May my present sorrows only serve to deepen my trust in you anobtain for me all my good heart desires.


*Today’s Readings*
Heb 5:7-9; Ps 31:2-6,15-16,20; Jn 19:25-27