As we celebrate the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, we are reminded that Mary, as foretold by Simeon, suffered at least seven sorrows, from this prophecy to the parting with Jesus at his tomb, and thus is no stranger to the pain that plagues every one of us, but particularly mothers. Recently we remembered St. Monica and her years of suffering over her husband, Patricius, and her son, Augustine. That inner pain can be just as excruciating as physical pain. Mary kept these things, pondering them in her heart and feeling them deeply. As we have learned ourselves, our pains make us more compassionate to those of others, and even when words cannot help, our presence as a fellow sufferer can often bring comfort.
There is a beautiful icon called Mary, Soothe My Sorrows, with Mary portrayed with a very gentle, understanding face. One merely needs to look at it to find comfort. Not all of us have that icon, but in our imaginations we can see Mary at the foot of the cross, looking beyond Jesus to us and offering us her solace as she takes our pain upon herself. May Our Lady of Sorrow comfort those afflicted with suffering of body and soul and help them unite their sufferings to the cross of Jesus where they find ultimate relief and redemption.
Bro. Rene
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