Reflections

Christians are supposed to have firm hope in the Resurrection. So when someone close to us dies or we hear of a life cut short, we may feel like poor Christians if we’re grappling with shock or grief. Didn’t we just celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross – Jesus’ triumph over death! Eternal life won for us!? Yes, and the very next day, we honor his grieving Mother, Our Lady of Sorrows. A sermon by Saint Bernard, found in the Liturgy of the Hours for this occasion, underscores that grief can coexist with hope of the Resurrection: “‘Had she not known before that he would not die?’ Undoubtedly. ‘Did she not expect him to rise again at once?’ Surely. ‘And still she grieved over her crucified Son?’ Intensely.”

Jesus left his Mother as model and companion to grieving and suffering Christians. Recently, I was admiring the stained glass windows in St. Christina’s Church, Chicago, and was pleased to see seven images in addition to the traditional mysteries of the Rosary: the seven sorrows of Mary. We Dominicans are huge proponents of the Rosary, which follows Mary’s life from joys to glory. But those who need more reminder of her companionship in suffering might find it in another beaded prayer, the Seven Sorrows Chaplet. In fact, since all of September is traditionally dedicated to Our Lady’s Seven Sorrows, I encourage you to pray this chaplet this month, uniting with Mary in grief, patience, and persevering hope.

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