WHY, WHY. WHY. SUFFERING????
FIRST REFLECTION
I suggest to you that it is because God loves that He gives us the gift of suffering. Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world, You see, we are like blocks of stone out of which the Sculptor carves the form of man. The blows of his chisel which hurts us so much are what makes us perfect.
C. S, Lewis
OUR LADY OF SORROWS PRAY FOR US
The month of September is dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary. September is a month when we reflect on suffering as a way to salvation and intimacy with Jesus. This devotion dates back to the 12th century, when it made its appearance in monastic circles under the influence of St. Anselm and St. Bernard.
The feast day is celebrated on September 15, the day following the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The title, Our Lady of Sorrows, given to our Blessed Mother, focuses on her intense suffering and grief during the passion and death of our Lord. Traditionally, this suffering was not limited to the passion and death event; but it comprised the seven sorrows (Dolors) of Mary, foretold by the Priest, Simeon in the temple Luke 2:34-35
“This child [Jesus] is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed and you yourself shall be pierced with a sword so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare.” Luke 2:34-35
MEDITATIONS
SEVEN SORROWS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
PROPHECY OF SIMEON
Mary, when I hear bad news, help me to trust in Jesus
Luke 2:34
FLIGHT INTO EGYPT
Mary, when things are unsettled and I am unsure of the future
help me trust in Jesus
Matthew 2:14
LOSS OF THE CHILD JESUS
IN THE TEMPLE
Mary, when I suffer losses, help me to trust in Jesus
Luke 2:46
MARY MEETS JESUS
ON THE WAY TO CALVARY
Mary, I know it broke your heart to see your Son suffering.
When someone I love is suffering, help me trust in Jesus
Luke 23:27-28
JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
With Mother Mary, We adore you O Christ
By your holy cross you have redeemed the world
John 19:24-27
MARY RECEIVES JESUS
Mary, you received Jesus into your loving arms,
Help us to say yes to Jesus and receive Him with love into our hearts
Mark 15 43-46
JESUS IS PLACED IN THE TOMB
The tomb will not hold Jesus. Mary, help us to persevere to the end
that we might join you and your resurrected Son in heaven for ever and ever!
John 19:38-42
LAST REFLECTION
“I’m not sure God wants us to be happy. I think he wants us to love, and be loved. But we are like children, thinking our toys will make us happy and the whole world is our nursery. Something must drive us out of that nursery and into the lives of others, and that something is suffering.”
C. S. Lewis