Mary's Sorrow in the midst of Joy

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MariaChristi

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Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today we celebrate the Feast of another Martyr, St. Thomas Becket, and as I listened to the Gospel for today’s Mass, I was pondering the sword that pierced Mary’s Heart:
…Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
(and you yourself a sword will pierce)
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2: 22 - 35)
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Again remembering that the Word “Martyr” is synonymous with “witness” I thought of Mary’s witness in the world. Yesterday’s Gospel also made me ponder Mary’s suffering even in the midst of the joy of Jesus’ Birth:
…When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:
“A voice was heard in Ramah,
sobbing and loud lamentation;
Rachel weeping for her children,
and she would not be consoled,
since they were no more.” (MT 2:13-18)
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Yesterday I prayed the Sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary because I wanted to offer prayer in reparation for my sins and the sins of the world. How easily we can get so caught up with celebrations that we forget the “whole” message of “Good News” which Jesus came to give us. Yes there is great rejoicing in Him now and will be for eternity but there is also sorrow now until the Lord comes in Glory to take us to the Father who will wipe away every tear. God willing, I will pray the Sorrowful Mysteries again today and the Chaplet of Mercy.

Yesterday I also did some research on apparitions in which Mary wept. I knew one of the young girls in Kibeho, Africa had seen Mary weeping and I also remembered Mary’s apparition to two children at La Salette, France who saw her weeping. I also went back to the University of Dayton HERE to clarify in my own mind which apparitions are approved and found another good article on apparitions in EWTN’s library. See HERE. How wise the Church is in going slowly to investigate thoroughly any apparition reported! Even if Mary had not appeared and wept and told her children again to stop offending God, we would know from Scripture how this Mother’s heart breaks when her Child suffers!

Mary, Cause of our Joy, who gave Jesus birth into this world, enable us to bring Him to others.
Mary, Mother of Sorrows, pray for us that we might unite our sorrows with your pierced Heart and the Heart of your Son.
 
Casilda said:
My favorite icon of Mary, the Vladimir Theotokos. In her eyes the writer captured the sorrow within the joy.

http://www.skete.com/images/products/icons/T23lg.jpg
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Dear Casilda,

My two favorite Icons are : Our Lady of Vladimir (also called Our Lady of Tenderness) and the icon Our Lady gave us on the wilma of St. Juan Diego: her image as Our Lady of Guadalupe. The fVladdimir Theotokos blessed me the first time I saw it because of the tenderness of the Child and Mother His little face is pressed so close to hers and His little arm about her neck is so special to me. Yet Mary’s eyes are not upon Him but upon us – she is focused on us, for she sees us with the Love of her Son, Who is God.

Our Lady of Guadalupe’s message: “Am I not here, who am your Mother? Are you not in the crossing of my arms?” gives me such hope, for I can see myself with my face pressed close to hers and I can put my arms around her neck – for she holds me in the crossing of her arms with Jesus. Thanks for your reply, Casilda. It is always good to hear from you!
 
hazcompat said:
Panagia and Christ- Extreme Humility

Peace
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Dear hazcompat,

The hearts of Jesus and Mary are so united! Their humility so profound and so beautiful. May God so transform our hearts by His Grace that we learn to love with all our hearts, and find love alone enables us to bear the sorrow, and mysteriously find our joy is always within.

Thanks for your reply and for the icon.
 
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