Jesus reminds us in today’s Gospel that a mother’s anguish during labor will soon turn to joy when her child is born. As a mother I can certainly relate to Jesus’ words. Holding my new-born babies filled my heart with overflowing joy and love. With each of my three children I remember holding them and kissing their little heads while envisioning beautiful dreams for their lives. There is nothing sweeter. Yet, time proceeds so fast. I still can’t believe that the picture of my children posted here was taken some 20 years ago. It seems like it was just yesterday when I had them all in my home, caring and nurturing them as best I could.
A Mother’s Heart
After reflecting on today’s Gospel I was drawn to the connection of motherhood, suffering and joy. You see, to me at least, there is no greater pain then seeing my children suffer – and this suffering does not cease when they grew up and leave the home. All three of my children will always hold a huge piece of my heart wherever they go. When they hurt, I hurt. When they experience joy, I experience joy. If you are a parent I am sure you understand. So when Jesus used this analogy it really drove the message home. The truth is that no matter how many times my mother’s heart is broken, Jesus’ promise of joy will heal all my sorrow. Also, in like manner, no matter how big our suffering may become, Jesus’ promise of greater joy is ever-present.
Our Children Live in a Sinful World
Jesus’ message in today’s Gospel was not the first time God communicated to mankind the pain of motherhood. Remember, God told Eve that childbirth would be painful as a result of Original Sin. When God spoke those words to Eve I believe he was not simply speaking of the physical pain of childbirth, after all, that pain is very temporary and easily forgotten. Rather, I believe God was foretelling Eve of the pain and anguish all parents would experience because sin had entered into the world. We will all experience heartache as our children fall prey to sin.
Just this week in Manchester England innocent children, mothers and a father were killed by a suicide bomber. Many are still fighting for their lives. The youngest victim was an eight year old little girl. As a mother my heart aches for the victims and all those who are suffering. Indeed there is sin and evil in this world. And evil is certainly at the root of the massacre in Manchester.
Mary’s Sorrow and Mary’s Joy
The Blessed Mother also suffered a mother’s broken heart when she stood at the foot of the Cross. Even Mary, the one whose yes allowed God to enter into the world as a man, was not shielded from suffering a mother’s heartache. Mary still suffers today when she witnesses the suffering of her children on earth – both young and old alike. In this month of May we are reminded of her suffering and of her loving motherly care for each and every one of us. Mother Mary loves us with a mother’s heart and nothing would give her greater joy than our true happiness.
What Can We Do?
Jesus promised us an eternal life of joy with him. We must hold on to this promise! We must remember that pain and heartache were not present in the beginning when God created mankind. In the beginning, before the Fall, God said it was “very good” as he sat and gazed upon his creation. We must remain ever mindful that the One who dwells inside of us, Jesus Christ, is greater than the one who prowls throughout the world causing pain and destruction. Through Jesus Christ complete restoration will happen in the world. Things will become as they were in the beginning – on earth as it is in heaven my friends. However, this will be in God’s perfect timing.
Let’s journey on without fear, resting in the knowledge that God’s words are true. Just as the Lord commissioned Paul in today’s first reading, we are to go out and speak about God and his faithfulness. We are called to do this until all the ends of the earth know the infinite healing love of God. To paraphrase Jesus Christ – we are called to be in this world and not of this world. We are called to be instruments of peace, love, and truth.
A Divine First-Aid Kit
We are part of God’s supernatural world and given this, we have access to the medicine our hearts need. I believe God’s remedies are found in prayer, the Theological Virtues of Love, Hope and Faith, and the four Cardinal Virtues of Prudence, Temperance, Courage and Justice. Through prayer and the virtues the Holy Spirit will lead us on our journey towards the joy Jesus promises.
The great Physician, Jesus Christ, administers God’s divine remedies through the Holy Spirit from his dwelling place within our hearts. Given this, we must turn inward and look into our hearts to find him. The more we surrender to prayer, the deeper our hearts will grow in love, and the more alive the virtues will become in our total being. As our hearts fill with the virtues we will heal from our brokenheartedness. The more whole and healed our hearts become the more soothing our melody will be in God’s divine chorus.
Our Strength in Prayer
The Blessed Mother has told us many times that our strength is found in prayer, prayer to her Son. She continually points to him. During this month of May let us turn to her in greater numbers, seeking solace in her mother’s love and comfort. Sometimes I find peace visualizing Jesus and Mary wrapping their healing “blanket” all around me. I then allow myself to rest in their love. Other times I practice various forms of Fasting of the Mind to more fully deepen my union with God as I journey towards the joy Jesus promises.
There is no easy answer for our pain, or for the pain of those in Manchester. Yet, Jesus gave us a promise of eternal joy and we must cling to him. Together let’s pray for all who suffer in the world today and every day, especially for those suffering pain and loss as a result of the Manchester tragedy. Remember, Jesus is close to the brokenhearted and we can trust Jesus.
Be blessed my friends in Christ. – Carolyn
Mother as Nurture/Comforter
We all have a mother; however, sin interrupts in the flow of love God intends for mother and child to share all too often in this world. Such a break can leave a hole in the heart of both mother and child – a break that can pass on through the generations. If you have experienced this type of pain I invite you to visit a blog post I wrote on mother love. Here is the link: Mother as Nurture/Comforter
Sacred Heart of Jesus – have mercy on us.
Father God – consume us.
Holy Spirit – enter in to us.
Mother Mary – pray for us.
Today’s Readings Acts 18:9-18; Psalm 47;2-3, 4-5, 6-7 Alleluia Luke 24:46; John 16:20-23
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