“And You Yourself a Sword Will Pierce” by Melanie Rigney

“And You Yourself a Sword Will Pierce” by Melanie Rigney

Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

Now you are Christ’s Body and individually parts of it. Some people God has designated in the Church to be, first, Apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues. Are all Apostles?  Are all prophets?  Are all teachers? Do all work mighty deeds?  Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues?  Do all interpret? Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:27-31)

We are his people: the sheep of his flock. (Psalm 100:3)

Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and 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 2:33-35)

Piety

Mama Mary, hold my hand through the sorrowful times. Remind me that joy always lies ahead.

Study

It was a truly sorrowful earthly life for Mary if you want to look at it that way.

• Fleeing into Egypt with her family because an angel told her husband her son was in deadly danger
• Losing her young son for three days
• Hearing Simeon’s prophecy that a sword would pierce her

·       Seeing the beaten and bloodied Jesus carrying a cross, being present for his crucifixion, and watching the piercing of his side and attending his burial

 Who would not become bitter and angry at God, having that much uncertainty and tragedy and pain in only thirty-three years or so?

Perhaps Mary didn’t lose herself in her sorrows. Perhaps she also remembered the tender moments with Jesus and Joseph and their extended family. Perhaps she also remembered the joy of the weddings and parties and feasts and festivals. Or perhaps, in that pondering in her heart we know she did amid the awful and confusing times, she drew the faith to power through them.

We know how it ended for her: her assumption, body, and soul, into heaven to join her son. Her presence at his right hand, petitioning for us as only a mother can.

Swords pierce all of us: lost family, lost friends, lost love, lost health, lost jobs. It does not make us weak or ungrateful to spend some time mourning those losses. But at some point, if we listen with our hearts and souls, we will hear that whisper that we don’t need to start those tentative first steps back to joy alone. We have the Holy Trinity; cheerleaders here on earth and in heaven; and that woman who knew more sorrow than any of us ever will—and believed.

Action

Talk with Mary about the sorrows others have tired of hearing, or you are uncomfortable sharing with anyone else.

Image by Zarateman; found at https://bit.ly/2ZulDOI and used under license found at https://bit.ly/2GWkadx