Episode 40: A Mother Who Knows
“Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala.” - John 19:25
Summary:
In this episode, Elizabeth, Anna, and Brittany discuss the theme of grief and loss, particularly through the lens of Our Lady of Sorrows. They share personal experiences and reflections on how Mary serves as a comforting presence for those who have experienced loss. The conversation explores the hiddenness of suffering, the strength found in vulnerability, and the importance of community support. The hosts emphasize the significance of living with open hands and finding hope amidst sorrow, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with Mary and her help to carry our cross and come to a greater understanding of our grief.
Takeaways:
Grief can feel invisible, but Mary understands our suffering.
Mary's hidden life resonates with those who feel unseen in their grief.
The strength of Mary is relatable in moments of trauma.
Mary's role as a mother is to stand with us in our sorrow.
The Seven Sorrows of Mary provide a framework for understanding grief.
Mary's active presence in our lives offers comfort and hope.
Living with open hands invites trust in God's plan.
Grief is not meant to isolate us but to connect us with others.
Mary's tears symbolize compassion and understanding in our pain.
Our grief can lead to deeper faith and connection with God.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections
02:57 Navigating Grief and Loss
06:02 Our Lady of Sorrows: A Mother Who Knows
08:56 The Hiddenness of Mary and Connection to Suffering
12:09 Mary's Role in Grief and Loss
14:58 The Pieta and the Nature of Maternal Love
17:57 Marian Apparitions and Their Messages
20:45 Using Grief as a Springboard for Hope
24:09 The Active Role of Mary in Our Lives
32:04 Deepening Our Relationship with Mary
37:05 Living with Open Hands in Grief
Discussion Questions:
How has your relationship with the Blessed Mother changed since losing your child(ren)?
Were you familiar with devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows? If so, how has it impacted your life? If not, how do you foresee it changing your grief journey?
Closing Prayer:
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Immaculate Mother of God, who didst endure a martyrdom of love and grief, beholding the sufferings and sorrows of Jesus! Thou didst co-operate in the benefit of my redemption by thy innumerable afflictions and by offering to the Eternal Father His only-begotten Son as a holocaust and victim of propitiation for my sins. I thank thee for the unspeakable love which led thee to deprive thyself of the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus, true God and true Man, to save me, a sinner. Oh! make use of the unfailing intercession of thy sorrows with the Father and the Son, that I may steadfastly amend my life and never again crucify my loving Redeemer by new sins; arid that, persevering till death in His grace, I may obtain eternal life through the merits of His Cross and Passion. ~Prayer by Saint Bridget of Sweden
Book Reference: Preparation for Total Consecration to the Immaculate according to St Maximilian M. Kolbe by Fr. Matthias M. Sasko
