Today we celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. Many readers may be familiar with the seven sorrows, but if you are like me, I needed a quick refresher. Today’s Gospel from John is short but impactful. Jesus, despite his suffering, turns to his mother and plans for her future. A new family is formed as He asks the disciple to care for his mother post his death.
As I prayed with today’s readings, my mind wandered. How horrific would it be to have to bury your child and live beyond that day? What a human guttural reaction that is. My mind then wandered to a magnet on my refrigerator of Michelangelo’s Pieta, the sixth sorrow of Mary, as she prepares Jesus for burial. I bought that magnet years ago in the Vatican, as I was in Rome visiting our students studying abroad. There were so many feasts for the eye touring the Vatican, but this statue took my breath away. It’s a depiction of Mary’s grief but also her acceptance of God’s will. Some say her hand turned upward depicts hope as it is raised towards heaven.
I read once that Ben Akers reflected on this moment: “Christ’s mother, then, teaches us the art of uniting our minds and hearts with the will of God especially in times of suffering.” My dear friend as she was battling pancreatic cancer and in hospice often prayed the Memorare. Today, I pray it in memory of Tanya and recognizing Mary’s absolute faith and love.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence
I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To thee do I come,
before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
Michele Bogard
As a product of formal Catholic education for 12 years, I truly believe my faith formation has come from working at Creighton University for the past quarter of century. Originally from the Chicago suburbs, I came to Creighton thinking that I would be in Omaha for a year or two and then move home. Little did I know how Creighton and Ignatian spirituality would alter my life plans! From accompanying students on Campus Ministry retreats, learning from former student/staff members who are now Jesuits, to working the Spiritual Exercises with the Deglman Center, I attempt to be a lifelong learner.
At work, I hope to help foster experiences where students feel a sense of belonging and focus on wellbeing, At home, I am a mother to a son who is a great source of joy, laughter and sore muscles (I am not an effective goalie for our front yard soccer practices and my tennis game is pretty rusty). A new gifted Kindle will hopefully help me catch up with a backlogged list of books I’ve been wanting to read. Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a favorite author. Travel is a lifetime passion; my son and I are already planning our next adventure.
I look forward to learning together with you as we reflect on the daily readings together.
