To all the Sorrowful Mothers

As Mother’s Day rolls around again, to all those sorrowful mothers out there – you are on my heart. As I delve deeper into motherhood myself, it is not lost on me that it is a double edged sword of joy and sorrow. And for some in particular, the sorrow is especially acute.  And, after all, as a friend once told me, the trouble with being open to life (and thus motherhood) is that you’re also open to death. Life and death, joy and sorrow, light and dark. Life isn’t all joy all the time. We live in the vale of tears right now, longing for our heavenly home. But depending on which side of the fence you happen to be sitting on at the moment, this can be a very difficult time. 

But it hit me hard the other day that Mary, Mother of Jesus, knew this reality  more deeply that any other mother. She who was without sin, suffered the effects of the sins of everyone else, namely, the crucifixion of her son Jesus. She was met in life with sorrow after sorrow, such that as Catholics, we have a special devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary, but these sorrows also come with great graces. However, as her sorrows were quite deep, so was her joy, especially (I would imagine) after the Resurrection. 

For all those that Suffer

So this Mother’s Day, I want to acknowledge and recognize all those sorrowful mothers, spiritual or physical. So let’s pray today for all the mothers who:

• have suffered a miscarriage, still birth, an infant loss. 
• have lost a child to accident or illness or suicide.
• long to hold a baby in their arms.
• suffer infertility without answers or successful treatment.
• ache for the sufferings of their children, whether they be mental, physical, or psychological. 
• care for their children with chronic illnesses or conditions. 
• feel powerless to help. 
• children have left the church. 
• no longer speak to one (or more) of their children.
• suffer in any way not mentioned here.

May Mary wrap you in her mantle of protection this day and show you what it means to live with joy in the midst of suffering. May you find comfort in her gaze and peace in her arms. And like Mary, may you turn to Jesus in all things, finding there the joy and power of his Resurrection.