“...I implore Thee, by Thy most holy Passion, by Thy precious Blood shed for love of us...” Rule: Of Prayer
St. Angela mentions several times words referring to the Passion of Jesus. During the time of Lent, I offer the following reflection:
As we continue to move through this holy season of Lent, I find myself reflecting on a homily I heard at the funeral of a friend of mine in January. Jim, who died, lost his wife a couple of months earlier. He depended on her to do many things to keep him comfortable and engaged. She was there when he needed her.
The priest, who gave the homily, spoke of two times Mary held her son, Jesus – when he was born and when he was laid in her arms after he died. As a baby, Jesus needed his mother, Mary, for everything, every little thing. He could do nothing for himself. At the time of his death on the cross, Mary could only look upon her son, her dear helpless son, not being able to give him comfort, heal his wounds, wipe his face, or hold him. She wept tears of deep pain, calling upon his Father in heaven to give Jesus the strength he needed because she could not. Once he was taken from the cross and placed in her arms, she could finally embrace him with all the love in her heart that was now broken.
It is like this when a couple grows old together, and one loses the other. Or it is like this when any loved one dies who has been loved by you or in your care. Up to a point, you can DO for your loved one, but then in the end, you can only BE there as you watch the process of death take its course.
This Lent, place yourself in Mary’s position of holding her child in her arms so lovingly. Jesus and his mother surely had a bond that was special and beautiful. Allow this Lent to teach you the beauty of holding on and letting go.
Sister Donna Frey, OSU
Ursuline and Catholic Identity