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Well-Spring of Joy

“The well-spring of Mary’s joy is the possession of Jesus.”

                     --Sister Mare Eugenie of Jesus   

                                      

For Reflection:              Both the Pieta and the poem from yesterday portray a serene and composed image of the Blessed Mother. In both, Mary is “in possession” of Jesus, physically, spiritually, and eternally. How can this moment be for Mary, then, a well-spring of joy? Ponder this and record your reflections. How does this inspire you?

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The Sixth Dolor: Jesus Is Taken Down From the Cross

Tradition has it that Jesus’ body was placed in His mother’s arms after he was taken down from the Cross. This touching scene became the subject of artistic renderings around 1300, with the most famous of all being Michelangelo’s sculpture in white marble. The Pieta has been housed in St. Peter’s Basilica since the early 18th Century.  Today’s For Reflection captures in verse what Michaelangelo’s sculpture captures in marble – a deepening insight into the mystery of Mary, Virgin and Mother, whose Son was her Savior and her God, and Whose suffering was mystically her own.

To Mary: At the Thirteenth Station

You are the priest tonight: The paten of your lap holds sacrifice. You are the priest tonight, Offering Peace and its price. Star candles burn palely bright; John is your faithful acolyte. You are the priest tonight.

                                                                  ---Raymond Roseliep          M. Thérèse. I Sing of a Maiden: The Mary Book of Verse.                                                         New York: Macmillan, 1947.

For Reflection:              How is this scene almost para- liturgical? Read Paragraphs, 783 and 1546 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church in light of the poem.  Do you think the description of Mary as priest is an apt one? What deeper insights does this give you into the mystery of Mary, her union with her Son and His sacrifice, and the suffering they shared in common?

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The Paradox of Joy and Pain Co-existing

“Only the joy that stands the test of pain and is stronger than afflictions is authentic.”

                                Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI)

For Reflection:             

Consider the paradox of joy and pain co-existing. What joy might Mary have been experiencing at the foot of the Cross even in the midst of her great suffering? How might this joy help her to stand there? Recall a time when you were experiencing a suffering marked with an underlying joy. How did it help you to stand there – actually or metaphorically? Can you identify the joy in her current sorrow – what is it? How does it help you to stand?

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