Articulating Hope
  • Home
  • Deacon Vernon's Blog
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Book Discussion Guide

Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

9/15/2018

1 Comment

 
Picture
A quiet walk is always a good time for prayer and reflection.  I had the opportunity today to go for three walks.  We are feeling just a little breeze from Hurricane Florence.  Eventually our area  looks to get a little bit of rain, but overall, we have enjoyed some nice days despite the dire warnings earlier in the week.  While it was still warm and humid as I walked, the breeze made it definitely feel better than usual.

The Church celebrates the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows today.  I can only imagine the anguish Mary must have felt as she watched her Son get betrayed, tortured, and crucified.  The pain for her must have been immense. Reflecting upon this scene conjures up many thoughts in my mind.  It is painfully clear to me that I have known quite a number of parents who have buried their children.  They hold a common bond with Mary in that regard.

Many years ago when I was participating in a support group for families coping with life-threatening illnesses, I came to know many young people suffering from serious illnesses.  Unfortunately, some of these battles were lost to the illness.  Several people in their 20's did not make it.  I celebrated my 26th birthday in the hospital, but eventually tests showed that I was cancer-free.  I was one of the fortunate ones who survived.

Looking back, I can recall the anguish I saw in the eyes of my parents as they sat next to me in the hospital day after day (for 52 days--but who was counting?).  It did not occur to me until years later that my parents were probably pondering whether or not they would be burying a second child.  I had an older brother that I never met.  He lived seven days and died on my mom's birthday. While that had happened many years earlier, I am certain that watching me go through surgery and months of chemotherapy treatments had to be difficult for them.  Would they lose two of their four sons due to illness?

In ministry, I have walked with parents who have lost a child in a variety of ways.  This has included deaths due to car accidents, illness, suicide, and even a homicide.  Each tragedy brings waves of emotions.  The heartache is deep and long-lasting.

Today's Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows reminds us that we do not suffer and grieve alone.  The journey of life can sometimes be harsh and bring an immense amount of pain and grief.  The age-old question resonates with me, "Why do good people suffer?"  I don't know the answer to that question, but I try to keep walking in faith, hope, and love.  It is clearly not easy to do that all the time.  In my own pilgrimage of life, I have struggled day-by-day and even minute-by-minute seeking God's strength to endure the trials and tribulations of life.  As I look at Mary's faith and trust in God, I am strengthened to continue on in my own journey of faith.

Due to living in South Carolina I could not make a trip to the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows in Starkenburg, Missouri today.  However, I encourage my Missouri readers to do that sometime.  It is a quiet place to reflect and pray.  If you make a trip to the Hermann area for any of the many events held there, it is worth taking a little side trip to Starkenburg (Rhineland) on the way.

www.historicshrine.com/History.htm

My photos today are not from a shrine.  They were taken during my walk at Jarvis Creek Park on Hilton Head Island.  This was my first visit to the park. The 0.85 mile paved path around the lake was beautiful.  Although signs were posted in numerous locations directing visitors not to feed the alligators, I did not see any alligators.  I did watch carefully just in case.  I don't want to make the news because I encountered an alligator too abruptly.

Picture
Picture
What sorrows do you need to place at the foot of the cross today?
1 Comment
Larry/Joyce
9/16/2018 10:39:38 am

Hurricanes and alligators! You are definitely not in WY anymore! Glad the hurrican did not come your way. At least you will know what to have ready in case you have to evacuate at another time. Blessings to you and your family.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013

    Author

    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.