God’s will

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God’s peace

While our world today is in great need of peace, it’s more than just our politics and nations that need it. Each of us requires peace as well. God’s peace is available to us all. The question becomes, will we accept it? 

Sometimes at the end of Mass during the final blessing, there is a reference to God’s peace surpassing understanding. It’s one of those phrases that I know it when I hear it, but I can’t recall it exactly. In Googling the prayer, one of the first items in the search results was Paul’s letter to the Philippians from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website, specifically the books of the Bible section. And there it was, “Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:7) When I pause to take it in, peace seems like a shield. How can peace protect us? Perhaps the key is what it is protecting or guarding: our hearts and our minds. Shouldn’t peace protect our bodies as well? Maybe not. Maybe what gets us in trouble in the first place is our hearts that desire worldly things and our minds that scheme up ways to get what our hearts desire. If our hearts and minds are firmly centered and guarded in Jesus Christ, we may still stumble but we will remain much closer to God than if we chose to follow our own desires. 

When carefully reading that passage, I realized that it begins with the word, Then. That word indicates cause and effect. So, if we want God’s peace, then we need to see what comes immediately previous to that passage. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” (Phil 4:4-6) God’s peace will come to those who fully rely on God and show it in their actions. While this passage does not say we shouldn’t be sorrowful in times of sadness, what it does indicate is that we should also find a way to rejoice in the midst of our sorrow. It does not mean we put on a smiling face because we “have” to do so. It’s about allowing God to fill us when we don’t have enough for a genuine smile. 

Paul’s reminder is simple and straightforward, but how often are we aware that God is always with us, no matter the circumstances?  Regardless of when we are in a moment of consolation or desolation, God does not leave us, even if we don’t feel His presence. If we lean on our faith to believe God is always with us, then we can rejoice in all moments. We also can dwell in His peace because it is always available to us. And when we believe and trust that God accompanies us through our life’s journey, we can then achieve the ability to live without anxiety. When we know that God is with us, we are in regular conversation with Him, which is what prayer is. We converse about our day, our needs, the needs of others, as well as appreciating all He does for us. How often do we, instead of turning to God, fret about the daily circumstances we encounter? We are anxious about the cost of living rising, and about the potential worldly events. We forget we are not destined for this world, but life everlasting with God after this world.

God’s peace is not conditional. He doesn’t withhold it because of our faults. Rather God’s peace is the fruit — the result — of when we put our total trust in Him. God’s peace is meant not for us to hold onto it, but to share it with others. In reflecting the love of God to others, we can also reflect His peace as well. Like the well-known hymn states, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”

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Safe in God’s hands

Mass can be routine. While the readings and songs change, everything else stays mostly the same. Until it isn’t. No matter what, Mass is still the Mass, regardless of the circumstances.

It started out as a normal Sunday Mass. I was appreciating the use of the organ in the opening song, the Gloria, and the responsorial psalm, when the accompanist would usually switch to piano. But all that changed at the end of the Gospel when everyone’s cell phones all sounded the alert. As we sat down for the homily, someone called out to Father that it was a tornado warning, in case he wanted to address it. As a retired priest who was filling in, his first comment was, “What do you want me to do about it?” I totally understand that train of thought. From my perspective, if it was my time to go, what better way than to be during Mass? However, our deacon, who also teaches at the school, used the school’s protocol and advised that we proceed down to the social hall, which was a floor below the church. 

Our social hall was split into two sections that day. One side was conducting the monthly blood drive. The other was set up in the normal meeting fashion of chairs around long tables. As the congregation took seats or stood around the perimeter, there was a lot of chatter amongst the people. Yet the deacon was able to capture everyone’s attention quickly and announced that rather than waiting until the warning subsided, we would continue with Mass, but that everyone would remain where they were and communion would be brought to us. Father did shorten his homily, and proceeded with the liturgy of the Eurcharist. Two candles were lit and everything that was needed was placed on the makeshift altar. Despite the unusual circumstances, there was still a reverence observed by both the clergy and the congregation present. While there was a child or two that could be heard, most others were silent. For me, I closed my eyes and let my focus be on the words instead of on the surroundings.

What struck me the most, however, was receiving Holy Communion. Usually we stand in line and proceed up to the minister, and when receiving in the hand we make a throne, so that the Precious Body can be safely placed on the palm. Normally, I don’t see the person’s hands in front of me, however, this time, I could see the whole row of open hands, indicating the person’s desire to receive. It reminded me of the pictures that one sees of those in poverty who are lining up with open hands to beg for a scrap of food. And that is what we truly are: beggars in this world, seeking the daily substance through the grace and blessings we receive from God. Everything that we have is a gift from God, one that He renews each and every day. As the ministers walked down each isle, they retained a solemness for what they carried, stopping for each person. One of the musicians softly played the piano on the stage, allowing those who received sacred background music to aid their meditation. While our surroundings were different, receiving Jesus was still the same holy and sacred moment.

Even with the disruption, since there was no singing and the homily was shortened, Mass was completed quite quickly. To all our relief, the tornado warning had expired and we were safely sent on our way. Yet, we are always safe when we place ourselves in God’s hands. Regardless of what happens, when we know God is with us, obstacles have a way of being addressed, even in a most unexpected way.

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Got problems?

In our fallen human condition, we face problems daily, perhaps even multiple times throughout the day. They can range from the truly basic needs of where a person’s next meal will come from to if it’s time to start looking for a new job; from which medical treatment will address the health crisis to which school a child will attend. How often do we lift up our problems to God to solve?

Early on in my working career I was advised that if I was going to bring an issue or concern to my superior, I should also bring at least one solution, if not multiple options with my reasoning of which was best. That makes sense in a working world, but sometimes it feels like I apply that to my relationship with God. While I’m sure God does appreciate me using the brain He gave me to analyze the situation and the possible outcomes, He may be frustrated in my lack of trusting Him to make the best decision for not only my immediate need, but for my lifetime. As a human, my perspective is very limited, as is my knowledge of the problem at hand. I’m not privy to the effect the problem or its resolution may have on others. God sees all. God knows all. Yet, here I am not asking for help, but instructing specifically what God needs to do. I don’t consider myself a Martha, but in retrospect, I’m a bit like her, telling God how He needs to address my problem.

For every problem there is an answer. We humans have problems. God is the solution. When we try to provide solutions ourselves, we are trying to be God. This was what made the forbidden fruit so attractive to Adam and Eve, that they can be like God. Most times God does want us to participate in solving our problems, but that we do so by following His will for us. Relying on our own initiative, we shut God out of an opportunity that could grow our faith and relationship with Him. It may also prevent God from working through another person who could provide us the aid that we need. God also understands how different solutions will affect us and those involved both immediately as well in the long term. In our finite understanding, we tend to think that once a problem is solved, that is the end. Sometimes it is, but sometimes the results can affect us way longer than we can even imagine. Our short-sightedness leaves us blind to the consequences we will face if God answered our demanding prayers exactly the way we ask of Him.

Supplication, or petition, is one of the types of prayer that is a constant for every Catholic, including every time we attend Mass. Asking God for help is a good thing! Asking God that He helps us in a very specific way is where our prayer can go awry. Let us examine how we petition God for assistance, taking Jesus’ example from the agony in the garden, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.” (Lk 22:42)

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Opportunities for practice

Hope and trust in God are two hallmarks of our Christian faith. Yet these virtues are not something that we always “have” but rather are virtues that need to be practiced. And for most of the residents of the United States, we are in the midst of multiple opportunities to practice them.

Last week started for me with a winter storm that left me without power for most of the afternoon. While I did my best to grin and bear it, using the opportunity to say a rosary and do a little bit of weaving, as what little daylight faded, I started to get anxious about when power would be restored. With temperatures much below normal, in the 20’s, my home was getting considerably chillier. I was relieved when it finally came back on and I could heat up leftovers for a late dinner. Unbeknownst to me, other areas of my region were suffering from a lack of water when the water treatment plant lost power that morning. It took about a week to get everyone restored back to normal. This is just one little incident that was affected by the cold weather and frozen precipitation from a storm that went through numerous southern states, from Texas and Arkansas all the way through to Georgia and up through my state of Virginia. 

If vicious cold and wintery weather did not affect folks, then it was the strong winds in California that spread the flames burning whole neighborhoods to ashes. Each hour that goes by seems to have another movie or TV actor announcing that their home has been destroyed. While it can be helpful to have familiar names and faces associated with the tragedy, it can be very easy for us to shrug off the impact since they have the money to rebuild. What about for all those who support the entertainment industry and the people who work within it? It’s also the non-famous people who are part of the community that have been affected. It’s the local business owners who not only lost their home but also their livelihood. Natural questions that arise in this devastation include: why did this happen, how will I recover, and what happens next? Not all of these questions come with satisfying answers.

One might turn to the book of Job for comfort. Job lost everything and though he complained to God and asked for why he was being thus punished, he never cursed God. There will always be periods of suffering in our lives and when we are in the depth of misery during these times, it can be hard to see that brighter days will come. Like the three friends of Job who try to comfort him, many will try to speak words of comfort, yet the pain of suffering continues. However, we are all called not to focus on our earthly lives, but in all our actions to desire the kingdom of heaven and what will lead us there. When we are struggling, we both seek the assistance of God as well as offer the fruit of the struggle for His will to be done. “Hope is expressed and nourished in prayer, especially in the Our Father, the summary of everything that hope leads us to desire.” (CCC 1820)

When life seems to be favourable to us, it is easy to say that our hope and trust is in God and His will for us. Yet in the face of hardship and suffering, it is then that we illustrate our hope and trust in God. It doesn’t mean we face it all with radiant joy, it means that we ask for His help. It doesn’t mean we sit back and do nothing, but that we pray for guidance and take action. It doesn’t mean that we focus only on our needs, but look around to those going through the same suffering and ask how we can help others and to share the burden of the ordeal. 

January certainly seems to be giving us many opportunities to practice hope and trust in God. Let us pray for all those who continue to suffer the consequences of the various weather events and seek ways to help them recover. 

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Prepare for joy

As we approach the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday, we are reminded that we are to rejoice, the translation of gaudete. How can we prepare to be full of joy?

There can be many reasons why it can be hard to be joyful, even during the Christmas season. Perhaps it’s the recent loss of a loved one or the anniversary of their passing. Perhaps it’s physical ailment that’s hampering your preparation. Sometimes it’s circumstances that we find ourselves in that make stress and worry seem to be more plentiful than joy. God knows all that we are going through, but He does not want us dwelling in what is holding us back from experiencing His love, peace, and joy. He knows that we each need a little joy in our life, not just at Christmas, but every day. At Christmas, however, we are called to be joyful through the hope-filled faith in the Baby Jesus. 

One breath. One heartbeat. Sometimes in order to find joy, we need to look at the smallest things. As overwhelming as life can get, we can find joy in the moment when we take in a deep breath, or listen to our heart beating. I may not be able to thank God for the struggle, but I can thank God for allowing me another second, another minute, another hour, or another day. Perhaps joy can be found in the presence of a loved one, in a smile on a child’s face, or just the beauty of nature in your community. If we look for things to rejoice about, we will find them. Instead of focusing our attention on what ails us, this season we are called to focus on the joy God has given us in this world. We can choose to be joyful, even if it is for a fleeting moment of the day. 

The Gospel reading for the third Sunday of Advent gives insight to ways that can lead us to be joyful (Lk 3:10-18). John the Baptist counsels the people to share the food and clothing they have, thinking of others’ needs rather than themselves. If we are having trouble finding joy in our lives, sometimes helping others, donating our time or money, can give us a boost to find joy this season. While John the Baptist tells the tax collectors not to take more than prescribed and the soldiers to be satisfied with their wages, we can interpret that for our age of being satisfied with what we have, rather than being jealous of others. This is a great reminder that when we receive a gift this season, that we appreciate whatever the giver has gifted us, rather than complaining or rejecting the gift. When we rejoice over what we have, and share with others who are in need — and share the joy of our plenty — we will find the peace of the Spirit in ourselves.

If we want to rejoice this Christmas season, we do need to prepare ourselves to receive the gift of joy that God wants to bestow on us. We need to be open to whatever manner that joy will come into our lives. Let us use this third week of Advent to pray each day to be a willing recipient to the joy of Christmas.  

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Saints and miracles

With the start of November, the Church focuses on the end of the liturgical year and the fulfillment of a life lived in a relationship with God. A hallmark of “making” a saint is two confirmed miracles. But what are miracles and why are they so important?

In a secular world the prevailing attitude is that Church and State (or even the everyday public life) must remain completely separate; a miracle crashes right through that thinking. Merriam-Webster’s first definition for the word miracle is “an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.“ While there will always be people who scoff and disbelieve in a miraculous event, insisting that there must be a plausible explanation for it, the Catholic Church does thoroughly investigate any miraculous claims, especially when they are being attributed to a particular person whose cause for canonization is underway. The easiest way to prove a miracle, at least in this age, is that of a medical nature. For example, the first miracle attributed to Blessed Carlos Acutis is that of a Brazilian boy who was born with a defect of the pancreas that would not allow him to eat solid foods and kept him vomiting most days. After touching a relic provided by the mother of Carlos Acutis, the boy was healed and able to not only eat the food, but also not vomit. The boy’s healing is so incredible because even the physiology of the problematic organ changed, mystifying the physicians who examined the boy afterwards.

Another example is the miracle attributed to then Sr. Faustina that led to her beatification. According to The Divine Mercy website, a woman suffering from lymphedema as evidenced by a swollen leg, which was due to be amputated, had it return to its normal size after visiting Sr. Faustina’s resting place. The woman was examined by five independent doctors who came to the conclusion that she was completely healed. They had no medical explanation for the sudden healing of this incurable disease. This evidence was examined in consultation by five doctors appointed by the Sacred Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Having passed this test, it was examined by a team of theologians, and finally by a team of cardinals and bishops. The cure was accepted by all as a miracle brought about by Sr. Faustina’s intercession.

Do we need to pray through a saint in order to receive a miracle? No, we can pray directly to God Himself for a miracle, especially since He is the source of every miraculous event. For those uncomfortable or unsure if God hears our prayers, praying through the saints can feel like a much more realistic option, since they were people just like us. There may be aspects of their upbringing, their personality, or their livelihoods that we can find a connection— a common bond — that develops into a relationship. Having a relationship with a saint can feel like a person has an extended family member, who just so happens to be recognized as being in heaven.

Catholics (myself included!) can be rather sloppy in our language when we talk about the intercession of saints. We say that we are praying “to” a particular blessed or saint for “their” help. In reality, the prayer is asking that person to intercede for us with God and for God to grant the miracle. God is the creator of the universe and everything in it. If He wants to modify some small detail within it, He is the only one that has full ability to do so no matter how impossible it may seem. As the universe does not need to exist, one can look at all of creation, from the mightiest mountain to the smallest of insects, and from the power of the oceans to a singular heart beat, and see it is all a continuous miracle for us to enjoy. 

In a fallen world, our ability to appreciate all God gives us is often veiled by our short-sightedness. We turn away from God to see ourselves in control of our surroundings. Miracles, medical or otherwise, give us the opportunity to recognize God’s sovereignty and give us hope that we can turn away from being prideful in our work and seek to do God’s work.

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The need for laws

Why do we need laws? It’s a simple question, but until recently, I never really gave a thought as to  why. Last week one of the daily Mass readings was from Paul’s letter to the Galatians. The scripture that has stuck in my head is: “Against such there is no law.” (Gal 5:23)’

The thought as to what laws are needed can only be seen in contrast to what does not need a law. Paul’s comment regards the fruit of the Spirit. You don’t need to set a limit to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, or generosity. You can’t have too much faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control. If one’s perspective of law is a guideline, then something like “Love your neighbor” may sound like a law. However, you also may end up asking the same question as the law scholar in Luke’s Gospel who posed to Jesus this question, “Who is my neighbor?” (Lk 10:29) If we look to the law as defining what actions we can and cannot do, we will also look for ways to bend the restrictions to our benefit and desire. But if we appreciate that God loves us despite our flaws and generously loves all others in the same way, then there are no limits as to who we love and everyone is our neighbor — even the crankiest, grumpiest, angriest person who crosses our path.

Eighty percent of the Ten Commandments contain “you shall not…” in the English translation. This indicates that while we have the ability to do these things, we need to refrain from them, thus limiting our capabilities. This is what the law does, it identifies a limit or line that should not be crossed in word or action. While there are numerous laws to govern all different aspects of life, let’s focus on just the Ten Commandments, since they were the first given by God to man. 

A major theme of these commands is that they affect relationships: both with God as well as with other people. God imposes relationship limits, not because He is a narcissist, but because He wants us to have the most fruitful relationship with Him. By setting our sights on God as the only god, by being respectful of Him and His creation, and by giving Him proper worship, we not only receive blessings in this life, but will be able to spend eternity with Him. These laws were given when the Israelites could trace their lineage to one of Jaob’s sons. A neighbor was a fellow kinsman as well. However, if we take our Baptism seriously, we recognize that everyone is a child of God, created in His likeness and image. We are all family and everyone is a neighbor. The second portion of the commands, fourth through tenth identify how we should act within these familial ties. 

Another aspect of the commands is the understated damage the actions would cause if a person would break the law. Killing another would be to assume God’s power to end another’s life — the life given to the person by God. While stealing may not immediately end a person’s life, it could hinder their ability to live or make a living, depending on what was stolen. Coveting another’s goods is like mentally stealing from that person; while it may not physically injure the other, it disrupts the relationship you have with that person. Likewise to either commit adultery or to covet another’s spouse is to damage the relationship between all families involved, including all persons within the families.  

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Law is a rule of conduct enacted by competent authority for the sake of the common good.” (CCC 1951) God is very much a competent authority and He blessed us with the Ten Commandments that allows us to understand the consequences of our actions in the relationship we have with Him as well as others. If we live our lives by reflecting the example of God, not only will we reap the fruits of the Spirit, but we will not need to focus on the law, since the limits imposed will never be anything we could entertain. With God as our role model, our lives will naturally obey the Commandments, allowing us to enjoy our family and neighbors here on earth, and our heavenly family when we pass onwards. 

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Blessings in science

One of the biggest myths of the modern era is that religion is contrary to science. I, however, think that God has allowed man to peek inside the design of the universe in small snippets. This has resulted in gifts  that have become commonplace to the point that we take them for granted.

For those who believe in a God who created the universe, the study of the natural world is made possible by a good God who has brought order to chaos. A scientific theory is a proposal of an observed pattern within the natural world that can be measured with consistency and accuracy. Throughout the centuries there have been numerous people whose faith in God did not hinder their work in the sciences. My knowledge of the intersection of science and religion include such figures as: 

  • Copernicus, a Polish canon and astronomer, who was the first to propose the planets revolved around the sun.
  • Fr. Lemaître, a Belgian priest, astronomer, and cosmologist, who formulated the modern big-bang theory.
  • Mendel, an Austrian monk whose study of plants became the basis of genes and the study of genetics.

While these three in particular had occupations within the Church, there are many others of the laity who have also participated in the various sciences. For the month of October, the Magnificat is featuring saints who were involved in the sciences and have included St. Anthony Zaccaria, St. Gianna Molla, St. Hildegard of Bingen, and St. Eligius, just to name a few. 

In almost a parallel way to spiritual truths, the study of the various sciences has slowly revealed the truth of the world we live in. The history of salvation began with creation itself, and while the fruition of our spiritual relationship with God was completed with Jesus’ work, we are still discovering aspects of His life and work that were not previously considered. While there was some basic understanding in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine in the ancient world, it was with the founding of the university system, often through the sponsorship of the church, that the sciences really made great strides in discoveries. Just like in the spiritual life, knowledge in the sciences can only be understood and furthered when you have solid building blocks in place. The first microscope that documented scientific findings was back in the early 1600s. However amazing those were to their time, they could never have imagined that the cells they were seeing were made up of even tinier, individual units that are known as atoms. And perhaps in another century or so, there will be a discovery of even tinier units that make up the parts of the atom. 

With the current negative buzz around processed food, plastics, and other manufacturing processes that could place the planet in jeopardy, it can be hard to appreciate the gifts that science has enabled in the world. Last week, however, I had the time to ponder the marvels of science and technological advancement as I sat in a chair with eyes tightly closed and started to pray Hail Marys to calm myself during the first of two root canals. Just mentioning the word root canal brings a shutter to most, even to those who have never experienced it! Perhaps I was lucky to get a good endodontist. Maybe it was the anatomy of that tooth. And maybe it was all just a blessing from God. The end result was a painless procedure that allows me to keep my tooth. And the technology of today allows the precise diagnosis of which teeth needed it. I went into the consultation thinking it was going to be a certain tooth; in reality I needed the ones on either side of that one! A century ago I probably would have had my teeth pulled, perhaps even all of them. Maybe I wouldn’t have survived as long as I have because of the various dental procedures I’ve had throughout my life. That sobering thought prompts me to put the results of the second one in the hands of God to be as equally successful as the first.

The various fields of science can save, extend, and enhance our lives when ethically pursued. While various names are credited with the discovery, it is ultimately God who deserves the praise and glory, as He created it all. And like in the spiritual realm, God enjoys working with the various scientists to bring His light to life.

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God’s place

Bishop Robert Barron has a saying that has become so popular, the Word on Fire organization sells t-shirts emblazoned on them: Your life is not about you. I would take it one step farther and add: Neither is heaven.

In many of the books and videos that Bishop Barron has participated in, he has consistently taught that we need to have a Christ-centered life. Until we order our lives around Jesus, we will never be able to have full peace and joy. This means giving up what we want, stop feeding our own egos, and instead, follow God’s will for us. That is what the saints have illustrated with their lives, so it is possible. In our secular-oriented age, which seeks only to soothe our own egos and appease our own feelings, it can seem like an impossible task. WIth God’s help, nothing is impossible.

As humans, we live in time and space and our language reflects that. We can talk about things that we will do in the future, things we are presently doing, or things we have done in the past. God is the creator of time and space, and thus exists beyond it. Trying to describe heaven in our language is difficult because our knowledge and language lacks the ability to adequately convey the spiritual realm. We say we want, or expect to, “go” to heaven when we die. But what is heaven and why do we want to go there? The Catechism of the Catholic Church tries to define its essence in three ways: God’s own “place,” eschatological glory or beatific vision, and the saints and the “place” of the spiritual creatures, the angels, who surround God. (CCC 326) The word place is used in quotes because in our time-and-space language, it’s the best word choice to use, even though heaven is outside of those constraints.

If we try using our language to describe going to heaven, it would be like getting on a plane with a one-way ticket and flying to another country on the other side of the world without any preparation and taking nothing with us. In most cases we would need at least a passport and perhaps a visa to enter that country. For some countries, certain vaccines or shots are recommended so that we don’t become ill with disease that is common in that area. Communicating with the local people may also prove difficult if we don’t know the language; we can’t expect everyone to speak like we do. If we traveled with some of our currency, we cannot expect it to be accepted in every place we visit there. Yet far too many people assume that because God loves them, they will be welcomed into heaven, God’s place, on their own terms. 

Heaven will be everything we want and hope for only when we want what God wills for us and hope in Him. We are given this time on earth to cultivate a relationship with Him. While we can never truly comprehend what is infinite, we can get to know aspects of God that He reveals to us through the Church, the sacraments, and our interactions with one another. When we live with Jesus at the center of who we are during our earthly journey, we are preparing ourselves to enter heaven. When our lives mirror the commandments, the beatitudes, and the works of mercy, it’s like we are learning the language of heaven and storing up foreign currency. When we participate in Mass and the sacraments, it’s like we are preparing our passports, visas and medicinal needs to travel to heaven.

If we aren’t interested in having a relationship with God while we are on earth, why would we want to go to heaven? If our lives are all about fulfilling our wants and catering to our feelings, going to a place that is God-centered would not be desirable. It’s not like we can try out heaven and see if we like it; if we go there, it will be for eternity. 

God created each of us with gifts and talents. He allowed whatever flaws we have, as we live in a fallen and corrupt world. He has given us the freedom to choose to have a relationship with Him. The more we want, desire, and pursue that relationship, the more we reflect what He has given and taught through the Church. When our lives are centered around God, then heaven will be a most welcome place. And when we go there, we will be able to call God’s place our home. 

Back in her arms

In the first moments of His life, Mary held the baby Jesus. And after being taken down from the cross, Jesus’ body was  placed in her arms. It had come full circle. The sixth sorrow of Mary is Jesus being taken down from the cross. 

Over the years I’ve read many reflections upon the crucifixion, and it is significant to note that in this instance, the body of Jesus was removed from the cross. Usually the point of a crucifixion is to be a deterrent for others. The Romans wanted the bodies to be hung for the maximum amount of time to dissuade others from repeating the crimes of those who hung on the cross. Crucifixions always took place in a highly visible area, just outside of the city or town, so that as many people as possible could see them. It could take several days for a person to die on a cross. The bodies were left hanging for all to see and the scavenger birds picked at the remains. Guards were often stationed there to prevent families from removing and burying the bodies. For Pilate to grant Joseph of Arimathea permission to remove the body was surprising from the perspective of Roman tradition. However, since Pilate had not wanted to crucify Jesus, granting this favor may have been a way Pilate sought to relieve his guilt of his part in the death of an innocent man.

While the Gospels do not specifically state Mary’s presence during this event, each does describe the burial of Jesus beginning with Joseph of Arimathea receiving permission to remove and bury the body. But if Mary was present at the foot of the cross, how could she not be involved with His burial? With the strength and grace she received from God for this moment, it is only logical that she would cradle her Child one last time. As part of the stations of the cross, many depict Jesus removed from the cross and being placed in Mary’s arms. Perhaps the most iconic image of this is The Madonna della Pietà, informally known as La Pietà, a marble sculpture of Jesus and Mary located in the Vatican’s Saint Peter’s Basilica. Here a larger-than-life Mary holds Jesus’ lifeless body, with her serene demeanor illustrating her trust that this was God’s will. Jesus’ passionate suffering had come to a conclusion. Her suffering, however, lingered. She must face each moment now without Him. 

Mary keenly understands loss: the loss of a loved one, the loss of a child, and the loss of a family member convicted of a crime. We may not see her tears on the Pietà, but even with her trust in God, I’m sure she shed her fair share of them; just the sheer overwhelming emotion of Jesus’ Passion and Death would cause that. Sorrow and grief can only be relieved when we share the pain with others, otherwise it becomes a burden too heavy to carry. 

In these last days before Holy Week, let us pray to Mary to share her sorrowful burden, as well as for her to help us with ours. She is our mother too and wants to aid us in all our needs, carrying us in her arms like she did Jesus.