Virtual Retreat

Daily scriptural reflections by Fr. Rory Pitstick, SSL from Immaculate Heart Retreat Center in Spokane, WA
Also available via daily email

Monday, September 14, 2009

Daily Retreat 09/15/09

2009 Sep 15 Tue:Our Lady of Sorrows M
1 Tm 3:1-13/ Ps 100(101):1b-2ab. 2cd-3ab. 5. 6/ Sequence Stabat Mater/ Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35

From today’s readings:  “ If a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of the Church of God?...  I will walk with blameless heart....   Standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”

Sharing the Cross

Yesterday’s feast of the Triumph of the Cross was a reminder of God’s presence and the victorious banner of His love even in the midst of sorrow, pain, and suffering.  As Christ teaches, each one of His followers has a share in the Cross - even Mary, His beloved mother, was not spared her share of the Cross.

How true it is that, often, our heaviest crosses are born when we share in the sufferings of those closest to us.  For true love,  such sharing in suffering (“com-passion”) is not an option - it’s essential!  Thus Mary’s wordless presence at the foot of the Cross reminds you and me of the importance of compassionately supporting with our own presence, in whatever way possible, those faced with sorrow and suffering.

While it’s not always possible to physically stand in the shadow of others’ crosses, our prayers and visits, timely help, favors, letters, phone calls, emails or whatever means of communication available can convey our loving commitment to, like Mary, share fully in the Cross for the sake of Christ.