In life, there will be no shortage of interior darkness, of misunderstandings. Oftentimes, situations arise wherein we must correct our course because we are lost.
Then we should strive to see Our Lord, who always comes in the trial of suffering. Let us learn to accept the setbacks with faith, as blessings from heaven to purify us and draw us closer to God.
It is enough to be in his company for us to feel secure always. Insecurity arises when our faith is weakened, when we don’t have recourse to Our Lord because it seems that he doesn’t hear us or maybe doesn’t care. He knows very well what is happening to us. He wants us to go to him and ask for help. He will never leave us alone.
What confidence the words of Jesus contained in the Communion Antiphon should inspire in us: “Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am.” (Jn 17:24)
It would seem sometimes of greater or less duration that Christ is not there, as if He had abandoned us or did not hear our prayer. But he is never the one who abandons. “The Lord looks on those who revere him to rescue their souls from death.” (Ps 32:18-9) If we remain close to Our Lord in personal prayer and the Sacraments, we will be able to do everything.
Together with Him, the storms -- interior or exterior -- are converted into occasions for increasing our faith and hope and charity and fortitude. Eventually, we may come to understand the meaning of these afflictions.
We will emerge from all trials, temptations and tribulations through which we must pass if we are close to Christ, more purified, humbler, and with more love of God. And we shall always be able to count on the help of Our Mother in Heaven. She is there all the time, but especially when for whatever reason we are experiencing difficulties.
“You are not alone. Suffer that tribulation joyfully. It’s true, poor child, that you don’t feel your Mother’s hand in yours. But ... have you never seen the mothers of this earth, with arms outstretched, following their little ones when, without anyone’s help, they venture to take their first shaky steps? You are not alone: Mary is close beside you.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 900)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:377-80
The holy women at the sepulchre
The burial had been rushed because of the Jewish Sabbath, which began at sunset, Friday. The three Mary’s -- Magdalene, the mother of James the younger and Joseph, the mother of James -- and Salome, hurried to the tomb on the first day of the week, that they might embalm the body of Jesus. (cf Mk 15:40; 16:1)
Who cannot help but admire the fervor and courage of these holy women who left the town alone while still dark? They climbed the hill of Calvary, and went straight to the tomb despite the soldiers guarding it. Their love made them so fervent and courageous.
If we loved as they did, what would we pursue for the glory of God and the salvation of souls! How perfectly and perseveringly we would perform our spiritual duties! What progress we would make! For love makes all things easy, and never thinks it has done enough.
The stone the chief priests and Pharisees had placed at the tomb and sealed, must surely be an impossible obstacle to the pious plans of these women. They asked each other, “Who shall roll back for us the stone from the door of the sepulchre?” (Mk 16:3) Occupied only with the sole idea of paying last duties to their beloved Master, they went on.
We might meet with apparently insurmountable difficulties in execution of commands, in pious tasks, or in practice of good resolutions. We must not get discouraged; but imitate these holy women and go on with a blind confidence, doing what we can, persuaded that God will supply the rest, if it is necessary for his glory or the good of his creatures.
“... they saw the stone rolled back, for it was very large.” (Mk 16:4) God worked a miracle, an earthquake, for these women who showed such persevering, ardent love. The soldiers, struck with terror, “became as dead men” (Mt 28:4).
Thus does God often come to aid those who trust in him, against all the laws of human wisdom, as St Paul says of Abraham, ‘who against hope believed in hope’. Indeed ordinary means must not be neglected; but confidence in the goodness and power of God should rise above, and often silence, human wisdom.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp200-202
Jesus appears to St Mary Magdalene
The two other Marys left to announce the joyful news of the Resurrection, but Mary Magdalene stands “weeping outside the sepulchre” (Jn 20:11). Love for the Beloved of her soul, made her stay and caused those tears.
St Mary Magdalene offers us an example of a perfect contemplative. How close are we in being like her? Despite all our advantages how come we are far from being one? “Because there are few who know how to remove themselves entirely from perishable creatures.” (Thomas à Kempis, “Imitation of Christ”)
Lost in contemplation, St Mary Magdalene remained with her eyes fixed upon the sepulchre. She saw “two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the Body of Jesus had been laid. They say to her, ‘Woman, why do you weep?’ She told them, ‘Because they took away my Lord; I know not where they have laid him’.” (Jn 20:13)
The only cause of St Mary Magdalene’s deep affliction was loss of the sensible presence of Jesus. How happy should we be if this were the only, or at least the primary, cause of our sorrows. The loss which once made us rejoice in our vocation; and find peace and consolation in the practice of virtue amidst privations and difficulties!
Jesus had been present invisibly while his faithful servant gave proofs of her love and sorrow. Pleased, he desired to reward her. “... she turned around and saw Jesus standing, she thought he is the gardener ... She said to him, ‘Sir, if you have taken him, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away’. Jesus said, ‘Mary!’” (Jn 20:14-6)
At that word she recognized her Lord, and threw herself at his feet. What consoling lessons! He appeared to whom? A penitent sinner! How did she merit such great favor? The generosity of her love, her share in the Passion, ardent desire of seeing Jesus; and perseverance in seeking him.
Let us also desire to see Jesus glorified in heaven. Tell him often our love and prove it by our generosity in his service. Whatever may have been our past infidelity, we may be certain of a large share in his favors.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp204-6
Resolutions -- Make this firm and determined resolution: to recall, when you receive honors and praise, everything that brings you shame and embarassment. The shame and embarassment are yours; the praise and the glory are God’s. (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 252)
• Apparition of Our Lady to the Blessed Jane of Mantua. — See her Life. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Apparition of Our Lady to Blessed Jane of Mantua (1640). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
• Apparition of Our Lady to Blessed Jane of Mantua. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Our Lady of Mantua. Apparition of Mary to Blessed Jane of Mantua. 1640. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
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