Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
What qualities do you think are most important in the head of a household? While most of us will never become bishops, the first reading has something to say for all. Perhaps there is a lesson here about vocation. God has a mission for each person; our gifts and character are whispers of the Spirit, giving direction. Discernment of vocation isn’t just a conversation between you and God. It happens in the context families and church community. By paying attention to others gifts, we can help the Spirit by gently suggesting to our friends and family what they might be called to do next, out of love for our God. Are you wondering what God is calling you to in this season of your life? Or, are you discerning one of the big “V” Vocations of sisterhood, brotherhood, the single life, marriage, or priesthood? If those who know you best aren’t already telling you what they think, consider asking them.
Family relationships are so important for our Church and for our Triune God. The human family mirrors the divine communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Isn’t that something?! The goodness that is part of your family, my family, is something like the Trinity! It can be hard to understand, but we see it in action more simply in today’s gospel. What strikes you most about this wrenching scene where Jesus is seeing to it that his mother and the beloved disciple will have one another?
You are a beloved disciple of Jesus. He has given you and I his mother, Mary, to take into our homes and walk with us through daily life. Let’s enjoy some ‘family time’ today with Jesus, Mary, and the rest of our human-divine family.
Chris Neiport