Our Lady of Sorrows
The title of Mary as “Our Lady of Sorrows” is one that can be comforting, despairing, and uncomfortable all at once. It is not until we ourselves have experienced true sorrow in life that we can understand why relating to Mary in this way is so important.
It is comforting to know that Our Lady experienced deep and real sorrows. The devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary reminds us of the numerous sorrows that she experienced throughout her life. Just because she was close to Christ does not mean her life was perfect or always joyful and happy. If anything, it meant that she would experience more sorrow. Saint Elizabeth of Hungary and Saint Bridget of Sweden both received visions and holy understanding from God that those who are devoted to and share in the sufferings of Mary receive great gifts and graces. Our Mother wants to walk alongside us in the sufferings that she herself took part in.
It can be despairing and uncomfortable to know that sorrow is what is in store for us in this life. Sorrow and suffering are things that are easy to shy away from and even harder to fully embrace. So often we hear “offer it up” or “sacrifice well” which one can easily scoff at, until we see how Our Lady offered it up and sacrificed well. Her will was in complete unification with the Lord’s and she followed Him no matter the cost to herself. This painting shows how Our Lady is mourning Our Lord after His death. It is unique in the way that there are several figures around her and they seem to be in a cave. Thinking back to Scripture this could be the scene when Jesus is being moved to the tomb, a new cave, by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Mary Magdalene is present on the right, but the identities of the others are surely other faithful followers of Christ who share in this sorrow of the death of their Lord. When the burden and experience of sorrow is shared it does not always ease the pain, but it lightens the cross when carried together.
Mary teaches us how to be sorrowful in a Catholic and saintly way. So what is she teaching us in this painting? To receive sorrow and give oneself with open arms. She reflects what sorrow actually is—our own partaking in Christ’s cross. She does not hold on to the dead Christ in her lap, but allows herself to live for Him and through Him. The landscape behind them is vast, reminding us that sorrow is not forever. The ascension will come and the heavenly reality will transcend our earthly experience.
But first? Sorrow and struggle in this life. May we ask Mary to always accompany us, giving us strength and deliverance when it is the Lord’s will or acceptance and humility when it is not.
