Isolation and Mary(June 1 2020) ISOLATION AND MARY(Covid 19 Reflection #3)
Our Lady of Seven Sorrows (icon)
This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel,
We Catholics tend to have a glowing image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We see her depicted in paintings, holy pictures and stained glass, surrounded by clouds and shining like an angel. But in reality, except for being conceived without original sin, Mary probably lived an ordinary life. and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed and a sword will pierce your own soul too. Luke 2:34,35 Jesus was still addressing the crowds when his mother and his brothers appeared outside to speak with him. Someone said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing out there and they wish to speak to you.” He said to the one who had told him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then turning to his disciples, he said, “There are my mother and my brothers. Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is brother and sister and mother to me.” Matthew 12:46-50 Mary’s life was not easy though. She birthed her only son in a dirty, smelly stable without the comfort of the women of her village - no midwife and her own mother was far away. She and Joseph had to run away to Egypt as refugees from a tyrannical government. When they were able to finally return to their own country and their own people they had to start all over. They managed a simple life, unremarkable enough that we know almost nothing about it. Mary was probably widowed before her only son left her to deliver his message in the company of other young adults. She was without husband or son in a patriarchal society. She was very much alone. During this time of COVID 19 isolation I have had time to listen to friends, to read news stories and too many online comments, and to reflect on isolation and loneliness. Blessed with my husband of almost 55 years, I am not completely alone. We are in the vulnerable age group, so we stay isolated together, except for the time that he spends in his basement workshop while I work over my keypad. We go for a drive, bringing a picnic lunch with us and we eat in our van. We watch online masses and reach out to friends and family via telephone and online, but these are poor substitutes for actual Eucharistic celebrations and for real, not virtual, hugs. Everyone misses grandkids. What about those in need in our local communities? How are the women who are alone or with young children doing in isolation? Those who don’t have any family support? We live comfortably; our family members shop for our groceries so we aren’t risking exposure in crowded stores. Who is taking care of the large number of seniors living alone and in poverty? How can my conference help? Can we talk to people on the phone? Drop groceries on doorsteps? How can I support my fellow Vincentians as well as those we assist? There is no excuse for not having time to pray. When days and evenings are long can I reflect on Mary, the Patron of our Society? Can her example of the woman of joy and sorrow help me to help others through this time of being alone? Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us. |
