The Apostles grieve to know Mary will leave them, Mary, Day: 270

The Apostles grieve to know Mary will leave them

Who could fully appreciate the sorrow that the Apostles must have felt when they realized that Mary was leaving them? St. Alphonsus imagines the scene.

Many authors assert that, before Mary’s death, the Apostles and many disciples who were scattered in different parts of the world were miraculously assembled in her room. When she saw all her dear children in her presence, she addressed them: “My beloved children, through love for you and to help you, my Son left me on this earth. The holy faith has now spread throughout the world. Already the fruit of the divine seed has grown up. My Lord sees that my assis- tance on earth is no longer necessary. Having compassion on my grief in being separated from him, he has graciously listened to my desire to leave this life and to go see him in heaven. You must remain, then, to labor for his glory. If I leave you, my heart remains with you. The great love I bear you I’ll carry with me forever. I go to paradise to pray for you.”

Who can imagine the tears and laments of the holy disciples at this sad announcement? Weeping, they exclaimed: “It’s true that this world is not a place worthy of you or fit for you. As for us, we’re unworthy to enjoy the society of the Mother of God. But, remember, you are our mother. Until now you’ve enlight- ened us in our doubts, consoled us in our afflictions. You’ve been our strength in persecutions. So how can you abandon us, leaving us alone in the midst of so many enemies and conflicts, deprived of your consolation? We’ve already lost on earth Jesus, our Master and Father, who ascended into heaven. Until now we’ve found consolation in you, our mother. So how can you leave us orphans without father or mother? Sweet Lady, either remain with us, or take us with you!”

“No, my children,” she replied, “this is not according to God’s will. Be satis- fied to do what he has decreed for me and for you. To you it yet remains to labor on earth for the glory of your Redeemer, and to make up your eternal crown.” —St. Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

When I lose a loved one, am I able, despite my grief, to entrust that loved one to a loving God, and to continue with the mission I must still complete on earth?

CLOSING PRAYER

Blessed Mother, you know the waves of sorrow that wash over the heart when someone dearly beloved is lost. I ask you, by the grief you felt at the deaths of St. Joseph and Jesus, to be with me and comfort me in my seasons of mourning.

__________________________________________________________________________
Remember to subscribe to my feed so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Paul Thigpen and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below.