Seven ways Mary consoles others

We are doing another parish event tonight at 6:30 at St. Philip in Morrow (not far from Kings Island).

I am excited for those who have registered, because if they’re like other people who have attended our events, their lives are about to be blessed! (Some testimonials from previous events are below.) They are about to experience consolation.

Why? Because of the promises of Our Lady of Sorrows— “I will console them in their pains and accompany them in their work.”

Through Mary’s example, we can turn our suffering into consolation for others. Let me show you what I mean:

1. Despite her sorrow at the Prophecy of Simeon, by bringing Jesus to the Temple, Mary brought Simeon the “consolation of Israel” he hoped to see. (Lk. 2:25) 
(Mary, show me how to be a consolation to others!)

2. Despite her sorrow in the Flight into Egypt, she wanted to offer consolation to the victims of the slaughter of the Holy Innocents, just as Rachel wept for the children of Israel. (Mt. 2:18) 
(Mary, show me how to be a consolation to others!)

3. Despite her sorrow at losing Jesus in Jerusalem, her thoughts turned to consoling Joseph in His distress. (see Lk. 2:48) 
(Mary, show me how to be a consolation to others!)

4. Despite her sorrow at watching Jesus carry His cross, her thoughts turned to consoling the women of Jerusalem. (see Lk. 23:28) 
(Mary, show me how to be a consolation to others!)

5. Despite her sorrow while standing at the foot of the cross, she consoled the Beloved Disciple (among others), taking him as her own Son. (Jn. 19:26) 
(Mary, show me how to be a consolation to others!)

6. Despite her sorrow in receiving the dead Body of Christ, her witness of mercy and forgiveness of the soldiers who killed her Son brought them consolation and conversion, to the point that one of them  proclaimed, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Mk. 15:39) 
(Mary, show me how to be a consolation to others!)

7. Despite her sorrow at the Burial of Jesus, she brought consolation to Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but “secretly for fear of the Jews.” Because of her presence and peace, Joseph of Arimathea was able to “take courage” and publicly show his Devotion to Jesus by ensuring a proper burial. (Mk. 15:43) 
(Mary, show me how to be a consolation to others!)

(Consider reading these thoughts as you pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary.)

Please pray for me to bring consolation to those who attend our event tonight.