In Times of Sadness
We can feel great sadness at various times in our lives, in particular when something difficult presents itself. Illness, loss of a job, financial problems, separation from family and friends, and of course, the loss (or impending loss) of a loved one.
Times like these often cause us to oscillate between anger and sadness, just as if we are grieving. In a way we are, our soul wants a response. We want to understand the why of our circumstances, looking around for someone to blame for it. If not others, then even ourselves. We begin to regret actions taken or not taken, and spend time looking backward or into the near future about what we can do to avoid what may be an inevitable outcome.
More than anything, we should understand two things. One, we are never alone. God is always with us (Matthew 28:20), God is within us, always holding us. We can lean into God. He will hold us up.
The second is our nature. We are eternal beings. There will be an end to our physical life, even the suffering we or others endure, but then we continue. It is hard to remember this when we have so much of our lives focused on our healthiness, prestige in the world, and our possessions. The only possession worth anything is our relationship with God and the others he placed us near. This is all steeped in love. Love is God’s channel of communication. We are assured of this.
Connecting these two elements can give us great solace when we are feeling down, sorry for ourselves, or others. Remember, even Jesus had his Blessed Mother to remind him of His humanity at the most difficult time in his mission. We can lean on Him, and lean on those around us (who lean on Him.)
The Sorrow of Mary (Mater Dolorosa, Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, CA)
Lean In
A prayer for times of distress
Lean in hard to God.
He will provide the support when you are exhausted.
He will help you when you are helpless.
He will love you when you have spilled yours to all around you.
Lean into His love.
Now.
Lean In.
Copyright 2024 Poem, image and reflection Michael J. Cunningham OFS
“You Want it Darker” by Leonard Cohen always cheers me up.
“Being Irish he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him during temporary periods of joy”. W.B. Yeats
That is just an Irish disposition. I related to the humor which was intended.
My sadness has no season.
Just ordered “No Mud No Lotus by Thich Nat Hahn (founder of Plum Village in France). Seems to be apropos.