Grieving is the quintessential human experience that lays bare just how spiritual we really are underneath it all. Indeed, our tendency to reach out, grasp onto something and not let go is only rivaled by our glorious and miraculous ability to surrender that same thing in an act of trust and acceptance of some new reality. While this Christic pattern – of dying and rising – is unique to our species, no two people grieve in the same way: for some it is a very gradual process, for others it is practically instantaneous, and still for others the path is dark and confusing. The only tragedy in all of this is when a person avoids loving so as to escape the drama of grief. Such a fear-based posture in life stunts our spiritual growth and represses our human flourishing. Are we able to articulate the people, places and things that we are grieving? Are we willing to see grief as life-giving and good? Are we ready to accept a lifetime of grieving as a real dimension of our human vocation? May the tears and pain of our constantly awkward attempts at love in this life give rise to a transformed spirit receptive to the kind of love that “sets the world on fire” (Lk 12:49). Ave Crux, Spes Unica!
August 14, 2021
Published
An important message for this time. I am a Holy Cross Sister in Brasil. AM Grateful for your messages.
Thank you Sister Michael Mary! We support you from afar!
Thank you, Brothers Phil and Ben, for your words about grief. They are a wonderful reminder.
We thank you Ann Laurella, we remember you often, and offer you our prayerful support on this shared path of healing and new life (insert heart emoji here)
Brothers,
A wonderful piece. With so many among us grieving on so many levels, thank you for the reflection.
May the tears and pain of our constantly awkward attempts at love in this life give rise to a transformed spirit receptive to the kind of love that “sets the world on fire” (Lk 12:49).
And may you both have a wonderful new year.
Thank you sister Margie!