RACHEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN
Paul wrote to the Romans, We know that in everything God works for good
with those who love Him, who are called to His purpose.
In the Gospel of
Matthew today we heard these words cried out. A voice was heard in Ramah,
sobbing and loud lamentation. Rachel weeping for her children, and she would
not be consoled, since they were no more.
Suffering is indeed
a mystery to all of us. No explanation seems to satisfy the longing of our
human hearts to understand. Paul wrote to the Romans, We know that in
everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are called to His
purpose. These innocent children and their parents suffered for Christ Jesus.
Suffering is the lot of all who chose to follow Jesus, some are even called to
martyrdom. There is no crown without the cross. It was through Jesus'
suffering, humiliation, and death, that our salvation was won. His death won
life! His precious Blood obtained for us pardon and reconciliation with God.
As we reflect on
suffering in scriptures today, it takes on many forms: illness, disease,
physical and mental pain, slander, abuse, poverty, and injustice at times. We
also think about Mary today as well. Mary was given the blessedness of being
the mother of the Son of God. That call, would also become a sword which would
pierce her heart as her Son died on the cross. She received both a crown of joy
and a cross of sorrow. But her joy was diminished by her sorrow because it was
fueled by faith, hope in God and His promises. Jesus' once said to the
disciples "no one will take your joy from you."
Points to Pray and Ponder: Our challenge today is to keep that joy in our
hearts with the help of faith and hope in God as well. Remember and hold on to
these words. Our help is in the name of the Lord our God who made heaven, earth
and all of us. We belong to Him!