Together on the Journey: A Weekly Word from Archbishop Hebda
I hope you’re enjoying what might feel like a little extra summer, with Labor Day falling as late in the year as it can. While I know some students are already back to school (and I’ve already spotted a few leaves that are turning color), I’ve also learned throughout my years here that summer isn’t really over in Minnesota until the State Fair concludes—so we can be assured that it’s going to feel like summer for at least another week. I’m not complaining!
I had one of those glorious summer experiences just yesterday, with an outdoor Mass in a vineyard sponsored by Women in the New Evangelization (WINE). I felt particularly blessed by the setting, with one of the best views of Lake Waconia. We’re so blessed not only by the beauty of our 10,000 lakes but also by so many vibrant apostolates, like WINE.
As Divine Providence would have it, the gathering was my second gathering of the day organized by a women’s ministry, after having spent the morning with 450 women at the Handmaids of the Lord national gathering.
Originating in the Philippines, the Handmaids of the Lord is a renewal and support ministry of Couples for Christ (CFC) consisting of “mature women called to personal conversion, evangelization and service, providing a faith community where women, regardless of life circumstance, are formed to grow in holiness and live out their God-given dignity and mission.” I consider it a great blessing that the national gathering was held this year in our archdiocese. They were singing and praying up a storm—the grace was palpable.
The Handmaids of the Lord draw inspiration from Mary, whom we have joyfully celebrated in recent weeks on the Assumption (Aug. 15) and the feast of the Queenship of Mary (Aug. 22). Beginning tomorrow, however, we’ll have a whole month dedicated to the Blessed Mother under the much more somber title of “Our Lady of Sorrows.”
We often appropriately think of Mary’s “yes” in joyful ways, echoing the joy of Elizabeth and the child in her womb—John the Baptist—when they heard Mary’s greeting at the Visitation. But there’s also a connection between Mary’s “yes” and the suffering that she would experience. Recall Simeon’s prediction to Mary that a sword would pierce her heart.
It’s easy to thank God for the blessings we encounter in our lives but much harder to thank Him for the crosses (even though yesterday’s Gospel reminded us that the only way to share in Jesus’ resurrected life is to follow him in taking up the cross).
One of the many beautiful gifts of our faith is that it offers a compelling case for finding meaning within suffering. The Church does not desire suffering, but rather—knowing that suffering is inevitable—strives to help us understand that we, as members of the Body of Christ, are called to participate not just in his life but also in his suffering. Much as Christ’s suffering was redemptive for us, we too can offer up our own suffering for the good of others.
The notion of redemptive suffering is certainly countercultural in a world where social media distracts, substance abuse numbs, and assisted suicide masquerades as compassionate care.
This is why Catholic voices are so necessary within the medical community—they echo Catholic teaching in a way that helps frame a proper understanding of human dignity and addresses suffering in a compassionate, moral way. With that in mind, I am grateful to the Catholic Health Association of Minnesota and the Minnesota Catholic Conference for hosting a study day tomorrow at St. Peter Church in Mendota, “Righteous Relief: Addressing Pain and Suffering from the Heart of the Church.” I will be there as will most of the bishops of our state. All are welcome, especially those serving in medical and healthcare settings.
As Catholics, we know that human beings are both body and soul, and that for true healing to take place, both need to be treated. Likewise, when suffering occurs, both must be attended to. For those serving in medical and healthcare settings, I hope you might be able to join, even at this late date. Whether or not you are able to come, I invite all readers to please keep this important gathering in your prayers. Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us!
