To sensitive souls the pain they cause others is far worse than any sufferings they may endure themselves. They may have much to endure, but to see others in pain causes them deeper grief. Jesus and Mary meet. Alone He could have suffered with joy so that she, His dearest Mother, might have been spared the agony of seeing all He must endure. With one look of pity Jesus reads the anguish of that cruelly lacerated heart; with one long gaze of infinite love and pity Mary sees the depth of her Son’s woe, His long hours of torture, His utter weariness, His sorrow, His grief, His anguish. May she not help Him? At least lift for one moment that cross?
COMMENT: Mary longed to help Jesus with His cross. So too she wants to help us, and will obtain for us the graces we need to assist us with our difficulties.
The above comment is a beautiful example of true compassion. Jesus and His Mother shared that pain to redeem the world- to redeem you and me – all out of charity. Their hearts were broken for us; at the same time, the strength and hope they possessed, and the infinite charity deep within allowed them to together carry on to the bitter end.
Father Doyle, you had continual compassion for those around you who were filled with pain and loss, wounded, perhaps dying, yet you brought hope, grace, and a powerful charity to their lives; please help us to be ready to try to do the same, all in imitation of Jesus and Our Lady.