May 19th
Chapter Sixteen of the Imitation of Mary, by Thomas a Kempis
The Griefs and Sufferings of Mary

Mary did not live a single day without suffering; nevertheless in the midst of her greatest sufferings she was never without consolation.  Every grief borne for Jesus brings to the soul sweetness and joy.  The more we suffer under the weight of the blows, the more we merit the favors of grace.

Yes, Mary suffered, and suffered sorrowfully, because of the sins of the great mass of men.  She suffered in like measure with the just, with those tried by temptations and troubles.  She suffered for the ingratitude of men to whom God sent His Son in order to reopen the lost Paradise; and for the obstinate loss of the wicked who prefer to heaven things of this earth, and who refuse to listen to the Word of God.  She suffered to see the just oppressed; the impious, far from God, everywhere victorious; the poor scorned and the rich exalted. She suffered to see in all places lukewarmness brought to the service of God, and the haste which offended Him.  She suffered to see the world given over to evil, refusing to turn its eyes toward the light that God Himself came to bring into the world.  These sorrows were like piercing blades sheathed in this Mother's compassionate heart.  Yet, she was patient -- always, suffering in silence a life of martyrdom, weeping for the salvation of men.

Come, O Mary, tender and gentle Mother, to pay a visit to my soul in its tribulation.  You alone can give peace, for you alone know how to bring sweetness to the sufferings of the heart.  Come, extend your hand to the fallen servant, come, lift him up again by grace.  Hasten, O Mary, chosen Mother of God, to show to us all once more the abundance of your piety.  You see me, fallen so low, yet I have not forgotten you, nor shall I ever forget you, O my Mother.