Mother’s Day and Father’s Day can be difficult and stressful times for parents whose children are in their hearts and in heaven. Here are some ways to help your suffering heart during these difficult days when those with children on Earth are given extra attention.
1. Prioritize Prayer Time
(a) Talk to God – Ensure that you spend time in the presence of God before, during, and after this day. It can be 20 minutes, it can be 5 minutes, it can be an Our Father or a Hail Mary while driving. The most important thing is that you share your suffering heart with God. He is there and ready to be with you at any time.
(b) Ask for prayerful intercession- As Catholics, we believe the saints can intercede in prayer for us at the foot of Christ. In Matthew 19:14 Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Ask your baby saints to intercede in prayer for you (with a lower case s vs. those who the Church canonizes). Share your heart with your child. Tell them that you love them and ask for them to pray for you.
St. Therese of Liseiux said, “The fact that they (her older siblings who went to heaven during infancy and early childhood) had gone to Heaven seemed no reason why they should forget me- on the contrary, as they were able to draw from the treasury of Heaven, they ought to obtain for me the grace of peace, and prove that they still knew how to love me. The answer was not long in coming; soon my soul was flooded with the sweetest peace. I knew that I was loved, not only on earth but also in Heaven.”
2. Attend Mass
Christ gave us the sacraments and grace flows through them. Receiving the Eucharist and being close to Jesus will be a source of comfort and strength. Coming to the banquet table of Christ and participating in His passion, by uniting your suffering to His on the cross and receiving the Eucharist as He calls us to do, is a moment where we can be in communion with the saints in heaven. We believe that includes the pure souls of our children. Come to the table and share this meal on earth as it is in heaven.
3. Christ-Centered Wellness
“Our body is a cenacle, a monstrance: through its crystal the world should see God.” -St. Gianna Beretta Molla
(a) Connect with Nature – Begin your day with time outside in the daylight. Listen to the birds, wind in the trees, rain as it falls. Give thanks for every aspect of this moment because He created it all.
(b) Prioritize Nutrition – Eat foods that are good for your body. St. Gianna Beretta Molla reminded us that our bodies are monstrances, and as such, we need to take care of them as a way to glorify God.
(c) Movement of any kind – a short or long walk, run, bike ride, anything that gets your body moving around.
4. Recognize this special day for yourself as a Mother because you are one!
Pick or buy yourself flowers, add to or create a prayer space in your home, read a religious book to fill your soul, or get a new Holy medal, necklace or bracelet to keep with you. If God leads you to do something special to recognize the fact that you have the heart of a mother, listen and let Him lead the way. His timing is always perfect in all things big and small.
We’re here to support you through these challenging days with love and prayer. If you haven’t received one, request a Prayer Care Package for yourself, many have found them very healing, or submit a Prayer Request on our contact page, and we will lift you up in prayer.
Post Inspired by: Katie, Content Designer