S12E11: The Assumption, and the Joy of All Who Sorrow

Today's Daily Decade, for the Feast of Pope St. Zachary I, offers prayers for Melanie, a friend of listener Kevin. We beg the intercession of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, an exemplary woman who faced many kinds of trials and took divers and sundry opportunities to manifest holiness, for the general welfare of Melanie and the grace of God upon her and those responsible for her well-being. Today's reflection continues our theme of divine joy in the midst of human sorrow, the meaning of sorrow, compassion, and pain in our fallen world, and the example of the Assumption to help us pierce the veil of human sorrow to find joy wherever God is glorified. I have to admit I missed a spectacular opportunity to make reference to the icon Joy of All Who Sorrow and examine why Our Lady is given that title by Slavic Christians. Perhaps we'll revisit it in the future!