Weathering the Storms Faithfully in Prayer

This past Sunday as we left Church the wind was howling and the snow was blowing in our faces as we walked.  We were in the midst of another snow storm, one of many that have hit the Northeastern part of the United States. Looking over as we left the Church I saw the statue of Our Blessed Mother.  Many times the children have gathered around her in the summer to pray the Rosary.  However,  now most of her body was no longer visible with snow up to her elbows and a large dollop on her head.  The snow buffeted her and swirled around her at times. In the midst of the wind and biting cold there stood Our Lady with the most gentle and sweet expression on her face peacefully with her hands folded in prayer.  In looking at Our Lady I was reminded of her faithfulness to prayer despite the trials that she encountered. 
For many of us the snow and cold this year have been a source of suffering.  So many struggling to stay warm.  The cold is just one form of suffering that many have had to endure. Yet within the storms that swirl around us there is also much joy.  Our Lady helps us to see the sweetness in the crosses we carry and the fruits that can come when we unify our suffering to that of her Son's suffering.   

"There is but one price at which souls are bought", Jesus told St. Faustina, "and that is suffering united to My suffering on the cross (Dairy 324).