“As you see, Simeon called a “sword” the many thoughts that wounded her breast and reached unto the joints and marrow. The Virgin Mary fell into these thoughts, because she did not yet know about the power of the Resurrection and did not know that it was near. And so, after the Resurrection, the sword was no longer ambiguous, but a cause for joy and exultation. Simeon, therefore, called the Cross a sign of contradiction, and so it was at the time when the sword of these thoughts was piercing the Virgin.”
Amphilochius of Iconium, On the Hypapante 8; PG 39, 57 C.
This is how the church fathers thought of pain and suffering. The power of resurrection turns these sufferings to joy.
If you are interested in more quotes on Virgin Mary, you can find them in Mary and the Fathers of the Church on Amazon in both in Kindle and paperback formats.
References:
Gambero, L., 1999. Mary and the Fathers of the Church 1st ed. Translated by Buffer, T., San Francisco: Ignatius Press. p. 168.
