Resilient Women of the Bible: Their Strength in Times of Grief

We can always turn to Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows in times of grief—but we can also learn from other women throughout biblical history who endured sorrow with patience and who strengthened their children in faith. Katie Cavadini brings several of those women to life and talks about how they lived out the mystery of love and can help us do so, as well.

Catherine (Katie) Cavadini, PhD, is an associate teaching professor at the University of Notre Dame and director of its master of arts program in theology, teaching courses on the saints, scriptural interpretation, and Church history. She wrote a number of reflections for the Living the Word Catholic Women’s Bible as well as contributing to the theological review and the companion videos. 

Take Katie’s Favorite Scripture to Your Next Holy Hour

Pray: Come, Holy Spirit, open my heart and mind to hear your word today.

Read the Word: Mark 9:20–24

(Read it in your own Bible to get the context, and so you can make notes)

…they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth.  And Jesus asked his father, “How long has he had this?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.”  And Jesus said to him, “If you can! All things are possible to him who believes.”  Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 

Ponder the Word: Read several times, lingering where it touches your heart. What catches your attention? What do you hear the Lord saying to you?

Pray with the Word: Bring to the Lord what you have heard, and talk to him about it. Ask for his grace. Thank him for his loving care.

Live the Word: How does what you read touch your life? What can you do this week to put it into practice?