I am going to spend a second day exploring the meaning of the visions that St. Bernadette experienced at the grotto in Lourdes. Maybe we have so much information about these visions because they happened relatively recently, in the context of 2000+ years of Christian history.
It also has a lot to do with the immediate reactions when Bernadette told people about her visions. Civic and church leaders took a proactive approach right away, interviewing her and questioning those who went to the grotto with her. Also, a lot of people chose to do that, to accompany her to the grotto. So there is a lot of information.
But the various interpretations of all this information really grab my attention. Of course there are some common themes between all the sources, but there are some remarkable, and possibly insightful lessons found in various posts.
Explanations from Lourdes Sanctuaire
For example, this explanation from the Lourdes Sanctuaire site provides a unique perspective. This author explains that Bernadette’s demeanor throughout the first seven apparitions was joyous, radiating happiness and light. However, for the next four, she seemed troubled and she “performed incomprehensible gestures.” (para 4) Regarding the scene previously recounted where she finds the spring, here is the description from this site:
“She moved on her knees to the back of the Grotto. She kissed the dirty repulsive ground of the Grotto. She ate some bitter plants. She scraped the ground three times trying to drink the muddy water at the back of the Grotto. She tried to drink a little and then throwing it away, she took mud in her hands and smeared it on her face. Then the young girl turned to the crowd. They all said: ‘She’s mad!'” (para 4)
But what did all of it mean? This author sees a connection to the Incarnation, Passion, and death of Christ:
“Moving on her knees to the back of the Grotto: this action recalls the Incarnation, God humbles himself to become human. Eating bitter herbs at the back of the Grotto recalls the Jewish tradition found in the ancient texts. Smearing her face with mud: when the prophet Isaiah speaks to us about Christ, he depicts Him as ‘the suffering servant’.” (para 5)
She continues…
“By these actions, the mystery of the heart of Jesus is revealed for us: ‘A soldier pierced his heart with his lance and there immediately flowed out blood and water.’ The herbs and the mud represent the heart of man wounded by sin. However, in the deepest recesses of that heart, there lies the very life of God signified by the Spring.” (para 6)
When Mary finally revealed her identity to Bernadette, she chose the words, “I am the Immaculate Conception.” One theory is that she chose those words to confirm the recently stated doctrine of the Church that declared the Blessed Virgin Mary as one who was conceived without sin. But I have to agree that it was probably more than that.
As with all role models in our lives and in the faith, Mary is set before us as the example we can follow in our quest for eternal life. Mary’s entire life was devoted to preparing to be the Mother of God, and then actually conceiving the Son of God. Since that moment she is completely committed to Him. In this way, we see that she is entirely Immaculate and in the fullness of God. Similarly, every Christian strives to be devoted to Christ and find the fullness God. Meaning we all strive to be Immaculate, thanks to the infinite mercy and forgiveness of God, so we can join Mary and the rest of the saints in full communion with God. Was her choice of words to identify herself intended to direct us to that mission?
Why did Mary Choose a Young Lady?
Finally, I think we should contemplate the fact that Bernadette was only 14 years old when she received these visions. I don’t remember a lot about what I was doing when I was 14 years old, but I certainly wasn’t having intimate conversations with the Blessed Virgin Mary! Nor do I think I would have known what to do if the opportunity presented itself. And I definitely wouldn’t have been ready for cross-examination by civic and church leaders who wanted to prove or disprove my claims.
How about you? Do you remember what it was like to be 14? Can you imagine taking on this kind of responsibility at such a young age?
Then again, with direct guidance from the Blessed Mother, maybe we would be able to do much more than we can imagine. In fact, maybe that is the overall message we are supposed to receive from an examination of St. Bernadette. Maybe the Lord wants us to understand that we possess more abilities than we realize, even though it can be a challenge to really listen for His guidance and then have the courage to follow His call in our lives.
At the same time, it might be a reminder to us that Mary sets the ultimate example of accepting God’s will. Bernadette seems to learn from Mary’s example, and she is passing that lesson on to us. Along with that overall lesson, Bernadette’s example also serves as a reminder of the support that Mary offers to us as our Blessed Mother.
How can we take comfort from her support in our lives? How can we call on her when we need encouragement or courage? If she was able to guide 14-year-old Bernadette through such a dramatic turn of events, surely she can lead us. But how do we seek her guidance?
Lord God, we are continually amazed by the stories of so many saints who have set incredible examples of living the faith. We long to learn all we can from these stories and to let them lead us toward the lives You have planned for us. Please guide us always closer to the ideal of the Blessed Mother so that we, too, can draw nearer to the fullness of Your grace.