MONDAY, TWENTY THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
1 Tm 2: 1-8 Ps 28: 2, 7-9 Jn 19: 25-27 or Lk 2: 33-35
SEVEN SORROWS; ONE LOVE
Today, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. The Church remembers the deep sorrow and pain Mary experienced as the Mother of Jesus. Tradition speaks of the seven sorrows, that marked her life as she stood beside her Son in His suffering for our salvation.
These seven sorrows are:
- Prophecy of Simeon: who told her that a sword would pierce her heart;
- Flight into Egypt: escaping with the newborn Jesus to avoid Herod’s deadly plan;
- Losing Jesus in the Temple: searching for Him in great distress for three days;
- Meeting Jesus on the Way to Calvary: seeing Him bruised and burdened with the cross;
- Standing at the Foot of the Cross: watching Him suffer and die;
- Receiving Jesus’ Body: holding His lifeless body taken down from the cross; 7.Placing Jesus in the Tomb: laying Him to rest and returning in sorrow.
Her sorrow was not merely emotional but spiritual and full of meaning. She willingly shared in the suffering of Christ for our sake. That’s why the Church honours her sorrow twice: during Passion Week and again today, a feast instituted by Pope Pius VII in the 15th century. Mary is not only the Mother of Jesus she is also the Mother of the Church, which is the Body of Christ. Though she no longer suffers, her compassion continues. As the Book of Lamentations says, “To whom shall you be compared, O Virgin? Your sorrow is like the sea.” Even today, statues of Mary in various places have reportedly wept reminding us that she still feels in her motherly heart, the pain manifested in the world. Her heart remains open to all who suffer.
So, when trials come, bring your pain to Mary; imitate her in reaching out to others in pain—with a kind word, a listening ear, or a gentle touch. Mary teaches us that sorrow joined with Christ brings healing and grace. Her loving endurance shows us how pain can lead to deeper love and unity. Let her example help us carry our own crosses with hope and help others do the same!
Response: Blest be the Lord, for he has heard the sound of my appeal.
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