"Mary becomes Mother to us in all our sorrows."  

 

Our Lady of Sorrows

 

＊＊＊1st Reading＊＊＊

1 Timothy 2:1-8

First of all, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for everyone,

for rulers of states, and all in authority, that we may enjoy a quiet and peaceful life, in godliness and respect.

This is good and pleases God. For he wants all to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth.

As there is one God, there is one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human,

who gave his life for the redemption of all. This is the testimony, given in its proper time, and of this,

God has made me apostle and herald. I am not lying, I am telling the truth: He made me teacher of the nations regarding faith and truth.

I want the men in every place, to lift pure hands in prayer to heaven, without anger and dissension.

 

＊＊＊Gospel＊＊＊

John 19:25-27 (or Luke 2:33-35)

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister Mary, who was the wife of Cleophas, and Mary of Magdala.

When Jesus saw the mother, and the disciple whom he loved, he said to the mother, "Woman, this is your son."

Then he said to the disciple, "This is your mother." And from that moment the disciple took her to his own home.

 

＊＊＊Reflection＊＊＊

"Mary becomes Mother to us in all our sorrows."

Mary stands by the cross of her son. She can do nothing to save him from his suffering and death.

But what she is doing is important, nonetheless. She stays with him and does not run away in fear or despair.

She is a support to her son at the hour of his death.

Jesus then commends her to the beloved disciple so that she might become Mother of all disciples, that is, Mother of the Church.

And so, Mary becomes Mother to us in all our sorrows. She stands with us in our trials to comfort us,

and she is with us at the hour of our death, giving us the strength to trust in the Lord to the last, even if we feel abandoned in our pain and suffering.

Mary also teaches us what we should do for others in their difficulties. We are to recognize their need and help in whatever way we can (cf. Jn 2:3-5).

And if the suffering is unavoidable, we are to offer the invaluable service of staying by their side, quietly or wordlessly offering hope and comfort.

Mary, stand by our side. Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.