John 19: 15-27 (Saturday, September 15, 2007 – Our Lady of Sorrows

Our lady experienced sorrow all through her life - from the moment she gave her fiat to Angel Gabriel. She knew this wasn’t going to be an easy task. Who would believe that she is truly conceived of the Holy Spirit? People mocked her and ridiculed her because she claimed her pregnancy was from the Holy Spirit. Simeon prophesied to her that a sword would pierce her heart. She was very faithful to her mission and accompanied Jesus all through his life. Her life was continuously marked by this sorrow that came with her mission. When Jesus was lost for three days, she wept and searched for her only son. Which mother would not weep when the son is lost? Throughout the event of the cross, she was always there. Which mother’s heart would not be broken seeing an only son being tortured and crucified for offences never committed? Yet, our blessed Mother bore all these things in her heart and was faithful to her mission. How appropriate it is that we celebrate this feast just a day after the exaltation of the Cross. The cross is victory over sorrow and pain. It is this victory of the Cross that subsequently wipes away the tears of the Blessed Mother and brings to her heart everlasting joy. It is the victory of the Cross that leads to her coronation as queen of heaven and earth. What do we do with our own sorrows? Bring them to the woman who knows sorrow and let her intercede for you that the Cross would once more be victorious in your own life too.

Prayer:
Dearest Mother, before you could become the Consoler of the Afflicted, you first had to know true sorrow. I pause with you now, and meditate on that great suffering in your life, the death and burial of your most beloved Son.
Oh, how humble I am, dear Mary, when I see before me your Son in the tomb. He gave His life so we may know freedom from sin. Remind me always that any suffering in my life is passing, just as the suffering you experienced passed in the joy of the Resurrection.
Holy Mary, Mother of Sorrows, I mourn with you, knowing the certain joy of your Son and His gift of everlasting life. Through this act of His, you have become our Mother of Consolation. Amen. (Prayer taken from www.olcshrine.com)