I Timothy 3:14-16/ Psalm 111/John 19:25b-27
Today’s celebration recalls in a special way the sorrows Mary went through as the mother of Jesus Christ. Simeon predicted that Mary would suffer because of her son. There are parents who are suffering because of their children. Take solace in Mary and find grace to carry on.
Mary’s suffering was not due to her son’s crime; rather, it was her son’s destiny. In Genesis 39:19–21, Joseph had his own experience in prison. It was not his crime, but his path to happiness. The sorrows we bear as parents may not necessarily be a result of our children’s crimes, but the path is marked out for them. Stay strong; our story will end in glory.
The sorrows of Mary are seven in number; they are:
(1) The prophecy of Simeon: “You yourself shall be pierced with a sword—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare” (Luke 2:35).
(2) The flight into Egypt: “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt.” (Mt 2:13).
(3) The loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:41–50): “You see that your father and I have been searching for you in sorrow” (Luke 2:48).
(4) Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27–31; John 19:17).
(5.) Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25–30)
(6) The body of Jesus being taken from the cross (Luke 23:50–54).
(7) The burial of Jesus (Luke 23:50–56; Mark 15:40–47).
Beloved, no matter what you are going through, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
LET US PRAY
O God, who willed that, when your Son was lifted high on the Cross, his Mother should stand close by and share his suffering, grant that your Church, participating with the Virgin Mary in the Passion of Christ, may merit a share in his Resurrection. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen!
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
