Our Lady of Sorrows
1Cor. 2:1-812: 12-14,27-31, Psalm. 100, John. 19:25-27
Today the Church invites us to stand beside Mary at the foot of the Cross, to gaze at a Mother’s heart pierced with sorrow yet burning with faith. The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is not just a story of pain; it is a lesson in hope, courage, and grace.
Simeon’s prophecy (Luke 2:35) warned Mary: “A sword will pierce your own soul also.” Yet she stood firm. Parents, maybe you too are pierced by the pain of your children’s struggles, their choices, their failures, their journeys. Take solace in Mary: her pain was not punishment but participation in God’s plan.
Joseph, too, in Genesis 39:19–21 was thrown into prison not for his crime but for his destiny. Sometimes the suffering of our children is not their sin but their path to greatness. Sometimes your tears as a parent are not in vain but part of God’s script for glory. Stay strong, your story will not end in shame but in splendour.
Mary’s sorrows are seven: Simeon’s prophecy, Flight into Egypt, Loss of the Child Jesus, Meeting Jesus on His way to Calvary, Standing at the Crucifixion, Receiving His lifeless Body., Witnessing His Burial.
Each sorrow is a sword, but each sword sharpened her faith. Each wound became a window for grace. No matter what pierces you today; betrayal, loss, disappointment, or delay, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The Cross never has the last word; the Resurrection does.
LET US PRAY
Lord God, as Mary stood by the Cross sharing Christ’s suffering, help us share in His Passion so we may share in His Resurrection. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
