THE SORROWS OF MARY
Today’s celebration recalls in a special way the sorrows Mary went through as the mother of Jesus Christ. Simeon prophesied that Mary will suffer because of her Son. Are there parents who are suffering because of their children? Kindly draw strength from Mary’s life. 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 greatness. The sorrows we bear as parents may not necessarily be as a result of our Children’s crime but the path marked out for them. Stay strong, your story will end up 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 was 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.
When you are going through suffering, remember Christ words in the Second Station: “This cross, this chunk of tree, is what my Father chose for Me. The crosses you must bear are largely products of your daily life. And yet my Father chose them, too, for you. Receive them from His hands.”
In response, man says; “…. I take my daily cross. I welcome the monotony that often marks my day, discomforts of all kinds, my disappointment, tensions, setbacks, cares and worries.
Let’s pray for the grace of perseverance for those who are at the verge of giving up on God because the hardships and sufferings they are going through.
Mary underwent a great deal of suffering in order to care for her Son. May our mothers find strength and consolations. May their tears be wiped away by the fulfilment of God’s plan in their lives.
LET US PRAY
Father, have mercy and strengthen all those going through pains because of their children. May their faith not fail. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!*
1 Timothy 3:14-16/ Psalm 111/John 19:25b-27
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
