First reading Hebrews 5:7-9
He learned to obey and he became the source of eternal salvation
During his life on earth, Christ offered up prayer and entreaty, aloud and in silent tears, to the one who had the power to save him out of death, and he submitted so humbly that his prayer was heard. Although he was Son, he learnt to obey through suffering; but having been made perfect, he became for all who obey him the source of eternal salvation.
Responsorial Psalm 30(31):2-6,15-16,20
Gospel John 19:25-27
‘Woman, this is your son’
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. Seeing his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her, Jesus said to his mother, ‘Woman, this is your son.’ Then to the disciple he said, ‘This is your mother.’ And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home.
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Mother of Sorrows
Today, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Mary is called the Mother of Sorrows because she experienced deep suffering throughout her life. She suffered when she gave birth to her Son in a stable. She suffered again when she and Joseph were forced to flee to Egypt with their newborn child to escape King Herod. Her heart ached as she witnessed her Son being rejected by religious leaders. Most heartbreakingly, she stood at the foot of the cross, watching her Son tortured and killed for a crime He did not commit. Through it all, Mary remained by her Son’s side with strength and courage, never allowing herself to be discouraged.
As we prayerfully reflect on the Gospel passage, we can find solace in knowing that just as Mary stood at the foot of Jesus’ cross, she is also present beside us in our moments of pain, illness, loneliness, and failure. Mary, our Lady of Sorrows, our Mother in faith, invites us to seek comfort and rest in her loving presence.
Reflective question:
How can I welcome Mary into my life as my Mother, accompanying me through the ups and downs of my life?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
