Our Lady of Sorrows

Jesus' father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
"Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
and you yourself a sword will pierce
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.


"Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother
and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas,
and Mary Magdalene.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son."  Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

Mary accepted a lot when she accepted the task brought to her by the Archangel Gabriel.  As a simple, young, and pious girl do you think she had any idea of the complex life that she had agreed to with her fiat, her "yes" to God?  

I think that she was well equipped to deal with the life that she had agreed to because first of all her natural inclination would be to do the will of God over her own will.  This was very strong in her because she was preserved from the touch of original sin, she was the Immaculate Conception.  Without the contamination of original sin, her whole way of thinking would be different than other young women that lived in her town.  She would in using her free will, be more inclined to say, "Yes" to things of this nature even though she would know that her life would be complicated by her affirmative decision. 

The relationship between Jesus and Mary is deeper than the relationship between God and creature.  There was always one person that Jesus could count on in this world.  It was not Peter, James, or John, his favored disciples.  They would be as loyal as they could but we know that in the moment of greatest need that they were off like gazelles being chased by a lion. 

Mary, on the other hand, remained ever faithful and accepted the life of sorrow that came with her motherhood.  We remember seven major sorrows in Our Lady's life.  They are: 

I. The prophecy of Simeon

II. The Flight to Egypt

III. Loss of Child Jesus for 3 days, later found in His Father's House

IV. Witnessing Jesus carry his Cross

V. The Crucifixion of Jesus

VI. Taking Jesus Down from the Cross

VII. The Burial of Jesus

Our Protestant brothers and sisters do not give Mary much respect because they do not understand what type of woman she was.  To them, Mary was the mother of Jesus, and they thank her very much and consign her to no further thought as just being mentioned in the Bible should be enough credit for anyone.  We Catholics, on the other hand, say that we understand better about what Mary went through.  Is this really true?  Have you ever thought about the effect that the things that happened to Jesus had on His Mother?   She was capable of great joy and sorrow.  Meditate a little today when you have a chance on the seven sorrows of Our Lady and you will begin to learn what a great woman she truly was. 

Pray for the Poor Souls in Purgatory this weekend.  Remember especially the millions of Protestant souls there that have no one at all to pray for them.  Your prayers will be remembered and appreciated.