Our Lady of Sorrows

posted in: Blessed Virgin Mary, Homilies | 0

Today’s readings: Hebrews 5:7-9; Psalm 31; John 19:25-27
Stabat Mater (Sequence)

When I was growing up, I saw statues and pictures of Mary in our house and in the houses of my grandparents.  It was hard to relate to her, because she always seemed so radiant, distant, and glorified.  And there is truth to the fact that Mary, because of her many gifts, transcends our human nature in some ways.  But even then, she only portrays what we will one day experience.

I have come to relate to Mary much more as I have grown.  I know that she experienced all of the joys and sorrows we do: frustration, fear, love, worry, and especially what we celebrate today, sorrow.  She was the one who rejoiced at the birth of her son and took pride in what he became as he grew.  But she also worried about him as his ministry brought him to confrontation with the religious leaders, and she wept at the foot of the Cross.

The Sequence today sings of her sadness:

At the cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.

And so today, and any day when we experience sorrow, we know that we have an advocate in Mary, who experienced our sorrows, but was raised up beyond them in the joy of the Resurrection.

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.