23rd Week in Ordinary Time : Friday 15th September 2023

On this feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, we remember seven deep sorrows experienced by Mary, each in relation to Jesus – Simeon’s prophecy, the flight into Egypt, Jesus missing for three days, and four moments from Jesus’ passion and death.

We can learn from Mary. Today’s Gospel shows us how Mary stood by Jesus at the foot of His cross. Mary did not run away from suffering. She knew that when someone is suffering, being present to this person is of great importance. We do not need to solve their problems; simply be with them.

On the cross, while suffering, Jesus completes His mission of bringing salvation. At this moment of grace, Jesus says, “Woman, here is your Son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” (Jn. 19:26-27). In this way, Jesus invites John to take Mary home and invites the whole Church, including ourselves, to accept Mary as our own mother.

When we suffer today, we know two things: Mary stands with us amid the suffering, and we are not alone. Secondly, there is always hope because my cross is united with Jesus’ cross; even my deepest pain can one day become a new life.

Lord, please carry my cross with me. Help me to feel that You and Mary are close to me.