FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS (1)

FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS

THEME: STANDING BY THE CROSS

BY: FR. GERALD M. MUSA

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 15 2022

Having celebrated the exaltation of the cross of Jesus, it is fitting to recognise those who stood by him in his moment of anguish. prominent among whom was his mother Mary. “But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene” (John 19:25). Life was not a bed of roses for the Blessed Mother of Jesus. Significant moments when she suffered are summarily called the Seven Sorrows of Mary and they are as follows: The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35); The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15); the Loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:41-50); Meeting Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17); Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30); The body of Jesus being taken from the Cross (Psalm 130; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31 37); The burial of Jesus (Isaiah 53:8; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:40-47). Notably, Mary and her companions stood strongly by Jesus when he needed them most. An Author, Jim Butchers observes, “When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching – they are your family.” Mary did not only stand with Jesus when he was crucified but cried through the journey to Calvary. She accompanied him in tears through the Via Dolorosa (the painful path) that led to his crucifixion. Can we learn from Mary to stand by the cross of loved ones who suffer?

JOHN 19:25B-27