REFLECTION FOR THE MEMORIAL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS/ FRIDAY OF 23RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR I.
THEME: THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY AND HER SUFFERING SON.
BY: Fr Francis Onwunali.
“Simeon said to Mary: This child is destined to be a sign which men will reject; He is set for the fall and the rising of many in Isreal; and your own soul a sword shall pierce.” (Luke 2: 25)
Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, which dates back to the 12th century. It was introduced and promoted by the Servites and Cistercians in order to intensify devotion to Seven Sorrows of Our Lady. This devotion has its roots in Sacred Scripture and in Christian piety, which always associates the Blessed Mother with her suffering Son. In 1817, Pius VII – suffering grievously in exile but finally liberated by Mary’s intercession – extended the celebration to the universal Church.
While writing to Timothy (1Tm. 1: 1-2, 12-14), St. Paul admitted that acting on misinformation, he persecuted the Christian communities, but God has helped him to clearly see his sinful ways and has appointed him to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to others. Indeed, he said: “The grace of God has been abundant.” It is always a sign of strength to be courageous enough to admit our failings. Are you always trying to justify your actions even when it is obvious to you that you are wrong?
In the gospel (John 19: 25-27), Mary, together with other women and John, the beloved disciple, stood at foot of the cross in sorrow, observing her Son die in agony. Jesus, before His death, entrusts the care of His mother to His disciple and the care of His disciple to His mother.
Dear friends, part of our salvific journey is that we continue to care for each other as different parts in the household of God, the Church. Mary in her intercessory role is still active in the Body of her Son, Christ, the Church, just as she was active in caring and loving her Son from the moment of Incarnation to His passion and glory.
I pray that as we journey in life today, we will not ignore the intercessory role of our Mother Mary in our lives as children bound up in the One Body of Christ, the Church. May she who experienced sorrow intercede for us at our moment of sorrow and our tears be turned into joy. Have a joy-full day!
@Fr Francis Onwunali
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