Friday September 15, 2023

Our Lady of Sorrows

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. Seeing his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her, Jesus said to his mother, ‘Woman, this is your son.’ Then to the disciple he said, ‘This is your mother.’ And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home.

Some faiths have criticized the catholic devotion and recognition of Mary. The one person who had the greatest joy and most definitely suffered the most because of her love was Mary. I remember when she came to take him home because people thought he was a mad man. I cannot even begin to sense her prayers to God. Lord, save my son. Yes the relationship between mother and son is complicated but this is true. No one loves you more than your mother.

Jesus today surrenders his mother to the disciple he loved. Are you or could you be the unnamed disciple? Today I feel invited to have a connection with Mary and all the parents who have shed tears for their babies.

Hail Mary full of Grace the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus. Holy Mary mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.