Mass Readings and Reflection: Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

 

First Reading: Hebrews 5:7–9

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 31-Save me, O Lord, in your merciful love
Alleluia Verse
Gospel: John 19:25–27 or Luke 2:33–35

Reflection

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows.

In the Gospel according to St. Luke, Simeon blesses Mary and prophesies:

“Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel,
and for a sign that is spoken against
and a sword will pierce through your own soul also, that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34–35)

On the Solemnity of the Assumption (August 15), the Church reminds us that one reason Mary was assumed into heaven, body and soul, is that she is Co-Redemptrix. She cooperated with her Son, Jesus Christ, in His mission of redemption, from birth to death.

Wherever Jesus was, Mary was. Whatever He did, she accompanied Him. She participated fully in His mission, sharing both His pains and His glory.

Yesterday, we celebrated the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. We saw how Christ’s suffering led to glory, and how the Cross is our sure road to eternal joy. Today, we turn to Mary, who shared in her Son’s sufferings. For this reason, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Mary’s life was not free of crosses. The Church presents her as an example, that every Christian should carry their cross with faith, following her model of trust and surrender.

As Jesus suffered, Mary too suffered. She carried not a wooden cross, but the deep sorrows of the heart, known as the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady.

The Seven Sorrows of Mary

1. The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34–35)
   Simeon foretold that a sword would pierce Mary’s soul. She lived this prophecy as she witnessed her innocent Son’s suffering. Imagine her pain as a mother, seeing her Child condemned for a crime He never committed.

2. The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13–21)
   Soon after giving birth, Mary fled with Joseph and the infant Jesus to Egypt, escaping Herod’s wrath. She endured the hardship of exile, trusting in God’s will amidst fear and danger.

3. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–50)
   Mary and Joseph searched anxiously for three days, only to hear Jesus’ seemingly harsh words: “Why were you looking for me?” Mary did not understand, yet she kept all these things in her heart with humility.

4. Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary (John 19:17)
   A silent exchange of hearts, mother and Son. Mary could not remove His burden, but she accompanied Him with love and faith. Her heart was pierced as she watched Him fall, bleed, and be humiliated.

5. The Crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:18–30)
   Stabat Mater “By the cross, the Mother stood.” Mary remained at the foot of the cross, watching her Son die. The pain of a parent burying their child is unbearable, yet she endured it with trust in God.

6. The Pietà – Jesus’ Body Placed in Mary’s Arms (John 19:39–40)
   The lifeless body of Jesus was laid in her hands. The sorrow of beholding her dead Son fulfilled Simeon’s prophecy in its depth.

7. The Burial of Jesus (John 19:39–42)
   Mary saw her Son laid in the tomb. Every mother hopes her children will bury her, yet here Mary buried her only Son. Still, she surrendered to God’s plan.

Mary had glorious titles: Virgin, Mother of God, Assumed into Heaven. Yet her glory was also marked by sorrow. She teaches us that crosses are part of the Christian life.

Too often, we complain, curse, or despair when faced with suffering. But Mary shows us another way: silent trust, faithful surrender, and patient endurance.

If God gives you a cross, it is not to destroy you, but to prepare you for glory. The Cross of Christ led to the Resurrection. The sorrows of Mary led to her glory in heaven.

So, when your own crosses come, carry them like Mary did. Surrender to God’s will. Carry them with faith and even joy. People should not always see your sorrow written on your face. Instead, let your life show trust in God, for glory awaits you at the end.

Amen.

-Pal Ronnie-