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Today is the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. Our Gospel reading gives us a chance to reflect on Mary’s role in our Lord’s Passion and as a model of suffering Mothers.
Our Blessed Mother accompanied her Son in His darkest hour and we believe she offered her anguish in union with His for the salvation of souls.
Through their example we can better understand there is some benefit to suffering in this life. Suffering can have redemptive value if we offer it up to God in humility. Just as Jesus was meek and humble of heart, suffering in our lives allows us to be more Christ-like and grow closer to God.
Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen had a great metaphor for Mary…he compared her to the moon when it shines brightly at night. He said that “God who made the sun, also made the moon. The moon does not take away from the brilliance of the sun.” (&) Just as the moon gets all of its light from the sun, Mary reflects the radiance of her Divine Son.
As we come to terms with suffering in our own lives, let us ask for the help and intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows whose perfect example of humility reflects the glory of Her Son and our Lord, Jesus Christ.
-Deacon Steve Whiteman