today's readings are Hebrews 5: 7-9; Psalm 31; Lk. 2: 33-35 or John 19: 25-27
Our sufferings are to be joined to the sufferings of Our Lady's Son. Her sufferings were intimately linked with those of her Son.
These facts are fundamental to today's feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, and are underlined in our readings today.
This feast was formally instituted in the Church in 1814, and they echo to the prophecy of Simeon in today's gospel, of which there would be 7 sorrows:
The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2: 34-35): Simeon told Mary that her son would be the rise and fall of many people and that a sword would pierce her heart so that many would know her thoughts.
The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13): Joseph responds to a dream to take Mary and Jesus into Egypt to keep them safe. Today, we pray for the safety and security of all refugees.
The loss of the child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:43-45): Mary and Joseph thought Jesus was in the caravan after leaving Jerusalem. After three days, they found Jesus listening and teaching in the Temple of Jerusalem. Mary said to Jesus, “Why have you done this to us?”
Mary meets Jesus on the way to Calvary (Luke 23: 26-32): Jesus, carrying His cross told the women of Jerusalem not to weep for Him, but for themselves and their children.
Jesus dies on the cross (John 19:25): Mary and John are bonded by the words of Jesus. The relationship with all members of the Church and Mary is firmly established in this moment of intense suffering.
Mary receives the body of Jesus in her arms (Matthew 27:57-59) - a scene memorably depicted in Michelangelo's Pieta.
And lastly, the body of her Son is placed in the tomb (John 19:40-42).
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners.