“AND A SWORD WILL PIERCE YOUR OWN SOUL TOO” (Luke 2:35)

⏰Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows (15 Sept 2020)

📑Heb 5:7-9; Ps 31:1-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 14-15, 19 (R.v.16b); John 19:25b-27 or Luke 2:33-35

On February 10, 1999, I had a very near-fatal domestic accident, falling down on a concrete floored ground from a height of about 40 to 50ft at our neighbour’s house in my village. When my mother came to see me lying helpless on the ground with multiple fractures, she exclaimed in deep agony, “Nwa m ooo!” (i.e. my son ooo!) She indeed shared my agony. That adds to the reason I value my mother so much and can do anything for her.

Yesterday, we reflected on the triumph of the cross of Jesus over the powers of darkness. Today, we reflect on his mother’s own supportive pain. At his presentation in the Temple, Simeon prophesied that Mary will share in that great suffering of Christ and she did to the extent of being at the foot of the cross with Jesus.

We can point out 7 biblical accounts of such sorrowful moments that Mary shared with her son:

💘The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:22-35)

💘The flight into Egypt (Matt 2:13-21)

💘The loss of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-50)

💘Mary meets Jesus on the way to the cross (Luke 19:1; Luke 23:26-32)

💘Jesus dies on the cross (Mark 15:22)

💘Mary receives the dead body of her son (John 19:31-34, 38)

💘Jesus is laid in the tomb (Matt 27:59)

When Jesus looked down from the cross and saw his caring and sorrowful Mother, he wanted the Church to share in that great care and love and so handed her over to us in these words, “Son, behold your mother” (John 19:27).

Do you want to share in that maternal care? The option is yours.

Have a great day ahead. Peace be with you.