Saint of the Day Monday, September 15, 2014 Our Lady of Sorrows Lived: | Feast Day: Monday, September 15, 2014 For a while there were two feasts in honor of the Sorrowful Mother: one going back to the 15th century, the other to the 17th century. For a while both were celebrated by the universal Church: one on the Friday before Palm Sunday, the other in September. The principal biblical references to Marys sorrows are in Luke 2:35 and John 19:26-27. The Lucan passage is Simeons prediction about a sword piercing Marys soul; the Johannine passage relates Jesus words to Mary and to the beloved disciple. Many early Church writers interpret the sword as Marys sorrows, especially as she saw Jesus die on the cross. Thus, the two passages are brought together as prediction and fulfillment. St. Ambrose (December7) in particular sees Mary as a sorrowful yet powerful figure at the cross. Mary stood fearlessly at the cross while others fled. Mary looked on her Sons wounds with pity, but saw in them the salvation of the world. As Jesus hung on the cross, Mary did not fear to be killed but offered herself to her persecutors. Comment: Johns account of Jesus death is highly symbolic. When Jesus gives the beloved disciple to Mary, we are invited to appreciate Marys role in the Church: She symbolizes the Church; the beloved disciple represents all believers. As Mary mothered Jesus, she is now mother to all his followers. Furthermore, as Jesus died, he handed over his Spirit. Mary and the Spirit cooperate in begetting new children of God—almost an echo of Lukes account of Jesus conception. Christians can trust that they will continue to experience the caring presence of Mary and Jesus Spirit throughout their lives and throughout history. Quote: At the cross her station keeping, Stood the mournful mother weeping, Close to Jesus to the last. Through her heart, his sorrow sharing, All his bitter anguish bearing, Now at length the sword has passed. (Stabat Mater)
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 13:08:12 +0000
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