Our Lady of Sorrows

Friday, September 15, 2023

Traditionally, the Blessed Mother’s suffering, identified by the title, Our Lady of Sorrows, was not limited to the passion and death of our Lord, but included six additional sorrows, beginning with Simeon’s prophesy. “… and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed’" (Luke 2:33 -35). The other sorrows follow: The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-21); The Loss of Jesus for Three Days (Luke 2:41-50); Mary Meets Jesus on His Way to the Cross (John 19:17); Standing at the Foot of the Cross (John 19:18-30); The Crucifixion and Descent from the Cross (John 19:39-40); Jesus is Laid in the Tomb (John 19:39-42).

Saint Ambrose recognized Mary’s strength at the foot of the Cross, especially when the Apostles scattered. “His mother stood before the Cross, and, while the men fled, she remained undaunted…She did not fear the torturers…His Mother offered herself to his persecutors” (De institutione virginis). Important to note is that Mary stood at the foot of the cross and watched her Son suffer and die. She did not collapse in anguish, rather she gazed upon her Son Jesus Christ for consolation, as she stood beneath the Cross. She modeled for us that in our suffering, we can lift our eyes to the Lord, and find comfort. Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.