Reflection for Monday September 15 Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows: John 19:25-27

Gospel: John 19:25-27

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

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Reflection:

Have you ever felt sorrow in your life? 

The Blessed Mother felt it deep in her Immaculate Heart. It began when Simeon prophesied that her Son would be a sign of contradiction and that her own soul would be pierced by a sword (Luke 2:34–35). That sorrow reached its most painful moment at Calvary, where she stood at the foot of the cross, gazing upon her bruised, bloodied, and dying Son, Jesus. 

We can only imagine the depth of her anguish at that moment. Yet even in the midst of her indescribable sorrow, she did not lose hope. She drew her strength and courage from Jesus Himself. When He entrusted John to her as her new son, she accepted this with faith and obedience, going to John’s house and remaining there as the Lord willed. 

Like Mary, we too face sorrowful moments—times when our hearts feel pierced, when pain seems unbearable, when faith is tested. But just as the Blessed Mother found her strength in Jesus, so too can we. Her example reminds us that our sorrows can become opportunities for deeper faith, if only we choose to lean on the Lord. 

Do you seek strength and courage in Jesus when sorrow strikes your heart? Do you ask the Blessed Mother to intercede for you, so that your faith may grow as steadfast as hers? 

When sorrow comes knocking at your heart, will you allow it to crush your faith, or will you rise with courage by clinging to Jesus, just as the Blessed Mother did at the cross? – Marino J. Dasmarinas