Our Lady of Sorrows

What a strange name used to refer to our Lady!  When you read further, one comes to understand the association of the seven (7) Sorrows with our Lady.  The first reference to sorrows to our Lady is found in Luke 2: 34 35 when Jesus’ parents brought him to the temple and Simeon delivered these strange words:

“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.” (Lk 2:33-35).

Imagine the surprise and shock of Mary, a new mother, when she heard these words about her child.  Imagine how she felt when she heard that her newborn baby, whom she loved so much, whom she was “shamed for” with a pregnancy outside of marriage, and who is the son of God would cause so much pain and to her.  We probably would have referred to Simeon as a insane old man.  How could he say that?  However, Mary and Joseph were puzzled and respected Simeon’s wisdom.

Read more about the Story of Our Lady of Sorrows to gain a better understanding about how Mary trusted God, even during the moment where she witnessed the scourging of her beloved son, the passion of Jesus, his crucifixion, and his death.  She was always there in his shadow and never doubted God.

God did not raise a wall to protect Mary from the same pain that you and I feel in dire situations.  Mary’s heart was pierced throughout the process with inconceivable pain.  Even today, it is almost impossible to watch any movie scenes of our Lord’ scourging, to hear the sound of the whips and the hammer, and pictures of our Lord’s blood dripping from his body.

Mary’s examples of trusting God, no matter the situation, are so applicable to us today.  She is our mom who only wants to protect us, to teach us how to trust God and to guide us to her son.  Learn more about Mary to gain a greater understanding of who Jesus is as well as the Father. 

Restart your life by praying the rosary daily; make an effort to attend mass on the first Saturday of each month; enter in your calendar an official appointment with Jesus–Location: adoration chapel.  There is Eucharistic adoration every first Friday at 7:00 p.m. at St. William.  Come, get re-energized.  

There is also a special rosary, Rosary for Life, that is tailored to the Lady of Sorrows.  Grab a couple of your friends and do it together.   Best wishes on your journey. 

*Rosary for Life:

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