Meditation for Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
(Jn 19:25-27)
“Standing
by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and his mother’s sister…” Today we honor
the mother of Jesus as ‘Mater Dolorosa’ (Mother of Sorrows). Mary leads us on
the path of those saved by the Cross, for from the first moment of her
existence, she was saved from every stain of original sin on account of her
role as Mother of Jesus and in view of the redemption in Jesus Christ through
the Cross. So, we meditate on Mary’s silent position at the foot of the Cross, which
is the highest point of Mary’s sorrows.
The Prophecy of Simeon
The Flight to Egypt
The loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple
Mary’s meeting Jesus on the fourth station of
the Cross
The crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is taken down from the cross
The Burial of Jesus
Mary bore her
sorrows with love and in fulfillment of her vocation. Having surrendered
herself to the will of God, she silently followed as God’s will unfolded in her
life, even when it was humanly painful. In this way, she shared in her son’s suffering
and for His sake. She was mystically wounded in heart as she silently clung to
the foot of the cross. Jesus recognized her maternal position at His moment of
cross and said to her, “Woman, behold your son!” Thus, her gaze is redirected
to us her children in faith.
Mater
Dolorosa warms our hearts. Our sins bring suffering to the Body of Christ. And
as Jesus steps in to heal us and save us, Mary’s maternal presence silently
urges us on that we might come to Jesus and be healed. Therefore, loaded with
our burdens of sufferings, we stand with Mary at foot of the Cross, that Jesus
may look down and behold us under her maternal mantle. For to us He says, “Behold
your mother!”
Our Lady of
Sorrows, Pray for us. Amen.
Fr
Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints
Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo,
Ojo, Lagos.
Wednesday
September 15th, 2021.
www.soundofsilence.ng
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com
