Jesus knew that his destiny was the cross, that he would die on the cross as a part of God’s plan of salvation. Today, in John’s Gospel, we hear of the women who had significant roles in Jesus’ life, who stood by him while he died on the cross, who lent him prayers, love, and support. With him at that moment of anguish and sorrow were his mother the Virgin Mary, Mary of Magdala, and Mary of Cleophas, who perhaps is the sister-in-law of Jesus’ mother Mary. We human beings often dread pain, suffering, and loss in our lives; they are not things we pursue and cherish. We cannot imagine the pain and anguish that Jesus’ blessed mother felt at that moment, seeing her son die on the cross. When Mary heard the Angel's announcement about the upcoming birth of her son, she heard God’s promise that her son would be the Messiah, the one for whom the people of Ancient Israel were waiting and hoping. But, after Jesus’ birth, when they brought Jesus to the Temple for his presentation in accordance with Jewish law, Mary heard Simeon’s prophecy, prophesying that a sword would pierce Mary’s heart so that the hearts of many would be revealed. Mary stands by her son in order for God to accomplish his plan, even without understanding the fullness of that plan. I knew a family where a son had tragically passed away, slumped over the steering wheel of a car in the parking lot where he worked after a life of great struggle and suffering. A nun who was a good friend of the family told the grieving mother that in her she saw the face of our Lady of Sorrows, the Blessed Mother whose sorrow reached out from the pain of her heart to her beloved son. There are many mothers who cry out for their sons and daughters, who make sacrifices with the that their children may have a better life. Mary has many titles in our faith as we honor and respect her as our Mother, as Jesus’ mother, and the Mother of the Church. Today, we celebrate Mary as Our Lady of Sorrows.
Jesus' beloved disciple John took Mary into his home. The Tradition of the Early Church passes down that John took Mary into his home in Ephesus in Turkey, caring for her until her last days. As Jesus entrusted his mother with his beloved friend John, John took that responsibility very seriously. Mary assumed the role of Mother of God with love, care, and dedication as well. In the midst of her sorrows, Mary knows what is in our hearts. She comforts us in our sorrows and sufferings. Mary, we look to you in our time of sorrow, in our time of pain and struggle. Thank you for your motherly love. Thank you for the example you give to us.
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