Reading 1
1 Tm 4:12-16
Beloved:
Let no one have contempt for your youth,
but set an example for those who believe,
in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
Until I arrive, attend to the reading, exhortation, and teaching.
Do not neglect the gift you have,
which was conferred on you through the prophetic word
with the imposition of hands by the presbyterate.
Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them,
so that your progress may be evident to everyone.
Attend to yourself and to your teaching;
persevere in both tasks,
for by doing so you will save
both yourself and those who listen to you.
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 111:7-8, 9, 10R. (2)
How great are the works of the Lord!
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
sure are all his precepts,
Reliable forever and ever,
wrought in truth and equity.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
He has sent deliverance to his people;
he has ratified his covenant forever;
holy and awesome is his name.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
prudent are all who live by it.
His praise endures forever.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
Gospel
Jn 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.
Or
Lk 2:33-35
Jesus' father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
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."
Meditation: John 19:25-27
Our Lady of Sorrows
Behold, your mother. (John 19:27)
It is a longstanding tradition in our church to wear a medal of Our Lady of Sorrows. Many people, in fact, have been wearing this particular sacramental for years, and would never be parted from it. When they experience difficulties, they gaze on Mary’s sorrowful image. Almost instinctively, they knew that she would understand, help them, and give them peace. They would all testify that it was never a waste to flee to her protection, implore her help, or seek her intercession.
What do these people know? That disciples of Christ are not immune to sorrow, and that they can always look to Mary for help. Whether they are caused by the natural course of life or have their roots in our own fallen nature, our sorrows do cause us pain. Wounded relationships, broken promises, financial difficulties— so many things can make us feel sad, betrayed, or hurt. But Mary shows us that the real question is not how often, 1r how much, we suffer. The real question is how we should respond when we are visited by suffering. And this is where Our Lady of Sorrows can help us the most.
Whenever you are experiencing any kind of sorrow, Mary can help you. Let her teach you how to react to trying, painful circumstances— what types of things to ponder, what to pray for, and how to persevere as a disciple of her son. Let her teach you never to jump ahead of the Lord or try to figure everything out on your own. Let her quiet, surrendered heart move you to trust in God’s providence and in his ability to work in your life.
Pope Benedict XVI once said: “The Virgin Mary, who believed in the word of the Lord, did not lose her faith in God when she saw her son rejected, abused and crucified. Rather she remained beside Jesus, suffering and praying until the end. And she saw the radiant dawn of his resurrection. Let us learn from her to witness to our faith with a life of humble service, ready to pay the price of staying faithful to the gospel of love and truth, certain that nothing that we do will be lost.”
“O Mary, Lady of Sorrows, help us to be courageous and faithful to Jesus. Teach us by your witness to be overcomers. Help us believe that our Father can turn our sorrows into joy.”
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