Eldho Augustine csc –
Readings: Heb 5: 7-9; Jn 19: 25-27
The day after the feast of the exaltation of the Cross, we commemorate Our Lady of Sorrows, showing that Mary shared in the cross of Christ and thus in the work of our redemption. In the life of Mary, she had to go through various crosses ever since she gave her consent to God. However, she did not grumble, complain, or negatively react, but willingly accepted all the sorrows as the plan of God in her life. She totally surrendered to God. How do I respond to the difficulties and problems that come in my life? How do I react to the sufferings and sorrows?
In today’s gospel, we read “Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother…” She stood always with her son even when her son was unjustly crucified. Can we also stand with the people who are suffering and are burdened with sorrows? With what mentality do I look at them?
Can I sympathize with them and join in their suffering? We need to “stand by” totally with others in others’ suffering whether we have any benefit or not. Standing by can bring healing and consolation to the person who suffers. As we celebrate the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, we pray that our Mother Mary intercedes for us to her son so that we may become a consoling instrument in the lives of others who suffer and become victims of injustice.