HOMILY FOR THE MEMORIAL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS (SEPTEMBER 15 2022

Homily for the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15)

Hebrews 5:7-9;  John 19:25b-27.

Today the Holy Mother Church celebrates the memorial of our Lady of sorrows, a celebration which follows immediately after the feast of the Triumph of the Cross. The liturgy of today as seen in the Gospel, directs our attention to the one who was found at the foot of the Cross of Calvary (Jn 19:25-27): The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ. The one whom maintaining the divine plan, shared in the sufferings and redemptive work (cross) of Jesus Christ.

Friends in Christ, the celebration of today brings out and deepens as well the special role of Mary in the church, which  is significantly inseparable from her union with Christ. This union flows right from the time of Christ's virginal conception up to the point of Jesus' death on the cross of calvary. It is indeed a union that became uniquely visible at a hightened sense at the passion of Christ Jesus, where the maternal heart of Mary is deeply united to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

It can be said of Mary, therefore, that it was for this gracious and critical moment of partaking in the passion of her Son that she was being prepared for by the Holy Spirit all the while, right from the time of her Annunciation; that resolute moment she gave her "fiat" (consent) to the plan and purposes of God. She never relented in her pilgrimage of faith and hope, as she co-operated with her Son, Jesus Christ,  towards the redemption of the world. Hence, at the foot of the cross she remained united to the purpose of salvation obtained by Jesus.

Proudly, the church can say that no other person on earth was able to penetrate the paschal mystery of Christ, in the manner Mary did. Simeon spoke of her thus: "And a sword will pierce your own soul too" (Lk 2:35) and of which she pondered everything in her heart. 

The primal purpose of this celebration is to help us to recollect the spiritual martyrdom of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her compassion with the sufferings of her Divine Son. 

Traditionally, on a day like this we recall the seven sorrow of our lady:

*Prophecy of Simeon (cf.Luke 2:34-35), 

*Flight into Egypt (cf.Matt. 2:13-15), 

*Three Days' Loss of Jesus (Luke 2:41-50), 

*Meeting Jesus on the Way to Calvary, 

*Mary at the Foot of the Cross (cf.John 19:25-27), 

*The taken down of Jesus from the Cross

*Jesus' burial in a borrowed tomb.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, it is obvious that in the redemptive work of God, Jesus enjoyed the association of Mary his Mother, the Apostles, Holy women who accompanied and supported him with their resources etc. Jesus did not discredit the help offered by those who gave their time and resources. He tolerated them all as co-workers. Hence, our cooperation in the work of redemption implies that we are willing like the Blessed Virgin Mary to carry our crosses daily and follow the fruit of her womb, Jesus Christ. This we have to do without complaints or grudges but with loving disposition for the glory of God and the edification of humanity. 

May God through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary help us to be faithful followers of Jesus all the days of our lives.

Have a happy day!

Fr Remi osj