The Presence of Mary in the midst of Suffering

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 24th Week - Wednesday*

*Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows*

*GOSPEL - John 19:25-27 or Lk 2: 33-35*

*First Reading - Heb 5:7-9*

*The Presence of Mary in the midst of Suffering*

*1) Mary at the Foot of the Cross*

The hanging of Jesus on the Cross, at the last moment, between life and death is the most sorrowful moment of Mary's Life

This was also the most sorrowful moment for Jesus, because within few moments He will be dying on the Cross, which is a kind of separation from His Mother 

In the Crucial moment the presence of Mary makes a lot of difference at the foot of the Cross. 

First of all, because of the Mary's presence we see the presence of other women as well. So Mary becomes the unifying force in the midst of suffering 

Secondly, the presence of Mary, makes the beloved disciple of Jesus to remain at the foot of the Cross, even though all other disciples had gone away from Him 

The presence of Mary at the foot of the Cross, was an opportunity for Jesus to see His mother for the last time before His death. This also helped them to exchange their views for the last time 

The presence of Mary also shows the responsibility towards the Mother, as Jesus hands over it to His beloved disciples. Mary without any difficult, accepts the care and concern of the Beloved disciples. 

*2) Mary's Presence in all 7 sorrows*

Traditionally the seven sorrows are attributed to our Blessed Mother 

1) The Prophecy of Simeon

2) The Flight into Egypt

3) The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem

4) Mary's meeting Jesus on the Way to the Calvary

5) The Crucifixion of Jesus on Mount Calvary

6) Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross.

7) The Burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea

In all these sorrows Mary not only plays a major role, but also makes a difference in all scenes 

*3) Mary's Apparitions*

In the history of the Church, it only Mary who has appeared, number of times, in different places, to different people. In all her appearances she had some message to communicate

If we see the context of the apparitions, it is very clear that, when human kind was suffering Mary appeared to accompany them 

Her appearance and presence has made a lot of difference in the life of the people 

So this another example to show that Mother Mary always protects us in our suffering 

*4) Mother Mary gives a new meaning to suffering*

Along With the suffering of Jesus, Mary's suffering also has a special significance in the History of Salvation

The way she faced all the suffering and her attitude towards suffering gives a new meaning to the suffering 

She never grumbled at suffering, she never ran away from it neither she tried to escape from it. But with faith and hope she faced it. This itself gives a beautiful meaning to the suffering

*5) The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows*

Among many images of Mary, the image of Sorrowful Mary also considered to be great and it is celebrated in the Church 

The celebration of the feast of the  Sorrows of our Mother gives us an opportunity to reflect about the nature and purpose of suffering and the goal of it 

The presence of this feast and the image of sorrowful Mother makes a difference even in our life, because it fills us With hope and courage to face our suffering. 

*6) What is my outlook towards suffering?*

Do I have a negative attitude towards suffering?

How do I face suffering? 

Do I grumble at God and other when I am faced with troubles and sufferings?

How strong I am in facing the suffering?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*