Sorrowful moments in the company of others

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 24th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel :Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35*

*First Reading : Heb 5:7-9*

*Sorrowful moments in the company of others*

*1) Most Sorrowful moment in the Life of Mother Mary*

Today's feast, Our Lady of Sorrows, calls us to reflect about the various sorrows of our blessed Mother

Traditionally there are 7 Sorrows of our Blessed Mother. They are 

1. The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34-35)

2. The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-21)

3. The Loss of Jesus for Three Days (Luke 2:41-50)

4. The Carrying of the Cross (John 19:17)

5. The Crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:18-30)

6.Jesus Taken Down from the Cross (John 19:39-40)

7. Jesus Laid in the Tomb (John 19:39-42)

Among all these sorrows,  the Sorrow at the foot of the Cross, when Jesus was about to die, and also the moment of death, could be considered as the most crucial sorrowful moments in the life of our Blessed Mother 

*2) The presence of the People*

At the most Crucial sorrowful moments, that is the foot of the Cross and the dying scene of Jesus in the Cross, there were few people who were wity Mary 

His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Along with this women the Beloved disciple John was with them 

*3) The importance of the presence of the Beloved people*

The presence of these Women and John in the life of Mary, at that crucial moment, means a lot to Mary 

First of all she was strengthened in her approach to the deep sorrows with their presence 

Secondly, these women and the beloved disciple of Jesus shared the sorrows of Mary by being together with Mary 

Thirdly, John could take Mary as His mother, after Jesus entrusted His mother to the care of John. This must have given a special courage to Mary 

Finally the company of these people was very much needed and necessary for Mary to face this crucial sorrowful moment

*4) Sorrows shared becomes light*

At the foot of the Cross, all of them share the sorrows of each other

They encouraged  each  other which helped them to face the situation in a better way 

There is always a better strength, courage, hope, possibility, way to face the crucial moments of our life, when there are genuine  people are around us to help 

This is what happened at the foot of the Cross

*5) These people are remembered for ever*

These women and the beloved disciple are remembered forever. 

Their names are specially mentioned in the Gospel and they will remain for ever

Those who help us at the crucial sorrowful moments in our life, can't be forgotten and one should never forget such people, who help us in our life 

 *6) When there is company, we can face anything in life*

This particular fact is very clear from the scene at the foot of the cross

Mary faced all the challenges in the presence of few people, who were along with Her 

*7) How do I approach sorrowful moments in my life?*

Do I face alone or my beloved people are with me? 

Do I face them or run away from it?/

What are the most crucial sorrowful moments in my life? 

Who are those who come to my aid when I am faced with crisis in my life?? 

May our Blessed Mother intercede for us to face the Challenges of our life in the company of our beloved people 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*