Our Lady of Sorrows (Memorial)
From that hour the disciple took her into his home. (John 19:27)
We may have many symbolic reminders of Mary in our homes: icons, statues, and rosaries. But think what it must have been like for John to take the Mother of God into his home! No doubt, living with Mary was a very profound experience for the beloved disciple. Surely his relationship with her must have deepened his walk with the Lord and his ability to share Jesus with the world.
What a great opportunity John had to understand who Jesus is! Mary knew the Lord better than any human being. Even though she pretty much fades into the background after Jesus is born, we know she was always learning from him. As Luke tells us, she “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).
Surely John and Mary must have prayed together and reflected on the life and death of her son. As John recounted some of his experiences in the company of Jesus, Mary must have helped him grasp their meaning, shedding new light on important events of Jesus’ life: his birth, his life in Nazareth, his ministry, and even his passion. Instead of a rosary, John had the Blessed Mother herself present to explain the mysteries of our faith.
At the cross, Mary was Our Lady of Sorrows, but her sorrow was mixed with joy as she reflected on the redemption that her Son was winning for the whole human race. In this, she teaches us that even in our greatest sorrows, there is the hope of a Savior and the promise of eternal life for all who hold fast to their faith and place their trust in God’s loving care.
How can we welcome Mary into our homes? We can reflect with her on the mysteries of her Son. We can bring our experiences, our confusions, and our half-formed judgments to her and ask for greater clarity. We can ask her to help us embrace those children of hers whom we sometimes find difficult to love. Mary is the mother of the whole Church, so let’s make her our mother as well.
“Holy Mary, we invite you to come down from our walls to share our daily lives. Unite our joys and sorrows with yours, transforming them by the presence of the Son you always carry in your heart.”Amen!
1 Timothy 3:1 Here is a statement you can trust: anyone aspiring to be a congregation leader is seeking worthwhile work. 2 A congregation leader must be above reproach, he must be faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, orderly, hospitable and able to teach. 3 He must not drink excessively or get into fights; rather, he must be kind and gentle. He must not be a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, having children who obey him with all proper respect; 5 for if a man can’t manage his own household, how will he be able to care for God’s Messianic Community? 6 He must not be a new believer, because he might become puffed up with pride and thus fall under the same judgment as did the Adversary. 7 Furthermore, he must be well regarded by outsiders, so that he won’t fall into disgrace and into the Adversary’s trap.
8 Likewise, the shammashim must be of good character, people whose word can be trusted. They must not give themselves to excessive drinking or be greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must possess the formerly hidden truth of the faith with a clean conscience. 10 And first, let them be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them be appointed shammashim. 11 Similarly, the wives must be of good character, not gossips, but temperate, faithful in everything. 12 Let the shammashim each be faithful to his wife, managing his children and household well. 13 For those who serve well as shammashim gain good standing for themselves and much boldness in the trust that comes through Yeshua the Messiah.
Psalm 101:(0) A psalm of David:
(1) I am singing of grace and justice;
I am singing to you, Adonai.
2 I will follow the path of integrity;
when will you come to me?
I will run my life with a sincere heart
inside my own house.
3 I will not allow before my eyes
any shameful thing.
I hate those who act crookedly;
what they do does not attract me.5 If someone slanders another in secret,
I will cut him off.
Haughty eyes and proud hearts
I cannot abide.
6 I look to the faithful of the land,
so that they can be my companions;
those who live lives of integrity
can be servants of mine.
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