Our Lady of Sorrows

Let us join by the side of Our Lady of Sorrows below the cross on this day.

Great quote from today’s Office of Readings:

“The martyrdom of the Virgin is set forth both in the prophecy of Simeon and in the actual story of our Lord’s passion. The holy old man said of the infant Jesus: He has been established as a sign which will be contradicted. He went on to say to Mary: And your own heart will be pierced by a sword.

Truly, O blessed Mother, a sword has pierced your heart. For only by passing through your heart could the sword enter the flesh of your Son. Indeed, after your Jesus—who belongs to everyone, but is especially yours—gave up his life, the cruel spear, which was not withheld from his lifeless body, tore open his side. 

Do not be surprised, brothers, that Mary is said to be a martyr in spirit.

Perhaps someone will say: ‘Had she not known before that he would not die?’ Undoubtedly. ‘Did she not expect him to rise again at once?” Surely. “And still she grieved over her crucified Son?’ Intensely. Who are you and what is the source of your wisdom that you are more surprised at the compassion of Mary than at the passion of Mary’s Son? For if he could die in body, could she not die with him in spirit? He died in body through a love greater than anyone had known. She died in spirit through a love unlike any other since his.” – St. Bernard

And shout out to my home parish back in Nashville who celebrates its titular feast day, St. Mary’s of the Seven Sorrows!

Image: Portion of an Ethiopian Icon of the Crucifixion. Full image found here. Fair Use.