Our Lady of Sorrows
Readings:
1 Corinthians 12:12-14,27-31
Luke 2:33-35
Reflection:
From our Assembly, I was touched by the voice of our brother that we meet the suffering people at the foot of the cross. At this point, I felt that I met Jesus as Jesus encountered me.
John’s Gospel mentions the foot of the cross, where Jesus’ mother, aunt, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala stood. This portrayal is interesting because the Synoptic Gospels have people standing far away from the cross or fleeing from it. Yet, instead of fear, these four women, who had a close relationship with Jesus, dared to remain near him. There was also a courageous disciple whom Jesus loved who dared to stand near his mother.
I wonder if we see the cross as suffering and trauma only; we seem to fear it and stay away from it. But what happens if we acknowledge suffering and trauma as a part of life? We discover that Jesus has taken part in our life, always being with us, and encounters us at the foot of the cross. We will not fear but dare to stand near the cross. We will stand as a family community when we hear Jesus’ words, ‘this is your son, your daughters’ and ‘this is your mother, your father’.
On the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, let us experience God’s Love through the hands of Mary, who received and held Jesus’ body taken down from the cross. Let us also experience the posture of standing near the foot of the cross, where we can encounter God and each other.
JD Tân T CP is a Vietnamese Passionist who lives and studies further at the Holy Cross Retreat, Templestowe.