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Gospel Reading for September 15, 2025 – John 19: 25-27
OUR GRATITUDE
Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
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Mary’s motherhood was far from ordinary. From the time of Jesus’ conception, so many things were not clear to her but she kept them in her heart knowing that all these were part of God’s plan of salvation for humankind. Her 7 sorrows, the memorial of which we celebrate today are:
1. When King Herod issued a decree to kill all male children 2 yrs. and below, bringing the baby Jesus together with Joseph, they had to escape Bethlehem and go to Egypt (Matthew 2: 13-15).
2. During the Presentation of Jesus in the temple, Simeon told her that a sword would pierce her heart (Luke 2: 24-35).
3. When they lost Jesus at a caravan and had to travel for 3 days back to Jerusalem to look for him (Luke 2: 41-51).
4. When she saw Jesus on the road to Calvary – bruised, suffering and carrying the cross (Luke 23: 27-31).
5. When she stood at the foot of the cross as Jesus was dying (John 19: 25-27).
6. When the dead body of Jesus was taken down from the cross (John 19: 38-42).
7. When the body of Jesus was laid in the tomb (Matthew 27: 57-60).
We remember the sorrows of Mary not to bring back to memory the unbearable suffering that she had to experience being the mother of our Saviour, but because we want to show OUR GRATITUDE for all she had to go through for us. Although Jesus made the greatest sacrifice of dying for our sins, we have to admit that it was not easy for his mother who also made sacrifices just so that God’s plan of salvation may be fulfilled.
Following Christ will always require sacrifices on our part, but when we make sacrifices, we contribute to the fulfillment of Christ’s salvific mission.
Mary, our Mother, teach us to emulate your ways so we may draw closer to your Son, Jesus!
