September 15, 2019

Solemnity of Our Lady of Sorrows [September 15]

“She is Ours and We are Hers”

Msgr. Thomas Gervasio    

Happy Feast Day! Ordinarily, when a saint’s memorial or feast falls on a Sunday, it must defer, if you will, to the celebration of the Lord’s Day. But this liturgical rule is set aside on the occasion of a patronal feast. Today is such an occasion as we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lady of Sorrows, who together with St. Anthony is our patron. Today we honor and thank the Blessed Virgin for her maternal care and implore her continued intercession for our people, living and deceased and for their needs.
 
The Gospel takes us to Calvary—the apex of Mary’s seven sorrows. Today’s “homework” is to name the seven sorrows or dolors of Our Lady. Among those with Mary on Calvary is St. John the Apostle, often called “the Beloved.” The Church has long held that on Calvary, St. John represents the Church. He is standing there for us at the foot of the cross. Of the twelve chosen by Jesus, Judas betrayed him, Saint Peter denied him and the rest fled. Only John was there!
 
During Our Lord’s ministry, John enjoyed many privileges. He witnessed the raising of the daughter of Jairus, the Lord’s Transfiguration, and he was with Jesus during his agony in the Garden. But on Calvary, John received perhaps his greatest privilege for his courage and perseverance.
 
Jesus speaks from the cross: to His sorrowful Mother he says, “Behold your son” and to John, “Behold your Mother.” Jesus wasn’t saying, “Mother, look at me! Behold your son on the cross.” He was saying, “Behold your son who is standing beside you. John is now your son.”
 
Dying on the cross, our Lord’s thoughts were with his sorrowful Mother. He wanted someone to care and provide for her. Yet our Lord did not simply say, “Take care of my mother” or “Make sure she has what she needs.” Our Lord entrusted Mary to John as his own Mother.
 
John was to love Mary as his own mother. Our Lord then tells his Mother to take John as her son. Jesus’ final words to her are that she is to love John as her own. So if John stands in our place, then we can say that at the moment our redemption, Our Lord was also thinking of us.
 
This “act of divine entrustment” forms an intimate relationship between Mary and all the baptized. At Calvary, Mary becomes our Mother and we become her children. After the Holy Eucharist, what greater gift could we receive? It is a gift that must be treasured. The Italians have a beautiful expression, “Dove nasce un santo, la c’e Maria!” [Where a saint is born, there is Mary!] Mary should have a special place in our spiritual life. If we desire to grow in holiness, then Mary should be our companion. If we are to love all that Jesus loved, should we not love also his Mother?
 
In the Litany of Loreto there are three invocations that are dear to generations of Catholics. We call Mary, “Refuge of Sinners.” A mother’s heart is always forgiving, always giving a child the chance to begin again. When we fall through sin, we can turn to Mary who takes us to her Son for the pardon and peace we seek. We call Mary “Comforter of the Afflicted.” A mother knows how to be gentle and tender when a child experiences pain, when a child falls, and when a child feels alone. Mary is the “Help of the Sick.” A mother knows how to spend herself in loving service of her children. A mother is there when a child is ill, hurt, puzzled or bewildered.
 
Today’s feast reminds us that when we must walk through the dark tunnel of discouragement and sorrow, Mary knows and understands. I have heard more than once that “Our Lady of Sorrows,” is a rather gloomy title for Mary. Still, pondering its meaning, realize that it is the title that brings Mary home to us. Mary, flesh and blood, understands our human experience. Other titles, exalt her heavenly stature, but this title allows us to draw near to her with confidence.
 
When the sword pierces our own hearts, Mary knows and understands. She is there, in the background as mothers often are—but she is there for us. She is ours and we are hers. Isn’t that something to celebrate?