Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,“Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
REFLECTION
“Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
The Church has canonized 13 mothers as saints. They include: St. Gianna Beretta Molla, St. Helena, St. Monica, St. Emmelia of Caesarea, St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Hedwig of Silesia, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Bridget of Sweden, St. Frances of Rome, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, St. Louise de Marillac, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and St. Zelie Martin. Eleven of these saintly mothers were widows who continued their charitable works. St. Gianna and St. Zelie were the only ones who passed away before their husbands.
None of these saintly women compare to Our Blessed Virgin Mother Mary. Despite the holiness of the thirteen women mentioned, Mother Mary was a virgin and the most perfect woman created by God.
Today, we honor the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. Here are the 7 Sorrows that Mother Mary endured: The First Sorrow was Simeon's prophecy (Luke 2:25-35). The Second Sorrow was the Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15). The Third Sorrow was The Loss of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-50). The Fourth Sorrow was Mary meeting Jesus on the Way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31). The Fifth Sorrow was the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30). The Sixth was The Body of Jesus being Taken Down from the Cross (John 19:31-37). The Seventh Sorrow was Jesus being Laid in the Tomb (Luke 23:50-56).
Our Lady revealed four promises to St. Bridget for those who pray and meditate on her 7 Sorrows daily.
Peace in your family.
Enlightenment about divine mysteries.
Strength against spiritual battles.
Visible help at the hour of death.
To pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary, start with the sign of the cross, pray the Act of Contrition, announce the first mystery, then pray one Our Father and seven Hail Marys. Repeat this for each of the mysteries and meditate on them. Complete all seven Sorrowful Mysteries and finish with three Hail Marys in honor of Mary's tears.
Dedicate all your prayers today to Our Lady of Sorrows.
Comments