September 15, 2018 Saturday OUR LADY OF SORROWS

1 Corinthians 10:14-22

Psalm 116

John 19:25-27

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother…  John 19:25

Lord, your mother is your most faithful disciple.  Good mothers are that way.  When she said “yes” to the angel she opened herself up to whatever the Father required of her.  Her sorrows and sufferings began with an unplanned pregnancy but one she embraced.  Along with that came the threat of violence or at least banishment from family and home.  A mad king tried to kill you and she and Joseph fled to Egypt.  Every parent fears the loss of a child so we know what she went through searching for you at age twelve.   She experienced the rejection and hatred many had for you in your ministry.  And finally she held your lifeless body in her arms at the foot of the cross.  She believed the promises that you were saving mankind from their sins while she was sinless herself.  Mary pondered all these sorrows in her heart.  Lord, thank you for giving us Mary, our mother, who is our model of humility, faithfulness, love, patience and obedience.   She shares in my sorrows and all those near me as she intercedes for us to you.

Mother Mary, thank you for caring for me.  Never leave my side.  Amen.