Homily for the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

Whenever someone we love is suffering or in pain, we tend to suffer along with them. This is particularly true of parents. When their sons or daughters struggle physically, emotionally, or spiritually, parents suffer just as much as their children; sometimes, even more.

 

When we open our hearts to someone in love, there is always a chance they will be broken. Love, by its very nature, causes some suffering. The only way to avoid it is to close our hearts to love. But to do that is only to be half alive. The only way to live is to love and accept the inescapable suffering it brings.

 

As she stood at the foot of the Cross and watched Jesus die, Mary's heart was broken. Many years earlier, as he held the infant Jesus in his arms, Simeon had linked Jesus' suffering with that of his mother, saying to her, "And you yourself a sword will pierce."[1]

 

When our troubles are difficult to bear, we can look to Our Lady of Sorrows as our inspiration and help.+

 

[1] Luke 2:35