OUR LADY OF SORROWS
Luke 7: 1-10
Learning from Mary’s Sorrowful Heart
Today, we honour Our Lady of Sorrows, the Mother who stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross. In 1233, seven devout men in Florence each had a vision from the Blessed Virgin Mary, inspiring them to form a religious community that would later be known as the Servites. This devotion originated centuries ago, and through the Servite Order and the Church’s prayers, it has evolved into a feast celebrated by all the faithful. But more than history, this day is an invitation to look into the heart of Mary, a heart that suffered with her Son yet never lost hope.
From the very beginning, Mary knew that her life with Jesus would not be easy. When she presented Him in the Temple, Simeon announced that a sword would pierce her heart. That prophecy was fulfilled as she passed through the events of her life – in their escape into Egypt, in losing the Child Jesus for three days, in meeting him on the way to Calvary, and above all in standing beneath the Cross as He gave His life for us.
As she lived these sorrows with a mother’s love, we realise that she did not run away, she did not protest angrily, she did not sink into despair. Instead, she stayed, remained close to her Son with strength, tenderness, and compassion. This is why the Church gives her to us as Our Lady of Sorrows—because she teaches us how to face suffering without being crushed by it.
Sometimes we think sorrow means sadness or defeat. But the Gospel teaches us something different. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” True sorrow is born from love. Mary’s sorrow was not self-pity.
Brothers and sisters, we too carry sorrows. We know the pain of loss, the weight of injustice, the sadness of broken relationships. Mary invites us not to deny these sorrows, nor to let them turn into bitterness, but to live them with faith. She shows us that sorrow, when lived with love, can become a path to deeper compassion, a way to stay close to Jesus, and even a source of new life.
Mary continues to accompany us in our own sorrows, whispering hope, pointing always to her Son who turns death into life. Let us entrust our hearts to her today, asking her to teach us how to love even in suffering, so that our sorrows may become seeds of resurrection.
© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025
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