Word to the Wise
Friday, September 15, 2017 - Sept. 15 - Our Lady of Sorrows
[Heb 5:7-9 or 1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14; [opt. Sequence: Stabat Mater]; John 19:25-27 or Luke 2:33-35,1262]"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." [Luke]
The liturgical texts for today's celebration include the "sequence" known as the "Stabat Mater." Many Catholics of my generation remember this hymn as part of the Stations of the Cross in Lent. A verse was sung between each station. The hymn also inspired many artists to paint the scene of the crucifixion with Mary standing at the foot of the cross, as recounted in the alternative gospel for today from the Gospel According to John. All of this is part of the history of devotion to the person of Mary, in the form of her "sorrows." These are considered to be the prophecy of Simeon (alternative gospel today), the flight into Egypt, the search for Jesus when he disappeared in Jerusalem, the road to Calvary, the crucifixion, the removal from the cross (remember Michelangelo's magnificent statue, the Pieta) and the entombment.
There are many ways to look at this feast. One may see it more in relationship to the day before, the Exaltation of the Cross, as an example of discipleship. One may see it more in relationship to Mary as a person. I tend to think of it in terms of the destiny of all Moms to suffer when they see their children suffer or when their children make choices that Mom disagrees with! There may be other ways to consider. Mary's sorrows are clearly a part of Catholic Marian devotion. AMEN
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