Posted by The WORD in other words (2021) by Fr. Nielo Cantilado, SVD (DWC, Legazpi City)
Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, September 15
Image source: Wikimedia Commons – The Pietà by Michelangelo
It is so easy in this age of ours to lose focus and get distracted from accomplishing the more essential goals in life. It looks as if our life is filled with many urgent concerns that we tend to forget what is truly eternal.
The distractions of our electronic age, for example, make us spend our valuable time, energy, and resources on things that have nothing to do with eternity.
Ultimately it is our choice that will make or break the reason for our existence.
On a positive note, though, distractions can tell us what is or what is not first and essential to us. It can tell us what we truly love. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be” (Mt 6:21).
In this Gospel account, we find Mary, the mother of Jesus, standing beneath the cross of her dying son. She was no alien to sorrow and pain. Simeon had foretold that “this child is destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel… and a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Lk 2:24-35).
Attended to by her deepest sorrow, she stood there at her most attentive disposition and with her whole presence for her dying son. Mary lived her FIAT – even in grief, yes even in the death of her son. She knew what her treasure was. She is an icon of devotion and love for Jesus, an epitome of obedience to the Father’s will; a woman and mother of inner strength. She remained single-minded, steadfast, and faithful.
Jesus, dying on the cross, turned to her and as a gesture of loving appreciation, entrusted humanity, and the church that he so lovingly saved to her motherhood.
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