In this blog post I want to talk about each sorrow that our holy mother had to endure and the profound lessons we can draw from the sorrows she endured.
History
Before delving into the seven sorrows and the invaluable lessons they impart, it’s essential to understand the history and significance of Our Lady of Sorrows in the Catholic faith.
Historically, it’s believed that St. Anselm (1033-1109), a Benedictine monk, bishop, and Doctor of the Church, along with the Benedictines, played a pivotal role in introducing the concept of Our Lady of Sorrows or the Sorrowful Mother during the Eleventh Century.
The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows holds deep roots in Catholic tradition, resonating with countless faithful throughout history. It revolves around the recognition of the seven sorrows, or dolors, of Mary. These sorrows symbolize her profound compassion, enduring strength, and unwavering faith amidst immense suffering and grief.
Sorrow 1: The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)
Our journey begins with the first sorrow – the prophecy of Simeon. Simeon being revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. After seeing Joseph and Mary with the child, he marveled and said,
“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel.”
And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed”
Mary’s response to Simeon’s prophecy, where she remained quiet and absorbed the weight of his words, offers us a profound lesson in acceptance and trust in God’s plan.
From Mary’s example, we learn that she understood the depth of her role in the redemption of humanity, recognizing that it would entail great pain and sacrifice. Despite this knowledge, Mary did not protest or seek clarification from Simeon; instead, she internalized his words and accepted whatever future trials lay ahead.
In our own lives, we are called to emulate Mary’s unwavering trust and acceptance of God’s plan, even when it involves pain and uncertainty. Just as Mary did not falter in her commitment to God’s will, we too must continue to move forward in faith, trusting that God is guiding us and will provide the strength we need to endure whatever challenges may come our way.
Imitating Mary’s example, let us embrace the journey ahead with courage and trust, knowing that God is always by our side, guiding and sustaining us every step of the way.
Sorrow 2: The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
The Flight into Egypt, the second sorrow of Mary, indeed presents a harrowing ordeal for the Holy Family. Mary and Joseph had to flee to protect Jesus from harm, facing unimaginable challenges along the way.
The lesson we can draw from this sorrow is profound: just as Mary and Joseph were willing to leave everything behind for the sake of following God’s will, so too must we be prepared to make sacrifices and leave behind our comforts and attachments when called upon by God.
Mary and Joseph’s immediate and unquestioning obedience to the angel’s command to flee into Egypt exemplifies the virtue of trust and surrender to God’s plan. They did not hesitate or question the directive; instead, they listened and followed without delay.
In our own lives, we are called to emulate this trust and obedience, being willing to let go of our own plans and comforts when called upon by God. Like Mary and Joseph, we must be ready to respond to God’s call with unwavering faith and obedience, even if it means leaving behind everything we hold dear.
Sorrow 3: The Loss of Jesus in the Temple 1. (Luke 2:41-50)
The third sorrow recounts the time Mary and Joseph lost Jesus in the temple for three days. What can we take away from this experience?
Well we need to look at the conversation Mary had with Jesus after finding Him.
When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house? But they did not understand what he said to them.
Once again what did Mary do? She stayed quiet taking it all in, her silence teaches us a powerful lesson in trust and acceptance.
There are moments in life when we may not understand why certain things happen or why God allows certain events to occur. In those times, we are called to emulate Mary’s example and accept them with trust in the Lord. Even when we cannot see the bigger picture or understand the reasons behind our trials, we can find solace in surrendering to God’s will, just as Mary did at the foot of the cross.
Sorrow 4: Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to the Cross (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17)
Indeed, the sorrow Mary experienced as she watched her child carrying the instrument of His own death is unimaginable. It serves as a poignant reminder for us to stand by our loved ones, especially in times of adversity.
Mary’s steadfast presence at the foot of the cross demonstrates the importance of offering support and comfort to those we care about, even when the situation is difficult. Her example challenges us to cherish every moment we have with our loved ones, recognizing that life is fleeting and that we will all eventually face the reality of death.
In essence, Mary’s sorrow calls us to embrace the precious time we have with our loved ones, to offer them our unwavering support and love, and to cherish the moments we share together.
Sorrow 5: The Crucifixion of Jesus
Indeed, Mary’s experience of witnessing Jesus’ crucifixion is perhaps the most dreadful sorrow of them all. From her example, we can learn profound lessons about love, faith, and surrender.
Mary’s love for Jesus was immense and unconditional. Despite the excruciating pain she endured, she never wavered in her love for her son or in her trust in God’s plan. Her love exemplifies the sacrificial nature of true love, which often involves enduring great suffering.
Mary’s unwavering acceptance of God’s will, even in the face of unimaginable pain, teaches us the importance of surrendering to God’s plan. She recognized that her son’s passion was part of God’s divine plan for the salvation of humanity, and she willingly accepted her role in that plan, no matter the personal cost.
In essence, Mary’s experience at the foot of the cross teaches us to love God with all our hearts, to trust in His plan even when it leads us through suffering, and to surrender ourselves completely to His will.
Sorrow 6: Mary Receives the Body of Jesus
Mary’s profound sorrow upon receiving Jesus’ lifeless body teaches us the virtue of grieving with faith and finding solace in God during times of loss. It beautifully illustrates how our faith can provide comfort and healing even in the midst of our deepest sorrows.
Sorrow 7: The Burial of Jesus
Mary’s act of laying Jesus to rest in the tomb indeed exemplifies the virtue of letting go and entrusting ourselves to God’s plan, even in the darkest of times. It serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of faith and surrender in our lives.
Conclusion
There you have it, the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady of Sorrows and the profound lessons they offer. As we reflect on Mary’s experiences, we’re reminded of her unwavering faith and profound love for her son, Jesus.
I encourage each of you to incorporate the Seven Sorrows prayer into your daily spiritual practices. Many saints have found great benefit in this prayer, and I believe it can help you grow spiritually as well.
That’s all from me. Thank you, and may God bless you all.
