When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.”Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour, the disciple took her into his home.-Jn 19:26-27
Friends, God is good; all the time!
Whenever I have to talk about pain and sorrow, I hesitate. I think to myself, where do you start from, and what do you say? The reason is that they are around us so much. We see pain and sorrow in the eyes of people all the time. I do not even know what you are going through right now, but if you do not have to sigh, make a sad face, or wipe any tears, thank God! It is also the reason the church gives us the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, a day after celebrating the feast of the Triumph of the Cross. Our Lady of Sorrow reminds us that Mary had her share of pains and sorrows. Some of her pain came naturally to her; others were due to her son’s mission. However, she endured them all calmly and peacefully without complaining.
When we are going through pain, whether from illness, bitter experience, or tragedy, God knows it. As Christians, we look to the Lord and his blessed mother for encouragement and endurance about how we should handle our bitter experiences, pain, and sorrows. When we remember the pains and agony of Jesus and Mary, we come to terms with one thing-TRUE believers can go through, even excessive pain.
The scripture for today’ Mass takes us to the central moment of Good Friday events. The blessed Mary was in considerable pain seeing her son hanging and dying on the cross. Then Jesus considers the agony in her eyes and reaches out in these words, “woman behold you, son, behold your mother.” .” Jesus intimates in that profound offering that in our time of pain and sorrow, his comforting presence is there for us even through others. Each day, as we go through our tragedies and bitter experiences, Jesus stands by our side.
He shows his face to us so that we may look at him and find hope. He extends his hands to reach us to say to us, “I notice all that you are going through, and I am here for you.”. I love you and care about you.” Remember that just as his pain and that of his mother ended in triumph, so will your problem be over someday, and he will replace it with joy for you. Mary also says to you, “my son or daughter, realize that sometimes there is a reason for the pain and misery you undergo, other times, there may be no good reason. But, if you will remain calm in spirit and endure it as I did to teach you that you must bear all things and ponder them in your heart without complaining, the trials will be over one day, and you will be happy forever.”
Prayer blessings: Lord, as your mother stood at the foot of the cross, she learned more about pain and suffering. May her intercession attract your favor for us who are struggling pilgrims on the earth to attain what she left as an example for us. Amen. .