Dear friend,
The Catholic church celebrates today, September 15, as “The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows”. This comes after yesterday’s Holy Cross Day that we observed at Bethlehem.
Just so you know, I’m not in danger of converting to Catholicism and I don’t join in the exaltation of the virgin Mary. I prefer to highlight her sainthood in God’s choosing her to give birth to Jesus.
Nonetheless, these are the seven sorrows of Mary taken from the Bible:
The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34-35)
The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-21)
The Loss of Jesus for Three Days (Luke 2:41-50)
The Carrying of the Cross (John 19:17)
The Crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:18-30)
Jesus Taken Down from the Cross (John 19:39-40)
Jesus Laid in the Tomb (John 19:39-42)
I find these helpful for reflection, first, because they are recorded for us in Holy Scripture.
It also expands my understanding of what Mary was willing to undertake in Christ’s mission of salvation, leading me to deeper appreciation of her unique role.
Even more, the list reminds me of Jesus’ very real humanity and earthly life, the sacrifices He made to restore us in God’s eternal presence.
Finally, it renews me in the commitment to devoted discipleship—what are the sorrows I must endure to stay faithful to my Savior and Lord?
In Christ,
Pastor Heckmann
