Our Lady of Sorrows: A Feast of Suffering- Sep 15 – Homily – Fr Terrance

Father delivers a profound reflection on the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, centering on Mary’s dual experience of immense joy and suffering at the foot of the cross. He emphasizes how Mary, as our spiritual mother, endured pain as foretold in Genesis 3 :16, yet willingly united her will to God’s plan for redemption. Father draws parallels between Christ’s joy in fulfilling His Father’s will, despite physical agony, and Mary’s similar experience of joy in her higher faculties amidst deep sorrow. He references Isaiah 53 :3 to describe Jesus as a man of sorrows, despised and rejected, and John 1 :46 to highlight the disdain for His origins in Nazareth. Additionally, Father cites John 7 :15, showing how Jesus was misunderstood, and Psalm 69 :21, revealing His longing for compassion. He urges us to meditate on Matthew 25 :40, where Jesus teaches that acts of love for others are acts for Him, encouraging compassion as a response to Mary and Jesus’ sufferings. Father also recalls the unwelcoming circumstances of Jesus’ birth and the hostility from Herod, underscoring the shared pain of the Holy Family. Through these reflections, he invites us to share our sorrows with Mary, using them to grow closer to her and Jesus, and to extend mercy to others as a way of honoring their sacrifices.

For Further Reading

Genesis 3:16 - NAB - Pain in Childbearing - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/3?16
Isaiah 53:3 - NAB - Man of Sorrows - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/53?3
John 1:46 - NAB - Nazareth’s Disdain - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/1?46
John 7:15 - NAB - Misunderstood Wisdom - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/7?15
Psalm 69:21 - NAB - Seeking Compassion - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/69?21
Matthew 25:40 - NAB - Love for Others - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/25?40
Catechism of the Catholic Church #964 - Mary’s Role in Redemption - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p6.htm#964
Catechism of the Catholic Church #618 - The Cross and Suffering - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a4p2.htm#618
Catholic Answers - Mary’s Sorrows - https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/the-blessed-joy-of-shared-sorrows