Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
Intention: For God’s strength and protection for all who care for the world’s persecuted and dispossessed people, that their work may bear the fruits of comfort, peace, and justice.
Today’s Gospel | John 19:25-27
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 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.
From the Tenth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Your zeal for the children you instruct would not go very far and would not have much of a result or success if it were limited only to words. To make it effective, your example must support your instructions, and this is one of the main signs of your zeal.
Saint Paul, speaking to the Philippians after teaching them different maxims, adds, Act according to the same maxims, and so be imitators of me. Look to those who live according to the example that I have given you. Do the things I have taught you, what I have said to you, what I have written to you, and of which I have given you the example. So, the ardent zeal of this great saint for the salvation of souls was to have them observe what he practiced.
This is also the way that our Lord acted, of whom it is said that he began to do and then to teach. Speaking to his Apostles after he had washed their feet, he says, I have given you an example, so that you may do as I have done to you.
Prayer
Eternal Father, the Blessed Mother of our Lord felt most deeply the pain of the suffering and death of her Son. In her, you graced us with an everlasting model of faith, always our inspiration and our help. Through Mary’s example, teach us to find in you the light and strength that we need as we journey from day to day, striving always to do your will. And, just as you sustained Mary’s heart, may we stand with those who we serve and, like Mary, witness to your saving presence. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.