The Seven Sorrows of Mary
The First Sorrow of Mary
The Prophecy of Simeon
Luke 2:25-35
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in he Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Mary, Mother and Disciple:
Simeon’s prophecy revealed to Mary that she would not be able to hold onto her son forever. The day would come when she would need to let him go, let him serve the wider world for the good of many. And she learned that this would be terribly painful.
Serving the common good is not always easy, but Mary’s example shows us that perseverance, faith and reliance on God can reveal our unique roles in God’s family.
Reflect
Is it hard for me to put myself in service of the common good? How do I find Jesus when I’m faced with hardships?
When have I walked with my neighbors in their struggles? How does love of our neighbors serve the common good?
Pray
Our Father … Hail Mary … Glory be …
The Second Sorrow of Mary
The Flight into Egypt
Matthew 2:13-15
Mary, Mother and Disciple:
Mary is forced to leave her home to travel with her family to a foreign land, fearful of persecution. We hear Jesus’ voice: “I was … a stranger, and you welcomed me.” So many people and families around the world follow in Mary’s footsteps, fleeing war, disaster and persecution, seeking opportunities to work and live with dignity.
Reflect
When have I been a stranger in need of welcome?
When have I had the opportunity to welcome a stranger? How did I respond?
Pray
Our Father … Hail Mary … Glory be …
Painting by Vittore Carpaccio
The Flight Into Egypt
The Third Sorrow of Mary
The Loss of The Child Jesus in The Temple
Luke 2:41-50
Mary, Mother and Disciple:
Anxious and worried, Mary did not stop seeking Jesus. She looked among friends, family and strangers alike. And though she found him, she did not understand his words. We, too, seek Jesus—and seek to do his work in our world. Often, like Mary, we are anxious and worried about building up God’s kingdom, and we may not understand challenges that come our way. Let us follow her example, trusting that Christ calls us where we are most needed to do that work that only we can do.
Reflect
When have I felt anxious—as Mary did—in my efforts to do God’s work in the world? How did I work through those feelings?
Sometimes I am called to plant seeds of peace and justice that others will water and still others will see bloom. How do I respond, even if I am uncertain of my own role?
Pray
Our Father … Hail Mary … Glory be …
The Fourth Sorrow of Mary
The Meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross
The Fourth Station of the Cross
Mary, Mother and Disciple:
Mary put herself in a dangerous place. In order to be present to her son—a condemned criminal—in his most dire moment, she had to put herself in physical danger, surrounded by a crowd of bloodthirsty men and women. But, bolstered by faith and fortitude, her love never wavered. In Mary, we see ourselves being present to people society has marginalized, condemned, cast out. Through Mary, we are encouraged to be present to our sisters and brothers experiencing the greatest need.
Reflect
How does Mary’s example in the face of human suffering fortify me in my efforts to build God’s kingdom of justice and peace?
What do I think Mary felt in this moment of encounter? Have I experienced similar moments in my own life?
Pray
Our Father … Hail Mary … Glory be …
Painting by Bernardo Cavallino
Procession to Calvary; Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Fifth Sorrow of Mary
The Crucifixion
John 19:17-30
Mary, Mother and Disciple:
Was this a hopeless moment for Mary? Did she feel like God had abandoned her? In Mary, we see a woman who is present to suffering to the very end. We see a woman who, though she herself has been hurt, does not fail to reach out to others in their suffering. Jesus, through Mary, invites us to reflect on the importance of community, even in moments of great darkness.
Reflect
Do I make myself available to others, even if I am suffering?
What role can my community play in moments of challenge and suffering?
Pray
Our Father … Hail Mary … Glory be …
The Sixth Sorrow of Mary
Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross
Mark 15:42-46
Mary, Mother and Disciple:
Never leaving her son’s side, even after his death, Mary reveals to us the importance of death with dignity. Jesus’ body is not left on the cross, but brought down to be buried. In our world today, many of our sisters and brothers are left upon their own crosses: crosses of hunger, homelessness, war and persecution.
Reflect
Who around me is left upon a cross? How can I help bring him or her down?
How do I promote the dignity of those around me—both near and far—throughout their entire lives? Have I provided care with dignity to someone in need, perhaps at the end of their earthly life?
Pray
Our Father … Hail Mary … Glory be …
Painting by El Greco
Pieta - Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Seventh Sorrow of Mary
Jesus Is Placed In The Tomb
John 19:38-42
Mary, Mother and Disciple:
We know how the story ends—in three days, Jesus is raised from the dead, bringing salvation for all. Yet, Mary did not know, and she persevered anyway. She buried her son and then went about his work, comforting his friends, despite her sadness. Mary is an example of faith-filled hope, the kind of hope we must cultivate in our own lives as we wait and work for God’s kingdom.
Reflect
When has God surprised me, taking what I considered a failure and turning it into a great success?
How can Mary’s example be an inspiration for my own work, especially as I seek to build God’s kingdom on earth?
Pray
Our Father … Hail Mary … Glory be …
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