http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/091509.shtml
September 15, 2009
Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
By Beth DeCristofaro
…whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable, … Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 1 Timothy (3:1, 8)
Of mercy and judgment I will sing; to you, O LORD, I will sing praise. I will persevere in the way of integrity; when will you come to me? (Psalm 101:1-2)
(Simeon said…) and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke (2:35)
Piety
Mary, our Lady of Sorrows, Simeon’s prophecy foretold that a sword of suffering would pierce your heart. Bring comfort and hope to all mothers and fathers who suffer for their children. Mary, pray for us. (from Litany and Intercessions to Mary, Mother of Life by Kathleen Jones with Theresa Notare, PhD., NFL program, USCCB, 2009.)
Study
Justice and integrity are essential qualities for those who love God and those who serve others. The psalm sings of a king who rules a godly court; officials who abuse their power are banned. 1 Timothy puts forward behaviors and virtues expected in bishops, deacons, and lay persons. Rather than a litany of rules, these readings remind us of what we are called to that we might follow what Jesus accepted – the will of his father.
Jesus accepted the weight of sin and the burdens of evil in order to overcome them all. Then he gave us his own mother to be ours – mother, sister, woman above all women to bear with us our weight and burdens. A human woman whose “Yes” to God’s call at the time of the Annunciation was surely a first piercing. She said “yes” with faith and trust that her God would protect her in a world and culture that gave women little freedoms or choices. She said “yes” to pregnancy at a time when she might face death for single parenthood. She said “yes” to the responsibility of bringing a promise to life for her entire people. It was the first of sorrows and the first of joys.
Because of her “yes” and her courage in love and faith, we can stand with Mary beneath the cross as we lose what is most dear to us just as she did. Most importantly, she stands beside us as we face our crosses. Her “yes” entitles us and challenges us to persevere in trust when trust seems like dust in our mouths. Her “yes” asks no more of us than was asked of her. Her “yes” is what Timothy and the psalmist raise up for the king, the deacon, the bishop, women of God and each Cursillista. We sing, “…Missionaries, Missionaries of Christ with His courage determined to conquer. Cursillistas, Cursillistas who don’t pay attention to human opinion…” We can conquer with Mary’s courageous and steadfast love for her son and us, her children.
Action
If Christ is our brother and Mary is our Mother, who are our children and our siblings? Do we narrowly define our family? Do we see opportunity in those who might have less than stellar qualities of integrity and justice? Can we be Jesus, be Mary to them? Can I remember that Jesus gave Mary to me as well as that “other” person with whom I have differences or even severe problems?
Say the Mother of Life prayer for those people from whom you are divided. Consider how you can be a person of integrity and justice to them and do so.
