Daily Reflection for Thursday, September 15, 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Thursday's readings at this link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091522.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Responsorial: Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 28
Gospel: Luke 2:33-35
Our reflection on Thursday’s readings:
and you yourself a sword will pierce… Luke 2:35
Today we recognize the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. It is a day to remember and contemplate the deep sorrow that Mary, the mother of Jesus, experienced in her sacred lifetime. As I reflect on Mary’s faithfulness through such pain and hardship, I do so in prayer for the many women I know who have suffered greatly and loved so deeply.
For my sister who, as a loving mother, has felt the sting of challenge by her children as they try to make sense of their world and their place in it. May she know Mary’s empathetic compassion.
For my good friend who, after an abusive marriage has found love again, and as she prepares for her wedding she does so with the recent news that she has cancer. May she know Mary’s embrace.
For my aunt who has given her whole life to serve God as a religious sister. As dementia tries to take its tight grip on her memory, may she wake up daily strengthened by Mary’s endurance.
For the many mothers who have suffered through grief and mourning over their children whom they have lost to gun violence. May they rest in Mary’s hope.
For women on the move as they escape poverty, war, violence and disease, may they know that Mary is in solidarity with them.
For these and so many other prayers, I am so grateful that my Catholic faith recognizes Mary today, not only for her sorrows but for her depth of faith that sustained her through them.
May you go to Mary today to intercede for you. She knows your pain.
Margarita Solis Deal