It is 15th September 2016. We are celebrating the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. The readings are from Hebrews 5:7-9; and the Gospel from John 19:25-27. The Seven Sorrows are these: Simeon’s Prophecy about the sword of sorrow (Lk 2:34-35); The Flight of Joseph, Mary and Jesus into Egypt (Mt 2:13); The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2:43-45); Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary (Lk 23:26); Jesus Dies on the Cross (John 19:25); Mary Receives the Body of Jesus in Her Arms (Mt 27:57); and The Body of Jesus is Placed in the Tomb (John 19:40). Our Lady of Sorrows strengthens us and inspires us to accept sufferings as God’s plan for saving and purifying humanity. Our willingness to suffer not only to purify us but also to inspires the people around us. True and authentic love suffers silently and sincerely. More we love someone, more we suffer deeply. The intensity of our suffering depends on the depths of love we have for the other person. Mother Mary accepted all the sufferings out of love for Jesus. Mary is the model for us all to live with sufferings. God never departs from us when we suffer for the right reason. In our first reading, we are reminded that Jesus suffered and died for the sake of love to save us. The responsorial Psalm prays, “Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.” (Ps.31:17). In the Gospel, we are promised of a mother who strengthens us when we go through suffering. As she stood there near the Cross to accompany Jesus in His suffering, She will also stand by us to strengthen us when we suffer. “Then Jesus said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” (Jn.19:27). May the Lord bless to have a good day.