September 15, Our Lady of Sorrows

Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.--Psalm 31:17

Mass readings: 1 Corinthians 11:17-26,33 / John 19:25-27 or Luke 2:33-35

Mary Knows

For me, the hardest part of motherhood isn't sitting up with a sick child at 3 a.m., changing infinite diapers, cooking balanced meals, or feeling utterly inadequate. These are challenges but the hardest by far is the vulnerability that comes with loving these little people so deeply.

No one has felt this vulnerability more acutely than Our Lady of Sorrows, whom we commemorate today. Soldiers struck the precious face she had washed with care; they nailed the hands that had grasped hers and feet that had first toddled to her; and they pierced the side that she had hugged. I can't imagine how much her heart must have ached. But I know that because of Mary's sorrow, I have help. When my heart aches, I can flee to her, and she'll understand.

Prayer: Our Lady of Sorrows, pray that in my deepest pain, I may love Jesus more.