To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise. — see Psalm 116:17

Mass Readings: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 / John 19:25-27 or Luke 2:33-35 

A Mother’s Sorrow and Faith 

In the confusion and disorder that followed the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, unidentified children and adults were checked into area hospitals as John or Jane Doe. Kathleen was one of many parents I interviewed who were trying to find a child. Holding Ashley’s picture to the news camera she said, “If someone finds my little girl, please bring her to me.” Four-and-a-half-year-old Ashley and her grandparents were eventually declared among the 168 victims. 

When I think of today’s feast, Our Lady of Sorrows, I picture Kathleen. Like Mary, she faced the horror of having her precious child die at the hands of another human being. Yet in the midst of pain, they turned to God. They cried for their children — and yelled at God in heaven — while continuing to believe and affirm God’s presence in their lives. 

Prayer: Hold close all who suffer, Jesus, especially parents grieving for their child.