Good day to you all.
Here we are again as we were yesterday celebrating the sorrow of a mother who stood at the foot of the Cross watching her only child die a horrible death.
Let us read what St. Luke tells us in the second chapter of his Gospel. Following the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary brought the Child to the Temple to dedicate Him to God. There they encounter an elderly man by the name of Simon to whom it was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he saw the Messiah. He took the Child in his arms and said, “Now Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace as you have promised. For my eyes have seen your salvation. . . (Lk 2:29-ff). As he gave the Child back to his parents, he said to Mary,
“Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall And rise of many in Israel and to be a signThat will be opposed – and a sword will pierce your own soul – the the thoughtsOf many hearts may be revealed.” (Lk2:34)
But as we saw yesterday, this is only one paragraph of the story which was written before the world began.
Pope St. John Paul II reminds us today, “The Exulted of Easter tells us that he is “the light which knows no decline,” Seek the light of the soul. Through it, suffering united with that of our Lord and of the Virgin Mary at the foot of the cross opens the way to eternal life, for oneself and for others.”
“Stabat Mater”By the cross of our salvation, Mary stood in desolation.While the savior hung above.
All her human powers failing,Sorrow’s sword, at last prevailing.Stabs and breaks her heart of love. . .
Virgin Mary, full of sorrowFrom your love I ask to borrowLove enough to share your pain. Make my heart to burn with fire,Make Christ’s love my own desire,Who for love of me was slain.”
And the prophecy of the old man Simeon cameTo pass.
Peace and All Good,Fr. Vinnie, osf
and theBros and Srs of the Franciscan House of Prayer.
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