Today we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, a reminder not of gloom but of deep hope. Mary’s sorrows hold life-giving meaning, for in her courage to share in the suffering of her Son, Jesus, we find inspiration and strength for our own journey of faith.
Speaking of the women who stood with Jesus at the crucifixion, William Barclay observed that it was always a dangerous thing to be associated with someone whom the Roman government judged so dangerous that he deserved a cross. It is always a risky act of love to stand by someone whom the orthodox regard as a heretic. The presence of these women at the cross was not because they were insignificant or unnoticed, but because perfect love casts out fear.
For Mary, the mother of Jesus, being at the crucifixion was the most natural act of all—for a mother’s love cannot abandon her child. Jesus may have been condemned as a criminal by the law, but He was her Son. Her love was greater than any force that might have kept her away.
A few years ago, my aunt was dying, having lost both her kidneys. I longed to visit her, but I dreaded the encounter. I feared our time together would be filled only with weeping, and I worried that my presence might deepen her sorrow rather than bring comfort. Questions troubled me: How will I bear her pain? Will I only make things worse?
Through much prayer and by drawing inspiration from Mother Mary standing by her Son at the cross, I gathered the courage to go. To my surprise, the visit became an encounter filled with love. Yes, there were tears, but there was also joy—laughter, deep bonding, and the warmth of shared presence. My aunt’s face shone with radiance as we spent time together. In those tears of sorrow, love gave way to consolation, and God’s presence filled our conversation.
As disciples of Christ, are we not called to share in the sufferings of others? Just as Christ comes to lift our burdens, we too are invited to stand with others in their pain—to support, to console, and sometimes simply to be present, even when we cannot take their sorrow away.
Rev. George Meze, SJ
I am Fr. Vilezo George Meze SJ, originally from India. I am doing my EdD studies and serve as a spiritual director with Campus Ministry. Before coming to the U.S., I spent a decade working in school administration among Indigenous communities in Northeast India.
