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Tuesday, September 15, 2020

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Our Lady of Sorrows


1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31
John 19:25-27 or Luke 2:33-35 or Luke 7:11-17
Psalm 100:1-5

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mom’s crying

“Jesus said to His mother, ‘Woman, there is your son.’ In turn He said to the disciple, ‘There is your mother.’ ” —John 19:26-27

When a mother cries, a special power moves in the heart of each family member. When mom cries, we feel compelled to make peace and do whatever she tells us. Mother Mary tells us to do whatever Jesus tells us (Jn 2:5). So when she cries, it results in Jesus being obeyed.
When Jesus “offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to God” (Heb 5:7), His Father heard Him but most others ignored Him. Yet when mother Mary cries, it affects us differently. We are moved by her tears so as not to remain unmoved by His tears. Our hearts may be hardened, calloused, and cold. Yet when we see her crying, pierced with a sword, the thoughts of our hearts are laid bare (Lk 2:35). We see our insensitivity to the crucified Savior. When we see her crying at the foot of the cross, we notice we’re not crying when we should be (Jn 19:25).
How precious are a mother’s tears raining down on a dry, cold world! “At the cross her station keeping, stood the mournful mother weeping, close to Jesus to the last” (Stabat Mater).

Prayer:  Jesus, may I be ashamed not to cry before Your cross.

Promise:  “Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother: ‘This Child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a Sign that will be opposed.’ ” —Lk 2:34

Praise:  Mary endured a grueling flight into Egypt; the fear of the loss of her twelve year old Son; an encounter with her Divine Son on the way to Calvary; and the crucifixion. Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Crucifying Jesus, order, listen to, or download our CD 65-3 or DVD 65 on our website.)

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from August 1, through September 30, 2020. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 1, 2019"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.