GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 15TH SEPTEMBER 2016
THURSDAY OF THE 24TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
(MEMORIAL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS)
1ST READING: 1Corinthians 15:1-11
PSALM: Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 28
GOSPEL: John 19:25-27 OR Luke 2:33-35
THEME: THE PAIN OF A MOTHER
Some time ago on the shores of West Africa, a Catholic missionary priest was murdered in cold blood. Some few years after that infamous event, I met another priest of the same missionary congregation. In a conversation, he narrated how the mother of the murdered priest, who was far away in a different continent, had felt an usual sharp pain on the part of the body that the son was stabbed and at that very moment the event occurred. Was it a coincidence or telepathy?
The relationship between Mary and her son Jesus goes deeper than a mere biological one. In the Gospel text of Luke, Simeon said to Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed – and a sword will pierce your soul too — so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare” (Luke 2:34-35). Rightly so, Mary had the unpleasant experience of watching the son go through pain and die on the cross (cf. Jn 19:25-27).
Often I am inclined to believe that in addition to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, there is a fifth Gospel. It is an unwritten Gospel that can be found in the heart of the mother of Jesus. Before you start throwing “stones” at me on account of this point, come with me to the text of Luke 2:51. Here we are told that when Jesus had been found in the temple at Jerusalem, and he had come to Nazareth with his family, “…his mother kept all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:51). She must have kept so many things in that gentle heart of hers. No wonder, it is said that “the heart of a mother is deeper than a well.”
As I ponder over the readings of today, my heart goes out to mothers (and also some fathers) who are in pain on account of their children. I think of mothers (fathers) who cannot have any good sleep because of the trouble, trials and challenges their children may be going through. To all such parents, I say, courage you are not alone. You are walking on a path that the mother of Jesus also walked on. Like her, may your faith in God still remain strong in spite of the pain; and just as Jesus was raised from the tomb, may your sons and daughters be raised up from whatever “pit” they have found themselves in.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we humbly ask you to take note of all those who are shedding tears today for their loved ones. Through the intercession of Mary, our lady of sorrows, may they find comfort in their pain. Amen
Andrews Obeng, svd
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people” (St. Arnold Janssen).