DAILY READINGS & REFLECTION

Saturday - Our Lady of Sorrows - Memorial (September 15)

"Standing by the cross of Jesus"

GOSPEL

John 19:25-27 (Alternate Reading: Luke 2:33-35)

But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son!' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother!' And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

The Gospel of the Lord
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REFLECTION

Daily Quote from the early church fathers: Mary stood at the cross with her Son Jesus, by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"Mary, the mother of the Lord, stood by her Son's cross. No one has taught me this but the holy Evangelist John. Others have related how the earth was shaken at the Lord's passion, the sky was covered with darkness, the sun withdrew itself (Matthew 27:45) and how the thief was, after a faithful confession, received into paradise (Luke 23:43). John tells us what the others have not told, how the Lord while fixed on the cross called to his mother. He thought it was more important that, victorious over his sufferings, Jesus gave her the offices of piety than that he gave her a heavenly kingdom. For if it is the mark of religion to grant pardon to the thief, it is a mark of much greater piety that a mother is honored with such affection by her Son. 'Behold,' he says, 'your son.' ...'Behold your mother.' Christ testified from the cross and divided the offices of piety between the mother and the disciple...
"Nor was Mary below what was becoming the mother of Christ. When the apostles fled, she stood at the cross and with pious eyes beheld her Son's wounds. For she did not look to the death of her offspring but to the salvation of the world. Or perhaps, because that 'royal hall' [Mary as bearer of the divine King] knew that the redemption of the world would be through the death of her Son, she thought that by her death she also might add something to that universal gift. But Jesus did not need a helper for the redemption of all, who saved all without a helper. This is why he says, 'I am counted among those who go down to the pit. I am like those who have no help' (Psalm 88:4-5). He received indeed the affection of his mother but sought not anothers help. Imitate her, holy mothers, who in her only dearly beloved Son set forth so great an example of maternal virtue. For neither have you sweeter children, nor did the Virgin seek the consolation of being able to bear another son."

(excerpt from LETTER 63.109.11)
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FIRST READING

Hebrews 5:7-9

7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard for his godly fear.8 Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered;9 and being made perfect he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

PSALM 30(31):2-4, 5-6, 15-16, 20

Response: Save me, O LORD, in your kindness.

In you, O LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your justice rescue me.
Make haste to deliver me.

R. Save me, O LORD, in your kindness.

Be my rock of refuge, 
a stronghold to save me.
You are my rock and my fortress; 
for your name's sake lead and guide me.

R. Save me, O LORD, in your kindness.

You will free me from the snare they set for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.

R. Save me, O LORD, in your kindness.

But my trust is in you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my God.
In your hands is my destiny; rescue me
from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.

R. Save me, O LORD, in your kindness.

How great is your goodness, O LORD
which you have in store for those who fear you
And which, toward those who take refuge in you,
you show in the sight of the children of men.

R. Save me, O LORD, in your kindness.
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Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)
The Revised Standard Version of the Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1965, 1966 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.