Reflections on Scripture | Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
Luke 2:33-35

Jesus' father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
"Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
and you yourself a sword will pierce
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

Reflection

What Simeon and Anna had told Mary and Joseph about their son was that he was the one to come. He was the Messiah. And they must have had some sense of that because of the way his birth took place. But they also said his message is going to be contradicted by the temple. He's going to be the enemy of the temple.

And you also will see him suffer intensely. Yet he's doing something that you must understand, he’s revealing people's hearts, he’s revealing who all of us are.

Closing Prayer

Mary and Joseph became aware of their destiny. Their child was called to save the world, would be rejected and would be put through a painful, painful death. And Mary had to begin her journey of acceptance. That's the key. Accepting our destiny. It calls for great authenticity, it calls for us recognizing and spending time wondering about who we are and why we're here. When those two things are in sync with God's plan we are a powerful source of life to ourselves and everyone around us. Amen.

Kyle Cross