Mary's sorrows a model for our faith

By Ron Bruni

Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

We celebrate the memorial of the immaculate heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary in honor of her virtues, her profound love for God, and her role in redemption. Mary, our revered mother, her immaculate heart refers to her interior life, joys and sorrows, virtues, and perfect love for God, the Father, her son Jesus, and all humanity. It represents very immaculate purity, free from all sin from the moment of her conception. 

The devotion to Mary's immaculate heart is analogous to the Sacred Heart of Jesus but focuses on Mary's love and virtues rather than her divine nature. It emphasizes the study and imitation of her heart as a model of love, purity, and cooperation with God's grace.

The devotion to Mary's immaculate heart has its roots in the early church, but gained, prominence in the 17th century through the preaching of St. John Eudes. In 1944, Pope Pius XII instituted the feast for the entire church, to be celebrated on the Saturday following the solemnity of the Sacred Heart.

The immaculate heart of Mary is traditionally depicted as a burning heart, pierced with seven swords (representing her seven sorrows), surrounded by roses, and sometimes with a lily or other symbols of purity. These symbols hold deep significance. The burning heart represents Mary's intense love for God and humanity. The seven swords symbolize her seven sorrows, reminding us of the depth of her suffering. The roses symbolize her purity and beauty, while the lily represents her innocence and humility. These symbols offer us profound lessons in faithfulness, compassion, and trust in God's will. As we contemplate the sorrows, we can draw parallels to our own lives in the way we adhere to God's commandments and his expectations for us.

The seven sorrows are:

#1: The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34 – 35) The first sorrow of Mary begins with the prophecy of Simeon, who tells her that a sword will
pierce her soul. This sorrow reminds us that following God's will often involves accepting difficult truths and carrying heavy burdens. In our lives, this sorrow calls us to be prepared for the sacrifices that may, with our faithfulness to God's commandments. Thus, we should embrace the truth of God's word even when it is difficult. Trust that God's plans, though sometimes painful, are ultimately for our good and his glory. 

#2: The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13 - 15). Mary's second sorrow comes with the flight into Egypt, fleeing from Herod's threat to kill Jesus. This sorrow speaks to the trials and uncertainties we face in life. It underscores the importance of trust and obedience to God's guidance, even when the path is difficult and unknown. Therefore, trust in God's protection and guidance is necessary, especially during times of fear and uncertainty. Follow his commandments, knowing that he leads us with love and wisdom.

#3: The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41 – 50). The third sorrow is when Mary and Joseph lose Jesus for three days. This sorrow highlights the anguish of searching for God when he seems distant and lost. It teaches us persistence in our spiritual journey and our inherence to God's expectations. Therefore, we should remain diligent in seeking God, especially when He feels distant. God's commandment guides us back to him, even in moments of spiritual desolation.

#4: Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Cavalry (Luke 23:27 – 31). Mary's fourth sorrow is encountering Jesus carrying his cross. This moment of shared suffering teaches us empathy and the importance of supporting others in their times of trial. It reminds us that living according to God's commandments involves acts of compassion and solidarity with those who suffer. So, we should show compassion and support to those who are suffering. Our adherence to God's commandments is reflected in how we love and care for others.

#5: The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus: the fifth sorrow is Mary's witnessing the crucifixion of her son. This ultimate sorrow reflects the depth of Mary's love and our participation in Jesus's redemptive suffering. He calls us to embrace our crosses with faith and to find meaning in our sufferings through Christ's sacrifice. Therefore, embrace your sufferings with faith, offering them to God. Through our crosses, we participated in Christ's redemptive work and fulfilled God's commandments of love and sacrifice.

#6: The Body of Jesus Taken Down from the Cross (John 19:38 – 40). Mary Six's sorrow is holding the lifeless body of Jesus. This sorrow teaches us about the sorrow of loss in the hope of resurrection. It invites us to trust God's promises even in death and despair. By trusting in the hope of resurrection and God's promises even in our deepest sorrows, God's love and plan for eternal life gives us hope and strength.

#7: The Burial of Jesus (John 19:41 – 42). The seventh sorrow is Jesus' burial. This final sorrow reflects the closure of a profound chapter in the awaiting of God's ultimate plan. It teaches us patience and hope, even when we do not see immediate results. Therefore, we should be patient and hopeful, trusting that God's plan is unfolding even when we cannot see it. Adhering to God's commandments often requires us to wait in faith and hope.

The seven sorrows of the immaculate heart of Mary provide us with a profound model of faith, hope, and love. This sorrow reminds us that adhering to God's commandments and expectations often involves enduring suffering, trusting in his plan, and loving deeply. As we meditate on Mary's sorrows, let us ask for her intercession to strengthen our faith and commitment to God's will. May we, like Mary, embrace our sorrows with faith, offer our sufferings to God, and live out his commandments with love and compassion.