Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

September 15, 2026

Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

When Simeon saw the baby Jesus coming from the temple, he was ecstatic. Simeon swept Jesus from her arms, shocking her, and what he told her had to be frightening. “…and you yourself a sword will pierce…so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed,” and Simeon’s knowledge was abruptly passed to the mother of Jesus, who at that time was probably within two years of fifteen. Mary was startled by Simeon’s information, but this already related to John the Baptist being born to her cousin.

We begin to understand passages of scripture in a new light. And when Simeon handed Jesus back to her, Mary saw the path of her life stretch before her. And we acknowledge that when her work was done, she was assumed directly into heaven.

Maybe Peter Julian’s mother told him about Mary’s meeting with Gabriel, which inspired him to crawl onto the altar to be closer to Jesus… an active imagination easily leads young children. This also could be compared to Mary being brought by Saint Ann to the local synagogue as an expression of thanksgiving for her birth. That appointment was also Mary’s preparation for responding to Gabriel’s apparition: she wasn’t scared off. We then assume that the records of Mary’s and Peter Julian’s experiences are encouragements to heavenly beings to be active in the world at needed times. I can accept that this is not something unusual for any of the religious orders we have today, while also needing caution to understand correctly.

We grow in knowledge by being told, by watching, by reading some experience of another person. As we walk in faith, we begin to listen with new ears. So, let us be thankful for Our Lady of Sorrows and possibly consider “Mary, Our Lady of Faithful Determination,” working with the Holy Spirit to guide each of us on the path of life.

Let us Pray.

Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus, you are truly the mother of all of us, one who has walked the path of life, showing us the way. Never did you hesitate to take the path set before you. You are strict when required; you are consoling and loving when needed; you are encouraging when we balk at the path you show us. You have not been hesitant to support Jesus in his redeeming us, though it cost you much. Continue to take our hands, to show us the way, to celebrate with us when, as tools of the Father, we accomplish the tasks before us. Thank you for being our loving mother, walking with us along the way. Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, pray for us. Amen.