Our Lady of Sorrows
September 15, 2026
Kept the day after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, this memorial contemplates the Blessed Virgin Mary in her sufferings beside her Son. In the first reading (Hebrews 5:7-9), Christ “offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears” and was “heard because of his reverence,” yet “learned obedience from what he suffered.” Psalm 31 prays from within anguish while never letting go of trust: “Into your hands I commend my spirit.” In the Gospel (John 19:25-27), Mary stands by the cross, and Jesus entrusts her and the beloved disciple to each other — “Woman, behold, your son... Behold, your mother.” The Church honors the Mother who stood, whose soul the sword of Simeon pierced, and who is given to us as mother in learning to stand at the cross.
First Reading
In the days when Christ Jesus was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
Responsorial Psalm
In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice rescue me, Make haste to deliver me! Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety. You are my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake you will lead and guide me. 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. 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." How great is the 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.
Gospel
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 there whom he loved, 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 into his home.
Readings provided by Evangelizo. Scripture texts used with permission.
Metanoia
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