Proper readings for the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
(includes Optional Sequence – Stabat Mater)
Additional information about Our Lady of Sorrows
“The Pietà (Mary Lamenting the Dead Christ)” by Baciccio, 1667 |
I am writing you,
although I hope to visit you soon.
But if I should be delayed,
you should know how to behave in the household of God,
which is the Church of the living God,
the pillar and foundation of truth.
Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion,
vindicated in the spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed to the Gentiles,
believed in throughout the world,
taken up in glory.
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Commentary on 1 Tm 3:14-16
St. Paul has apparently planned a trip to Ephesus to visit Timothy. His intent in sending this part of his message is to ensure the care Timothy must take over preserving the mysteries of Christ in the Church. Christ appeared in human flesh, was vindicated by the Holy Spirit, and revealed to the angels as God’s Son. “Several features in the Greek text suggest Paul is quoting from an ancient Christian hymn. It touches on key moments in the incarnate life of Christ: his coming as a man (manifested), his Resurrection (vindicated), his adoration in heaven (seen by angels), the spread of his message (preached), its acceptance in the world (believed in), and his Ascension into glory (taken up) (CCC 463, 2641).”[4]
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
and his justice endures forever.
He has won renown for his wondrous deeds;
gracious and merciful is the LORD.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
he will forever be mindful of his covenant.
He has made known to his people the power of his works,
giving them the inheritance of the nations.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
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Commentary on Ps 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Psalm 111 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. In this selection we find the singer giving thanks for God’s guidance, and the Lord's works of creation and salvation. References to the covenant in these strophes relate directly to the promises made to Abraham and his descendants. The hymn professes God’s greatness, revealed in creation, and revered by all that live and have being.
Gospel: Luke 7:31-35
“To what shall I compare the people of this generation?
What are they like?
They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,
We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’
and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’
The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said,
‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard,
a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.
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Commentary on Lk 7:31-35
St. Luke gives us a difficult parable (also found at Matthew 11:16-19). Jesus had just been criticized for eating with tax collectors and “sinners.” His reaction here indicates that those who reject his behavior are themselves behaving like children making fun of others. The unbelieving or critical group he tells us have rejected John the Baptist and are now rejecting the Lord himself, but history would prove their identities. (“But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”)
Reflection:
[1] The picture is “The Pietà (Mary Lamenting the Dead Christ)” by Baciccio, 1667.
[2] S.S Commemoratio
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[4] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, © 2010, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA. p.390.
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