All mothers feel the sufferings of their children as their own…. But what mother ever loved a child so much as Mary Loved Jesus?

“Even while living in the world, the heart of Mary was so filled with motherly tenderness and compassion for men that no-one ever suffered so much for their own pains, as Mary suffered for the pains of her children.” » Saint Jerome: (347 –420) - Father and Doctor of the Church

Gospel Text: (JN 19:25-27)

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.

No mother should have to experience what Mary did as she watched her Son die. Is the actuality worse than a mother can imagine? 

Other gospel writers mention the presence of the women at Golgotha, but it is John who explicitly tells us that Mary and the beloved disciple stood by the cross and who gives us Jesus’ words: “Woman. behold, your son” and to the disciple whom Jesus loved: “Behold, your mother.”

When our faith is tested by pains, difficulties and challenges, may we see God's loving hand helping us. We can surely depend on the care and intercession of Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows and our Mother, to help us through the pain and sorrows of life to the joy and peace of God's unwavering love and care.