The month of September has a special focus on suffering/sorrow as it features two great remembrance: The exaltation of the Holy Cross and the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. The celebration of Our Lady of Sorrow specially commemorates the seven sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary as recorded in the gospels: The Prophecy of Simeon, Luke 2; The Flight into Egypt, Matthew 2; The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem, Luke 2; Mary's meeting Jesus on the Via Dolorosa, the Fourth station of the Cross not found in Bible; The Crucifixion of Jesus on Mount Calvary, Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and especially John 19; Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19 and The Burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea also in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19."

The sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary invite us to contemplate the profound suffering of Jesus Christ, from his agonizing prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane to his brutal scourging and crucifixion. As we reflect on these events, we are reminded of the immense love and sacrifice that Jesus endured for our salvation.

 

These sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary are closely related with that of her Son, Jesus. After all, behind every troubled/sorrowful child is an agonized mother. Jesus' sufferings are not isolated events; they are intimately connected to the experiences of Christians throughout history. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace our own crosses, just as Jesus carried His own. "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). The sorrows we face in life can be overwhelming, but they can also be transformative when united with the sufferings of Christ.

 

St. Paul writes, "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death" (Philippians 3:10). This profound insight highlights the value of suffering when united with Christ's sufferings. Our sorrows can become a source of spiritual growth, purification, and redemption.

 

St. Augustine notes: "The whole life of a good Christian is a holy desire... You have heard the voice of your Lord saying, 'Come.' You have heard the voice of your servant saying, 'Come.' Let us hasten toward him, that we may receive him; let us hasten toward him that we may come to him" (Confessions, Book 11). This longing for union with God is especially poignant in times of suffering.

 

In the face of sorrow, a child of God is called to respond with faith, hope, and love. This disposition involves: Trust: Trusting in God's plan, even when we don't understand it. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5).

 

Prayer: Bringing our sorrows to God in prayer, seeking comfort and guidance. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

 

Compassion: Showing empathy and support to those who suffer alongside us. "Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).

 

Perseverance: Enduring hardships with courage and determination. "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4).

 

The sorrowful mysteries remind us that suffering is not meaningless. When united with Christ's sufferings, our own sorrows can become a source of spiritual growth, purification, and redemption.

 

In stark contrast to the profound reflections on suffering and faith offered by the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary, modern society often promotes a "sweet life" mentality that seeks to avoid pain and discomfort at all costs. This mentality prioritizes pleasure, comfort, and self-indulgence, often leading to a superficial and fleeting sense of happiness. Here, the emphasis is on the avoidance of suffering at all costs, excessive focus on the self and immediate satisfaction and instant pleasure.

 

In contrast, the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary offer a profound and counter-cultural perspective on suffering and faith. By embracing our own crosses and uniting them with Christ's sufferings, we can find meaning, purpose, and redemption in our sufferings.

 

The sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary offer a profound reflection on the nature of suffering and faith, one that challenges the modern "sweet life" mentality. By embracing our own crosses and uniting them with Christ's sufferings, we can find peace, hope, and redemption in the midst of our sorrows, and may our sufferings be transformed into a source of spiritual growth and redemption.