Heb 5:7-9 / Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35 (2023)
One of the profound teachings of the Church about suffering is that suffering can be redemptive.
Yesterday the Church celebrates the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a symbol of redemptive suffering.
Today we stood with Mary at the foot of the cross to share in her sorrow.
Yet, because Christ redeemed the sinful world by His suffering on the cross, then Mary through her sorrow, also contributed to the redemption of the world.
On the cross of suffering, Christ proclaimed Mary to be the Mother of the Church.
As we stand with Mary at the foot of the cross, and as we share in her sorrow, we too become Mary's children, the sons and daughters of the Church.
As sons and daughters of the Church, we unite ourselves with Jesus and Mary in their sorrow and suffering.
Yet we have this great hope that when sorrow and suffering are placed in the hands of God, then there will come about a great new beginning.
On the cross, the world began its journey of redemption and salvation.
At the foot of the cross, the Church began its mission of being a witness of redemptive suffering.
When we place our own sorrow and suffering at the altar of God, let us be assured that God is creating a great new beginning for us.