We read in Luke’s Gospel that when Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem for the presentation, they met a man named Simeon. He was a devout, righteous man and the Holy Spirit was with him. Simeon held Jesus in his arms and knew he was seeing the salvation of the world. After praising God, Simeon told Mary “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

As Jesus hung on the cross, Simeon’s prophecy was fulfilled. Mary’s heart was pierced with sorrow at the sight of her son suffering this agony and death. Today is the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. The Church asks that we recall the sorrows Mary endured out of love for her son. Mary’s silent suffering can be the example of how we endure our own trials and tribulations. We can use our sufferings to demonstrate that same faith Mary had in her son Jesus.