1st Reading: Heb 5:7–9

Gospel: Lk 2:33–35
His father and mother wondered at what was said about the child. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, “See him; he will be for the rise or fall of the multitudes of Israel. He shall stand as a sign of contradiction, while a sword will pierce your own soul. Then the secret thoughts of many may be brought to light.”

Commentary
Has any human being ever borne such sorrows as the ones carried by the Blessed Mother? At Calvary was fulfilled the prophecy of her heart being pierced by a sword. Yet in the throws of her incomparable agony she accepts a new responsibility, namely, to accept the Lord’s beloved disciple as her own son, and with him, the entire Church.
Every mother prays for the temporal and spiritual well-being of her children. May we be ever grateful that Mary, our spiritual mother will pray for us, even until the hour of our death.
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