Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

Today's Mass Readings

When I read articles in the media about people who have gained some measure of success, I find that I am surprised when they mention their faith. This surprise does not come from the fact that faith is important to them, instead, it is based on the fact that people tend to shy away from any public discussion about the role that their religion plays in their life. It was brought to my attention that a notable exception to this general reluctance to discuss one’s faith can be found in, of all places, in the Rolling Stone magazine.

In this week’s magazine, the cover story is about the comedian Steven Colbert, who, during his interview, goes into great detail about his Catholic faith and the joy that it brings to his life. He also discusses his mother and the role that she played in his life after the death of his father and two brothers in a plane crash. He describes it as follows: “My desire to see things positively comes from my mom. She raised me after her husband and two of her boys died – and she did a great job, and her faith played a great role in that. She’s a loving, joyful, not bitter woman and, boy, that’s a great example to have in our life. It makes your travails seem pretty simple in respect.”

 Motherhood is an important aspect of today’s Gospel reading. In this reading, we are reminded that we all share a spiritual mother in Mary. From the cross, Jesus tells John “Behold, your mother,” and we are told “And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (Jn 19:27) Through this act, Jesus entrusts Mary to us and invites us to bring Her into each of our homes. As a mother and an example, we are asked to develop a relationship with Mary that influences our lives and the lives of others.

How would we describe someone who has truly brought the Blessed Mother into their home and their lives? I think it would be a description that is very close to the words that Stephen Colbert used to describe his own mother – loving, joyful, not bitter, a great example and someone who helps others deal with their problems. His description seems to capture it perfectly. There is just one great difference. Mary also gave us our Redeemer.

- John Sperino