Two Special Feasts

These two days in September (14-15) are sad and joyful days in the Church. September 14 is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. We are reminded that Jesus broke the bonds of sin and death through his own passion, suffering, and death on the cross. It is a day to rejoice and be glad. At that time, the cross was an instrument of torture and punishment, but today it is the tree of life. September 15 is the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. We see our Blessed Mother's sorrow as she stands beneath her son on the cross. As one heading in the National Catholic Register said, "Our Lady of Sorrows: A Pillar of Strength." What a beautiful example because Mary knew the joys and sorrows of saying yes to God's will in her life. We also experience joy and sorrow, crosses that we have to carry in our own lives, but we know that we do not walk the journey alone. Jesus is there to walk with us and Mary guides us with her maternal hand. Let us pray for the grace and strength to follow in the footsteps of our Lord by carrying the cross and trust in our Blessed Mother who prays and intercedes for us. God Bless!!!