Gabriel and Our Lady of sorrows
The annunciation of the angel Gabriel
Echoed by the words of Simeon
The righteous
A sword shall pierce your soul
And seven swords pierced her heart
Indicative of the seven sorrows of her life
1 The prophecy of Simeon
“Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; and thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.” – Luke 2
2 The flight into Egypt
“The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
When Joseph arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.” – Matthew 2
3 The loss of Jesus
“And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? ” Luke 2
4 The way of the Cross
Also known as the 14 stations of the cross.
In one of the stations Jesus meets his mother on His way to Golghota.
Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). John 19
5 the Crucifixion of Jesus
“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. ” John 19
6 The piercing of Jesus side and the descent from the cross
But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.” – John 19
A metaphysical meaning for the piercing of His side
7 Jesus is buried by Joseph of Arimathea
As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. – Matthew27
And Gabriel?
He is the archangel of joy.
the joy of salvation
the joy of resurrection
Our ultimate destiny
Roman Catholics
When they pray the rosary of the cross
say daily one Our Father and seven Hail Mary‘s
Our Lady of sorrow
Our Lady of compassionSuffering with her Son
Suffering with menkindPray For us.
Orthodox prayer
Rejoice
much-sorrowing Mother of God
turn our sorrows into joy
and soften the hearts of evil men!
The servants of Mary
Known as servites were devoted to Our Lady of sorrows.
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More readings around the seven sorrows of our Lady on Amazon
The sorrows of mother Mary
The sorrows of so many mothers all over the world
And yet… the joy of salvation
Great sharing
Thank you
Yes, hard to understand…