Old Testament reflections

There are treasures of grace hidden in the Seven Sorrows, some of which are foreshadowed even in the Old Testament. Below are seven passages that offer consolation in suffering and can equip you to bring consolation to others, drawing spiritual fruit from this profound Devotion.

1. As you reflect on Simeon telling Mary that a sword of sorrow would pierce her soul, consider this passage from Sirach:

"My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, and do not be impetuous in time of adversity. Cling to him, do not leave him, that you may prosper in your last days." Sirach 2:1-3

2. As you ponder the Flight into Egypt in your heart, consider this passage from Hosea:

"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son." Hosea 11:1

3. As you think about Mary searching for Jesus in Jerusalem, consider this passage from Jeremiah:

“When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

4. As you consider Mary meeting Jesus on the Road to Calvary, read this passage from Lamentations:

"Come, all who pass by the way, pay attention and see: is there any sorrow like my sorrow?” Lamentations 1:12

5. As you treasure in your heart the image of Mary, looking at Jesus on the cross, consider this passage from Psalm 69:

“You know my reproach, my shame, my disgrace; before you stand all my foes. Insult has broken my heart, and I despair; I looked for compassion, but there was none, for comforters, but found none. Instead they gave me poison for my food; and for my thirst they gave me vinegar.” Psalm 69:20-22

6. As you picture Mary holding the dead body of Jesus, in full view of the murderers of her son, consider this passage from the prophet Zechariah:

"I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of mercy and supplication, so that when they look on him whom they have pierced, they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and they will grieve for him as one grieves over a firstborn." Zechariah 12:10

7. As you reflect on the burial of Jesus, and the hope that must have been behind Mary's tears, consider this passage from the book of Job:

"I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth. And after my body has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I will see Him with my own eyes. How my heart yearns within me!" Job 19:25-27

 © 2025 Carl Brown