Monday after Pentecost | Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church | 2023

 Gospel Jn 19:25-34



Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother

            and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas,

            and Mary of Magdala.

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved,

            he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.”

Then he said to the disciple,

            “Behold, your mother.”

And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

After this, aware that everything was now finished,

            in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled,

            Jesus said, “I thirst.”

There was a vessel filled with common wine.

So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop

            and put it up to his mouth.

When Jesus had taken the wine, he said,

            “It is finished.”

And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.


Now since it was preparation day,

            in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath,

            for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one,

            the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken

            and they be taken down.

So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first

            and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.

But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead,

            they did not break his legs,

            but one soldier thrust his lance into his side,

            and immediately Blood and water flowed out.


Reflections:

At the foot of the cross four women and one man were present at the last moment of Jesus’ life on earth. They witness the painful death of Jesus, their heart hurts to see this cruelty. Amidst this excruciating pain Jesus was concerned about the pain his mother was going through. She had lived according to God’s will in its totality. Jesus realises that there is no better shelter for her than to entrust her to his disciple John  who had been his companion  in his ministry and life. The disciples felt the gap after the death of Jesus but the presence of his mother filled that gap with a new sense of security. ‘Here is your son and here is your mother’. She gathered them and in prayer prepares them to receive the promise that she is sure will be fulfilled. The Church continues to live under her maternal protection. She leads and intercedes for all God’s children towards her son. She welcomes everyone to her patronage.

Activity:  

Entrust your pain, your sorrow and anxiety to Mary as she is our refuge in moments of distress





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