The Gospel according to John (19:25-27)
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 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.
Reflection:
Anyone who has been in the presence of someone who has taken their last breath shares a unique experience that can be both deeply painful yet full of hope. When my mother was near death, I had time to think, remember, pray, and mourn. Her 85 years of life had been filled with many sorrows. I thought about how she endured and overcame so much. She was fierce, strong, loyal, and self-sacrificing. She was my mother.
Imagine Mary on any given day while she raised Jesus, her son. There where chores to do, meals to prepare, lessons to be taught, and more. She was a mother, like most, that wanted to protect her child from any and all harm. She knew she was destined to suffer and to that point had already experienced three of the “Seven Sorrows”. Although she may not have known how her precious child’s life would end she had to have understood how Jesus and His teachings put Him in danger. And although she is considered to be the first and foremost disciple she was and always will be the mother of Jesus.
She followed and watched her son suffer agonizing torture and a dehumanizing death. As the life of Jesus slipped from his body and He knew the end was near He made sure of two things. His mother’s care would be in the capable hands of someone he trusted, and He shared her with all of us to be our mother as well. And like with her son Jesus, she endures countless sorrows on our behalf. Yet, she will never tire of interceding for us as she brings our needs and concerns to the feet of her son Jesus.
When the day comes for our earthly journey to conclude, I hope and pray our mother Mary is present and helps intercede for us a happy death on our way home.
Action of the Day:
Let us pray for all mothers and the sorrows they endure on behalf of everyone they love and intercede for. May our mother Mary, the great intercessor and queen of heaven continue to take us by the hand straight to her Son for the grace we need to endure the sorrows and challenges in our lives.
DEACON5 