MEMORIAL OF BLESSED VIRGIN MARY MOTHER OF THE CHURCH (JN 19:25-34)
Prayer:
O Jesus, You have given Mary to me as a mother.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus on the cross and Mary with the Beloved Disciple at his feet.
Context:
How important is the word Woman signifying Mary’s cosmic role in world affairs. The Bible begins with a Woman whose child would crush the serpent (Gen 3:150 and ends with a Woman Clothed with the Sun (Rev C12).
John’s gospel also opens with the Woman at Cana granting Jesus first miracle and ends with the Woman at the cross. Historically, John cared for Mary who was assumed into heaven at Ephesus.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and his mother’s sister, Mary, the wife of Clopas and Mary of Magdala. Seeing His mother and the disciple He loved standing near her, Jesus said to His mother, “Woman, this is your son.” Then, to the disciple, He said “This is your mother”. And from that moment on the disciple made a place for her in his home.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- Where are the crowds? Where are the disciples and the other apostles?
- Only a faithful few gathered and in great sacrifice, they stood beneath the cross.
- Where else would anyone want to be on this day? They are the most privileged people in the whole world.
- Their names are faithfully recorded. More important, their names are in the Book of Life.
- As Jesus saw them, what consolation and help he experienced.
- In this moment of great suffering, Jesus thinks of others -His mother, the disciple and us.
- “Take care of my church” that is the meaning of “This is your son.”
- “Have trust and confidence in the Woman”. This is the meaning of “That is your mother.”
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, where am I at the moments you want me to pray and keep you company?
- Let me be faithful. May I always stand with you.
- Where else can I go? With whom else would I rather be?
- O Jesus, you have written my name on Your heart.
- What a mystery. 2000 years later, I can console you by my actions.
- You have given me your mother. What more can I ask for?
- O Mary, I am now your child. Jesus gave you to me.
- I will trust you, Mary. Place all my confidence. From this day on, you will be my mother.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will be as faithful as possible to visiting the Blessed Sacrament.
+ I will find time for my daily rosary.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Woman, this is your son. This is your mother.