Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 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.

Mary is always near her children

1) Standing by. Mary appears very few times in the gospel, but when she does, she shines. She appears at key moments.  At those moments of life-and-death decisions, at those decisive moments in life she comes to your side even if you feel crucified. Try to see Mary. See her as your mother. She is not ashamed of you, and she loves you even when others complain about you. Mary is always by your side even when they laugh at you, she will never make fun of your failures or your falls. She suffers with you in silence. Today remember that there’s always someone by your side who loves you dearly. I know that in hard times you can’t see clearly, you don’t see a way out, and you feel crucified, but Mary is there with you.

2) John. You and I are like John. We are the church. Today, Mary holds the crucified, beaten church that is ashamed if itself. Mary accompanies us in moments of pain when many are pointing out scandals in the church, and many feel deception and disappointment. Today, Mary accompanies us in these difficult moments where the same members of the church have sinned and crucified our own church. Nevertheless, Mary is with us. She reminds us of the Resurrection, of the moment where we will rise again with the nail marks of the cross on our hands and feet. These marks will always remind us that He claims victory over death. Our church will resurrect, and Mary will always be with us!

3) Receive her in your home. Today, you and I can receive Mary into our lives and ask her to help us live our faith; to never lose heart or grow weak. Ask her to help you continue in your struggle and to overcome the difficulties that life brings. Do you know why? Mary watched her son die a terrible, merciless death and watching your child die has no comparison to any other suffering in the world. Nevertheless, she was there. Let’s ask Mary for peace and faith. 

God bless you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Remember, Heaven is our goal!