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 Mother of the Church

1. Mary Mother of the Church. Yesterday we celebrated Pentecost, proclaiming the power of the Holy Spirit who comes to bring life and vigor to the Church. On the Monday after Pentecost, we celebrate the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. Mary is always with the Church, which remains united and prays together. Mary has been with the Church from the beginning and continues to sustain her; just consider Mary´s many apparitions around the world and the devotion of so many people who see and feel her as their own. This title was granted to her by St. Paul VI – “We declare Mary Most Holy Mother of the Church, that is, of all the Christian people.” During the Second Vatican Council (1962-1968), Pope Paul VI entrusted to Mary this Church that seemed to be falling apart, but here we are. 

2. By the cross. The iconography shows Mary standing upright by the cross. When you experience pain and when you feel that everything in your life is collapsing, the only thing that keeps you on your feet is faith. Nourish your faith because that’s what keeps you going. Turn to Mary. As a good mom, she’s always there for us!

3. The disciple. The Gospel doesn’t mention the disciple’s name and that means that each one of us is the disciple who receives Mary in their life. When it’s hard for you to pray, ask Mary to help you, when you feel pain, ask her to support you. Let’s pray for the Church that it may always be under the guidance of Mary. Let’s pray for the Pope, the bishops, priests and consecrated men and women. Let’s pray for every baptized person, so that we may remember we’re the Church

Always remember that something good is on the way!  

God bless you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.