Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to 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. The Cross. Pentecost was celebrated yesterday, proclaiming the Holy Spirit’s strength that brings new life and vigor to the Church. Today, on the Monday after Pentecost, we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary as Mother of the Church—a title given 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 the Church to Mary, especially at a time when it seemed fragile and divided, but here we are. This feast reminds us that the Church faces its own struggles in our current era. The Church isn’t just an institution—it’s all of us. We’ve been “crucified” in so many ways and have endured many trials and challenges in this millennium, yet we still stand. The Church persists because it belongs to God—and you belong to God. And wherever God is present, Mary is also there. 

2. By the cross. The iconography shows Mary standing upright by the cross. When you experience pain and when you feel your life is falling apart, faith is what keeps you standing. Strengthen your faith because that’s what keeps you going. Turn to Mary. Like any loving mother, she’s always there for us! When it’s hard for you to pray, ask Mary to help you, when you feel pain, ask her to support you.

3. Life. Today, let’s pray for our Church, for the Pope, and for our bishops, who strengthen our faith and guide us away from doctrinal errors. Let’s also pray for all priests and religious, so we never forget we belong to God and carry Him within us. The Gospel doesn’t mention the disciple’s name, which invites each of us to see ourselves as the disciple who welcomes Mary into their life. So, let’s pray for ourselves and for every baptized person, remembering that together, we are 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.