Gospel of the Day
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint John (19:25–34)
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
When Jesus therefore saw His mother and the disciple standing whom He loved, He said to His mother,
“Woman, behold thy son.”
After that, He said to the disciple,
“Behold thy mother.”
And from that hour, the disciple took her into his own.
After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, said:
“I thirst.”
Now there was a vessel set there, full of vinegar. And they, putting a sponge full of vinegar about hyssop, put it to His mouth.
When Jesus therefore had taken the vinegar, He said:
“It is finished.”
And bowing His head, He gave up the spirit.
Then the Jews, because it was the day of preparation (so that the bodies might not remain upon the cross on the sabbath, for that sabbath was a great day), besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
The soldiers therefore came; and they broke the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with Him.
But when they came to Jesus, and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.
But one of the soldiers with a spear opened His side, and immediately there came out blood and water.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection – “Indispensable”
Yesterday we celebrated the Solemnity of Pentecost, the gift of the Holy Spirit. Today, all Christians celebrate the memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church. The last great “treasure” Jesus gives us before dying on the cross is His very own Mother.
I contemplate this awe-inspiring scene in which you entrust us to Mary’s care. You knew, Lord, how much we would need a good Mother. Surely the best thing You had on earth was Mary—Your relationship with her, her tenderness, her trust, her companionship, being with her, feeling loved and cared for.
You renounced so much, Lord—where You were born, the loyalty of friends, wealth, comforts… You gave up everything—except Mary. How much You must have loved her! We could say she was indispensable for You.
And how much You love us—that You would entrust us to her care, ask her to love us, guide us, protect us, just as she did for You. Thank You, Lord, for giving us Your very own Mother.
I imagine the joy of John, being able to welcome the Virgin into his home and care for her. What must it have been like to live with Mary? To pray with her, eat with her, hear her memories of life with Joseph and Jesus, even to celebrate the Eucharist with her! Truly astonishing.
Today, we want to welcome you, Mother, into our hearts and into our home, as Saint John did—with all our love and affection. May you be the Queen of our household.
Applied to Married Life
Carmen: I was remembering this morning how many times in our life we’ve experienced the Virgin’s care… If we stop to reflect, it’s incredible! She’s attentive to everything—so many little details, subtle signs—but most of all, I recall our inner struggles. She’s always guided us and protected us from evil… We have so much to learn from her motherhood, especially in caring for our children not just materially, but leading them to Jesus.
Pedro: That’s so true, Carmen. We get too caught up in worldly things—school, sports, nutrition… but Our Mother is mainly concerned with our souls, in drawing us closer to Jesus. What do you think about preparing as a family to consecrate ourselves to the Virgin?
Carmen: I think it’s absolutely essential, love. Let’s put everything in her hands.
Prayer
Mother,
We welcome you into our home with all our hearts. Be the one who leads us to Jesus.
Thank you, Blessed Mother!