Monday May 20, 2024

John 19:25-35

Feast of Mary Mother of the church

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 the disciple made a place for her in his home.

I remember it like yesterday. We were standing before the pieta in Rome when it suddenly hit me. No mother should have to bury their son. There was the lifeless body of Jesus in the lap of his mother. It is a powerful piece of art and does not even come close to the actual incident.

In reflecting on Mary, I am fascinated how our Blessed Mother let it all happen. I doubt she understood it all and at one time came to take him home but by and large, she let it happen. I struggle with that one. Let it happen!

She let the Holy Spirit overshadow her, she let Jesus find his own way, she let herself be taken into another disciple’s house. Maybe this is my prayer today. Lord may I be caught up in the movement of your spirit today.

Love you