REFLECTIONS TODAY
Mary, who is totally prepared to commit all to the word of Jesus, stands by the cross. She is the model of faith and is now given as “mother” to the Beloved Disciple who clearly is presented as the model of the disciples. But the model disciple must learn from the woman of faith, and he does by standing there with her, not losing his faith in the Master. When the news of the resurrection is announced, this disciple is the first to believe, even by just seeing the empty tomb. On the cross, the Mother of Jesus teaches the disciple that sorrow will turn into joy, just as Jesus promised. Her unquestioning trust in the word of Jesus turns her to be a true Disciple and Mother.
GOSPEL • JOHN 18:1—19:42
…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.
SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2021,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.