REFLECTIONS TODAY

For John, the death of Jesus is at the same time his glorification. It is also God’s glorification. Jesus does not die as a helpless victim of human machinations; he gives up his life freely as proof of his love for the Father and the Father’s love for humanity. John shows this through his use of irony, paradox, and double meaning: it is Pilate, not Jesus, who is being tried; Jesus is “raised up” in glory even as his cross is raised up from the ground; he gives the Holy Spirit as he expires in death.

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 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).*