REFLECTIONS TODAY
As Jesus hangs on the cross, his mother stands by him along with other women. There is no mention of her name. She is always addressed as “woman” in John’s Gospel. But we know it is Mary.
When Jesus notices her presence at the foot of the cross, he says, in effect, while grimacing in pain, “Look at what happened to your Son. Thank you for allowing me to suffer that sinners may be saved. When they come to believe in me, just as you have done, they will live forever.” Today, the Church celebrates her feast as “Our Lady of Sorrows,” being the mother, the woman closest to Jesus in his moment of deep pain.
Mary has been so revered since the first century of the Christian era because of her ability to share our lot. She bravely shared our lot as human beings. She should serve as inspiration to those who are enduring pain inflicted by their enemies or by their own loved ones, who betray Jesus.
We, Christians, are reminded that our commitment to God entails suffering. We are not spared of pain and sorrow. True Marian devotion is a participation in the life and mission of Christ, as well as in his pains and death. It is also participation in the pains and sorrows of Mary.
First Reading • 1 Tm 1:1-2, 12-14
Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, to Timothy, my true child in faith: grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I am grateful to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me trustworthy in appointing me to the ministry. I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and an arrogant man, but I have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief. Indeed, the grace of our Lord has been abundant, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Gospel • John 19:25-27 [or Luke 2:33-35]
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 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.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.