Reflections on Scripture | Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

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Gospel
John 19:25-34

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.

Now since it was preparation day,
            in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath,
            for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one,
            the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken
            and they be taken down.
So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first
            and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead,
            they did not break his legs,
            but one soldier thrust his lance into his side,
            and immediately Blood and water flowed out.

Reflection

What this presents to us is an interesting image of the role of Mary now, today in the church. She is our great intercessor. She is caring for the disciples and caring therefore for the church, for its teachers, its pastors, its flock.

It's a beautiful image of a feminine figure that we can trust and know is always there with the Holy Spirit working for us, in the process of growing and becoming who were called to be.

Closing Prayer

Father, help us to recognize Mary as a source of great help and support for us. Help us to place her in the role that she longs to have. To draw us closer over and over again to her son, to his love, to his gift of his life. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross