Meditation Minute

My Dearest  Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Gospel Reading: John 19:25-27

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.

Yesterday was the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross where we see celebrate the sorrow of the cross.  Today we celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows.  We see in today’s Gospel reading that several people are at the foot of the cross including Jesus’ mother Mary.  Jesus looks out and sees her at his feet.  He knows that she is sorrowful, but her presence is comforting to him in this painful time.  Today’s reading is rather short, but extremely comforting to the reader; especially after the turmoil that is going on around us. Not only does Jesus refer to his mom, he refers to the “disciple there whom he loved.” Many bible scholars have suggested that Christ’s church is his beloved disciple; and therefore, Jesus would be speaking directly to us from the cross. Jesus looks down upon us to provide what we need to make it through the any situation no matter how much pain and sorrow it brings upon us. Not only is he there to help us, but he sends his mother to our side to look over us. The best source of love and compassion is the love and compassion of a mother. In her sorrows, we find joy and happiness.  Jesus asks her to behold us.  When we are sorrowful, when we feel defeated, there is nothing better than the arms of your mother to make you feel better.  Jesus gave us his mother to help us in our time of need to reach out and comfort us. We see this throughout history in the visions of Mary.  When Mary has appeared to her children, she has always been comforting with extreme compassion. As we reflect on the ongoing turmoil in world and even here in our own backyard, we should thank the blessed mother for protecting us and caring for us through this storm.  We should thank her for wrapping us in her arms and her mantle. 

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, through the cross we have found the door which leads to eternal life.

You gave us your life and now you give us your mother to hold us and comfort us.

May my life be worthy of the sacrifice which you made for me.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon