Gospel JN 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:
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother
and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas,
and Mary of Magdala.
In her quiet acceptance of her powerlessness, Mary became our model for trusting all things to the will of God. Today, throughout the world, parents stand helpless to protect their children from abuse by powerful forces. May Mary’s example of quiet strength serve as an inspiration for them to trust that God’s mercy will ultimately prevail.
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.
Even as death closed in upon Him, Jesus’ first thought was for the welfare of another. He is our model of the selfless servant. As I go about my day, tending to each “important task,” help me not to pass You by Lord, as I rush along my way.
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.
For the Pharisees and Scribes, Friday was a day of preparation for the coming of the Sabbath; all things were to be put in order. The offensive sight of the crucified bodies had to be cleared away.
I reflect: Am I so different? Do I too tuck away the messiness of my life?
Jesus says, “First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.” (Matthew 23:26-28)
Help me Lord to be more concerned about my actions than about my appearance.
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.
Blood and water are the source of life. During Mass, the priest pours wine into the chalice and adds a drop of water representing the Incarnation, the joining of the Divine with humanity. He proclaims, “By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.”
By sharing in Christ’s divinity, we are called to live by His example: Selfless service for the sake of others.
“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”
Steve Maraboli