“WOMAN, BEHOLD YOUR SON…BEHOLD, YOUR MOTHER!”
⏰MEMORIAL OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH (01 June 2020)
đź“•Gen 3:9-15, 20; Ps 87:1-2, 3 and 5, 6-7; John 19:25-34
We thank the good Lord for the opportunity and the strength he continues to give us to reflect on his word. As he has assured us of gaining life in his word, may he accompany us with his life-giving spirit throughout this new working week and new month and even beyond. May the work of our hands bear great fruit in abundance through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Yesterday, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Pentecost, marked with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the disciples. The first set of disciples to receive that Holy Spirit were those in the upper room in Jerusalem in obedience to the instructions of the Lord that they remain in Jerusalem till they have received the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 1:4). Mary, the Mother of Jesus was with them (see Acts 1:14).
We consider Mary to be a correction of the action of the first woman, Eve, which led to the disobedience of the first man. By her obedience to the will of God, she cooperated with God in bringing forth Jesus, the saviour of the world. So, knowing that we necessarily need to cooperate with God if we are to among the number to be saved, Jesus gave the Church, his mother to be our model.
The gospel bears witness to that blessed drama, with the beloved disciple as the representative of all of us. Do you want to learn how best to do the will of God and reap its full fruit? Then, listen to Jesus say to you, “Behold, your Mother!” If you take her home to be your mother as the disciple did, she will take you as her child and guide you to the heart of God, and to do the will of God (see John 2:5).
Let us pray: REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen
Have a blessed and fruitful new working week. Peace be with you.
