Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, June 9, 2025

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

Today’s memorial honors Mary not only as the Mother of God, but also as the Mother of the Church, and therefore, the mother of each one of us. As our mother, Mary desires what is best for her children... to be close to her Son Jesus, because she knows He is the path to Heaven.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus acknowledges this as He turns to Mary and John, the beloved disciple, and says, “Woman, behold, your son,” and to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” This moment is not only an entrustment of Mary to John, but a gift to all the faithful entrusting us to the loving and maternal care of Mary. While I cannot fathom the fierce love and devotion Mary has for her son Jesus, I find that is what's so amazing, that she loves each and every one of us the very same.

In this passage, we see Mary standing at the foot of the Cross, remaining with Jesus through His final agony and in His darkest hour. She didn’t run in fear or collapse under the weight of her grief. She stood strong, present, faithful, and full of love. I can only marvel at her perfect love, her steadfast heart, and her courage to stand firm in the face of such suffering.

Today, this Gospel reminds us that we are never alone. We have a heavenly Mother who walks with us, loves us, and constantly points us back to her Son. She will always be there for us even in our darkest hour just as she was there for Jesus.