Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, May 25, 2026

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 stood out to me most in this Gospel is the incredible strength and love of Mary standing at the foot of the Cross. I cannot imagine the immense pain Mary endured as she suffered along with her Son, yet even in the depths of her sorrow, she remained steadfast. Yesterday we celebrated the feast of Pentecost, where Mary was present with the disciples as the Holy Spirit descended upon the Church, and today we celebrate the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. It feels fitting because this Gospel reveals not only Mary’s role as the Mother of Jesus, but also as the Mother of all of us. She is not only the Mother of the Redeemer, but the Mother of the redeemed. When Jesus says to Mary, “Woman, behold, your son,” and then to the beloved disciple, “Behold, your mother,” He is not simply speaking to John. In that moment, Jesus gives Mary to all of us as our Mother. This Gospel reminds us that Mary is there for us, just as she stood beside Jesus in His suffering, she also stands beside each one of her children. She does not abandon us in our weakness, confusion, or sin. Like a loving mother, when we begin to wander or lose sight of God, Mary is always there to gently lead us back to Him.