Today’s Gospel:  John 19:25-27

REFLECTION
Today’s Gospel is a text which is greatly beloved by all women. When most of the disciples were conspicuous by their absence at the cross, three wonderful women were present to offer comfort to Him whose heart was breaking. They were all named Mary: Mary mother of Jesus, Mary mother of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

It is a well-known fact that the Lord spoke seven times from the cross, but John only mentions three of the utterances. This is the first of the three, and deserves attention. The Lord was perfect. While He attended to the affairs of God, He still remembered the woman who brought Him into the world. It has been said that some Christians are so heavenly minded they are of no earthly use! The Lord provided the perfect example for His followers. While he gave considered attention to all the prophetic utterances and assured Himself that all the predictions were being fulfilled, He remembered to provide for His widowed mother. It was as if He said to John, “My mother will be losing a son today. Tonight there will be an emptiness within her soul. John, if you would like to please Me, enter into her life and take My place. Be to her another Jesus. And John, endeavor to do this task well, that soon my mother will exclaim, ‘John, I only have to shut my eyes and listen to your voice, and I could almost believe He was back with me again.’ John, be another Jesus for My mother.” The same type of message was delivered to Mary, and as John’s arm slowly went around her shoulders, the Master knew He had not spoken in vain.

Is your mother still alive?  When was the last time you thanked her and told her you love her?

Today’s Reading:  Heb 5:7-9

PRAYER
Lord, you know how it is to have a mother.  Thank you for mine.  I promise to love and honor her as you did yours.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.