Gospel: John 15:26-27; 16:12-15
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.
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Patrick Marley RIP.
Reflection:
A day after Pentecost, a day after the birth of the Church, we celebrate the feast day of Mary, Mother of the Church. One of Jesus’ last wishes was for Mary to look after His followers (in the person of St John) and for His followers to look after Mary. As she accepted willingly to be His mother during the Annunciation, so has she given her fiat to be the Mother of the Church which her Son established. Pope Francis, commenting on her “yes”, said “This was no merely passive or resigned acceptance, or a faint yes…she (Mary) was determined; she knew what was at stake and she said “yes” without thinking twice.”
As members of the Church, each of us has a unique contribution for the good of God’s People. Like Mary, we are also called to look after the Church. There have been moments when our “Amen” (or yes) to God’s call is half-hearted, forced, or have strings attached. Today’s celebration invites us to be like Mary, to say our “yes” to God without any reservation. Doing so, we can take Mary into our home. We can become more configured to Jesus and be counted among the members of His Kingdom.
- During Mass, how often have you said “Amen” from the heart?
- How can you mirror Mary’s maternal care in your parish?
- “Mary our Mother looks to this pilgrim people whom she loves, and who seek her in the silence of their hearts amid all the noise, the chatter, and the distractions of the journey.” (Pope Francis) How do you seek Mary’s help in your daily living?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Through the prayers and example of Mary, strengthen Your Church that it may continue Your saving works on earth. Amen.
(Pietro)