15 Mary our mother

Gospel

John 19:25-27

'Woman, this is your son'

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. Seeing his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her, Jesus said to his mother, ‘Woman, this is your son.’ Then to the disciple he said, ‘This is your mother.’ And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home.

Reflection

In His final moments of agony, Jesus’ gaze remains outward, focused on the well-being of those He loves. By entrusting Mary to the beloved disciple and vice versa, He creates a new family defined not by biology, but by their shared presence at the foot of the cross. This profound gesture reminds us that even in our deepest suffering, we are called to look after one another. The Church is born here—a community of care where no one is left orphaned. Jesus transforms His loss into a legacy of love, ensuring that devotion to Him translates into service for each other.

Reflection Question

Who in your life or community is "standing at the foot of the cross" right now, and how is Jesus calling you to welcome them into your heart or home?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of spiritual family. Give me a heart that sees the needs of others even when I am in pain. Help me to be a faithful companion to the lonely and a source of comfort to those in sorrow, just as the beloved disciple was to Your mother. Amen.

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