The Gaudete Ensemble sings Ave Maria by Margaret Rizza: ‘Hail, Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with you.’

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.

John 19:25-27

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

Today we celebrate the memory of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Our reading gives us an agonising picture of that 'motherhood'. The dying Jesus is attended by his mother and Mary Magdalene and 'the disciple whom he loved'. What emotions are going through them at this moment?

“Here is your son”…”here is your mother”. Hold the weight of this moment with the Lord now. What is Jesus really saying to them here?

“The disciple took her into his own home”. Spend some time imagining their life after this moment... What is it like? What would you like to ask them?

Now listen as the passage is read for you once more. This time what do you find touches you most?

John 19:25-27

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

As this time of prayer comes to a close, speak with Jesus about what has arisen for you. What is staying with you? Linger there with the Lord.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen