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
The horrible image of the crucifixion of Jesus is filled with hope. We are learning something about sin, about what it does, what it can do. And yet, even though evil thinks it can destroy that which is true, that which is good, it can't. And I love the image of Jesus in this passage saying so clearly. I have come into the world so that I could fulfill everything that was planned for me.
That was predicted for me. And when he did that, he could say, Now I know I am finished. But He no sooner says that He is finished, that his chest is broken open, and out pours life cleansing water lifeblood. It's an image we have to hold within us, knowing that this is what we've received. And this is what gives us hope.

Closing Prayer
From the stories that you have given us God, of your son, who represents who you are to us. We've been given example after example what it means to follow you. But the beauty of what we are promised overshadows the struggles of our living in this world, as you call us to. And we are filled with this image of life giving blood and purifying water. Keep us in this hope that all the sufferings that we might encounter are opportunities for growth. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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