Reflection for Monday May 25 Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church: John 19:25-34

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.

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Reflection:

Can we truly comprehend the pain of Mary as she stood beneath the cross and looked upon her beloved Son suffering and dying for the salvation of the world? As a mother, her heart must have been pierced with unbearable sorrow, yet she endured that painful moment with quiet dignity, faith, and grace. Whatever anguish she carried within her soul, she embraced it silently and offered everything to God.

In the midst of her suffering, Mary did not rebel against God’s will. Instead, she surrendered herself completely to Him. Deep within her heart, she knew that this was part of God’s divine plan not only for Jesus but also for her. With unwavering trust, Mary placed everything into the loving hands of God, believing that even in pain, God’s purpose would prevail.

Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross of Calvary were never meaningless. His sacrifice was the greatest expression of love — a sacrifice offered for the salvation and redemption of humanity. Through His wounds, we were given hope, mercy, and new life.

As we continue our journey in this world, we too will experience sufferings, trials, disappointments, and moments of deep pain. There will be times when the burdens we carry seem too heavy for us to bear, and there may even be moments when we question why suffering has entered our lives. Yet, when we look upon Jesus on the cross and reflect on the sorrow of Mary, we are reminded that suffering is part of our human journey and can become a path that leads us closer to God.

Life is not complete without hardships and sacrifices. Through these painful experiences, we grow in faith, humility, compassion, and dependence on God. Often, it is in our darkest moments that we become more aware of His loving presence. In our suffering, God does not abandon us. He walks beside us, strengthens our weary hearts, and gently carries us through every cross we bear.

Like Mary, may we learn to trust God even when we do not fully understand His plans. May we have the courage to surrender our pains, fears, and struggles into His hands, believing that God can bring grace, healing, and purpose even out of our deepest sorrows.

When suffering comes into our lives, will we choose to trust God completely and remain faithful like Mary, or will we allow our pain to pull us away from Him?— Marino J. Dasmarinas