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 whom 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 hour the disciple took her into his home.

Introductory Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I firmly believe that you gave me your most beloved mother to be my mother as you hung on the cross. I truly hope that she will exercise her motherhood with me all the days of my life so that I may grow in knowledge and love of you.

 

Petition: Mary, my mother I trust that you know what I, your child, need most. Teach me to want for me what you want for me and place my needs in Jesus' hands.

 

1.  "Near the Cross of Jesus Stood His Mother."  The Blessed Virgin Mary is indeed the Immaculate Conception. There was never the slightest stain of sin on her soul. She was conceived without original sin, therefore wholly pleasing in God's eyes. Nevertheless, during her earthly pilgrimage she encountered the cross at every step of the way. She deserved heavenly bliss since she pleased the Father at every moment of her existence but the claws of suffering and the spikes of difficulties were ever present in her heart and mind during her journey through life. What a mystery! How she accepted all of these short-lived hardships with such faith and love!

 

2.  "Seeing His Mother and the Disciple Whom He Loved Standing Near Her, Jesus Said to His Mother, Woman, this Is Your Son."  Mary suffered a lot during her life. Just imagine the ordeal the flight to Egypt must have been for her. They didn't have airplanes, hotels, cars. They couldn't stop off at McDonalds on the way. The Holy Family went on foot. She had just given birth to Jesus. All of her sufferings, especially those she experienced at the foot of Christ's cross are geared toward her present spiritual motherhood over us all. She suffered in her Immaculate Heart so as to show us the way, so as to encourage us along the path and share with us her own beautiful tears and the interior groaning she had to endure throughout her life.

 

3. "...And From That Hour the Disciple Took Her Into His Home."  St. Bernard prays, "Never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection was left unaided." Do I have filial confidence and love for the mother that Jesus gave me as he was dying on the cross? St. John took her into his home. I can certainly do the same every day.

 

How exciting it is to entertain the Blessed Virgin in one's heart every day. She is a kind and loving mother that only expects and demands the best out of her children. The rosary is an excellent way to begin accompanying her on a daily basis.

 

Conversation: Remember, O Most compassionate Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother. To you I come and before you I kneel, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen. (The Memorare, St. Bernard)

 

Questionnaire

 

1. Does seeing how Mary wasn't spared tough sacrifices and tears during most of her life, help me silence my meager complaints when I face difficulties?

 

2. Do I complain when God allows me to carry the cross in my life?

 

3. Do I love Mary? Is she my friend as I walk along the difficult path toward Heaven or is she just a mere statue that I have placed somewhere in my heart?