Gospel: June 9, 2025
June 9, 2025 (Monday)
Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
Psalter: Week 2 / (White
Ps 87, 1-2. 3. at 5, 6-7
Glorious things are told of you,
O city of God.
1st Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20 (or Acts 1:12-14)
Gospel: John 19:25-34
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary, who was the wife of Cleophas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw the mother and the disciple whom he loved, he said to the mother, “Woman, this is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “This is your mother.” And from that moment the disciple took her to his own home. Jesus knew all was now finished and, in order to fulfill what was written in Scripture, he said, I am thirsty. A jar full of bitter wine stood there; so, putting a sponge soaked in the wine on a twig of hyssop, they raised it to his lips. Jesus took the wine and said, “It is accomplished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up the spirit. As it was Preparation Day, the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross during the Sabbath, for this Sabbath was a very solemn day. They asked Pilate to have the legs of the condemned men broken so that the bodies might be taken away. The soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other man, who had been crucified with Jesus. When they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they did not break his legs. One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a lance and immediately there came out blood and water.
Reflection:
“Mother of the whole Church.”
Various titles have been used to describe the role of Mary in God’s plan of salvation. Mary is Mother of our Redeemer and Mother of the Word Incarnate. She is the “new Eve” through her yes to God and, to affirm that Jesus is both fully human and fully divine, Mary was declared Mother of God at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD. Scripture also points to another role for Mary, which is Mother of the Church, and Pope Francis has declared that this title should be celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost. The day of Pentecost is often regarded as the birth of the Church. Placing Mary’s feast beside Pentecost helps us to remember Mary’s maternal role for all disciples, but she had already begun this role at the foot of the cross, when Jesus entrusted all disciples into her loving care. Thus, when talking of Mary as “Mother of the whole Church,” Saint Alphonsus supports the idea that the birth of the Church began on Calvary. The Beloved Disciple made a place for Mary in his home. May we too give a place of honor to Mary our Mother in our lives, and constantly seek her help.
