Invite Mary Into Your Life

Gospel Reflection for May 29, 2023

“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.” (John 19:25-27 NABRE)

As one of the very last things He did before His death, Jesus gave His mom to us. He gave His mother not only to His disciple John, but to every person who would become a disciple of His.

Imagine the aching sadness that John experienced at the foot of Jesus’ cross, as he witnessed the awful suffering of our Lord and Savior. John was probably feeling scared, confused, and defeated, as he helplessly watched Jesus painfully die.

But just as all hope seemed lost, Jesus gave His own mother, Mary, to John to be his mother. Imagine the comfort and consolation that John felt in the loving and tender embrace of Mary. Her trust and faith in the Will of God must have served as a stable source of hope for John.

Sometimes we may struggle to understand Mary’s love for us, especially when we’ve never experienced true motherly love or care from our earthly moms.

There’s a heart-touching song by Christian artist Matthew West called “Becoming Me,” that beautifully describes the love and care of a mother. Someone close to me, however, once told me that since they didn’t grow up with a mother who looked after them, they can only relate to this song by thinking of Mary.

What an incredible gift! Mary, who during her life on earth, looked after our Lord and Savior, raised Him, cared for Him, taught Him, and loved Him, is our mom too. She looks after us, cares for us, protects us, and loves us. And most importantly, she leads us closer to her Son. Like a mother picking up her child, Mary lifts us up and helps us see Jesus face to face.

No matter what your relationship is/was like with your mom or any other motherly figure in your life, you always have Mary to turn to. When you’re happy and want to share your joys with her, or sad and need her to comfort you, your mother Mary is always there ready to receive you with open arms. Like John, we need only invite her into our homes and into our lives.