Mary is Our Mother

Gospel Reflection for May 20, 2024

“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)

Do you have a close relationship with the Mother of God? Have you taken Mary “into your home?”

Today’s Gospel reminds us of the importance of acknowledging and accepting Mary as our Mother. Jesus calls us to have a personal and intimate relationship with Mary, as we are the sons and daughters of the Mother of God.

We can turn to Mary to share our joys with her, as well as our sufferings. She hears us and is always there for us as our loving Mother. As her children, we can always go to her!

In a message to one of the visionaries of Kibeho, Mary said,

“My child, I love you… never be afraid of me; in fact, play with me! I love children who will play with me because it shows me their love and trust. Be as little children with me… No child should fear his or her mother, and I am your mother. You should never be afraid of me; you should always love me as I love you.”¹

Mary loves each one of us as a child of hers, and desires that we love and trust her. May we take Mary into our home by growing closer to her each and every day, and by asking her and trusting her to lead us to her Son.

1. Immaculee Ilibagiza, Our Lady of Kibeho: Mary Speaks to the World from the Heart of Africa (Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc., 2008), 40-41.