THE WORD
Hb 5,7-9 / Jn 19,25-27 (or Lk 2,33-35)
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, 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.
IN OTHER WORDS
Early last year, we heard the tragic news about two Japanese men held hostage and eventually murdered by a terrorist group in Syria. One of the hostages was a Christian convert, who worked in war-torn countries as a freelance journalist. Local news TV showed his mother desperately begging the terrorists to free him. However, in spite of her appeal, the hostage takers murdered him. She asked why God allowed such a horrible thing to happen. Yet, afterwards she was heard, saying “kindness and courage” brought his son to Syria.
Today’s Gospel narrates a similar story of a mother and son. Mary, at the foot of the cross witnessed personally how her son Jesus suffered and died. She agonized in pain. Right before her eyes, her beloved son was hanging on the cross, with blood owing all over his body. However in spite of the horrible situation, she heard Jesus’ comforting voice, entrusting her to a new home, a new family with his disciples. After the death of her son, she knew he suffered out of love for his people.
Today, we remember all suffering mothers: Mothers who lost their children in tragic events, mothers with broken families or are separated from families because of work, and mothers who are suffering from unjust relationships. May they always hear Jesus’ comforting voice entrusting them to the care of people with a welcoming home and sincere friendships. May suffering mothers also find inspiration in Mary, who although the mother of God, had to endure human sufferings and pain.
Bl. Theresa of Calcutta once said, “Pain and suffering have come into your life, but remember pain, sorrow, suffering are but the kiss of Jesus - a sign that you have come so close to Him that He can kiss you.”
- Bro. Carl Milos R. Bulilan, SVD | Japan
The Word in other words 2016
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
