Apr
03
2009
0
By Anonymous (not verified)
Readings: Jer 20:10-13; Jn 10:31-42
"I have shown you many good works from My Father. For which of these are you trying to stone Me?" Jn 10:32
Today the reading from the Gospel of John reminds us that our Lord's trial and sufferings begin with the murmurs and threats of the people who pick up rocks to throw at Him. The people have just accused Him of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God. His repeated overtures of love are now being repaid with threats of violence. Yet He willingly accepts all this suffering to save us from the power of evil that threatens to destroy us.
During all these dramatic moments in the Gospels, we tend to forget that Jesus' mother stands in the shadows. Lent is the season, par excellence, to tenderly remember Our Lady's sorrows and to admire her as Mediatrix of all graces and Co-Redemptrix. These titles show that Christ gives all of His
graces to us through Mary's loving hands especially because of her unique role in our redemption.
The special role of Our Lady is vividly represented in Mel Gibson's film The Passion of The Christ. When Jesus encounters His mother on the way of the cross, she speaks three words to Him, "I am here." Comforted by her presence, He responds "Mother, behold, I make all things new."
While these words in the movie are not found in the Gospel Passion accounts, "Behold, I make all things new" is found in the Book of Revelation (21:5). Christ is revealing Himself as the New Adam. And in Mel Gibson's addition of "Mother," the filmmaker is pointing to Mary's supportive role as the New Eve, in helping Christ give birth to the Church on Calvary. This is why Jesus gives Mary to us from the cross (see Jn 19:25-27). She is our mother in the order of grace.
As we take up our daily cross to follow the Lord, let's consecrate ourselves and our families to Our Lady and watch as Jesus makes all things new. Totus Tuus, O Maria! "All yours, O Mary!"
O Lord, what a precious gift! Thank You for giving me Your mother. I know that she will be with me in the trials and travails of life. Amen.
"I have shown you many good works from My Father. For which of these are you trying to stone Me?" Jn 10:32
Today the reading from the Gospel of John reminds us that our Lord's trial and sufferings begin with the murmurs and threats of the people who pick up rocks to throw at Him. The people have just accused Him of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God. His repeated overtures of love are now being repaid with threats of violence. Yet He willingly accepts all this suffering to save us from the power of evil that threatens to destroy us.
During all these dramatic moments in the Gospels, we tend to forget that Jesus' mother stands in the shadows. Lent is the season, par excellence, to tenderly remember Our Lady's sorrows and to admire her as Mediatrix of all graces and Co-Redemptrix. These titles show that Christ gives all of His
graces to us through Mary's loving hands especially because of her unique role in our redemption.
The special role of Our Lady is vividly represented in Mel Gibson's film The Passion of The Christ. When Jesus encounters His mother on the way of the cross, she speaks three words to Him, "I am here." Comforted by her presence, He responds "Mother, behold, I make all things new."
While these words in the movie are not found in the Gospel Passion accounts, "Behold, I make all things new" is found in the Book of Revelation (21:5). Christ is revealing Himself as the New Adam. And in Mel Gibson's addition of "Mother," the filmmaker is pointing to Mary's supportive role as the New Eve, in helping Christ give birth to the Church on Calvary. This is why Jesus gives Mary to us from the cross (see Jn 19:25-27). She is our mother in the order of grace.
As we take up our daily cross to follow the Lord, let's consecrate ourselves and our families to Our Lady and watch as Jesus makes all things new. Totus Tuus, O Maria! "All yours, O Mary!"
O Lord, what a precious gift! Thank You for giving me Your mother. I know that she will be with me in the trials and travails of life. Amen.
mmwj
