By Fr. Sheldon Tabile, O.Carm.
July 16
Solemnity: Mary, Our Model of Love in this Difficult, Trying and Uncertain Times
Gospel Reading: At the foot of the cross (Jn 19: 25-27)
But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, 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 to his own home.
Points for Reflection
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At the Cross, it is was not only Jesus who was suffering, but also His Mother and the disciple whom He loves. When we stick together despite the difficulties, there is only one reason for that: Love.
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The suffering of the Mother of Jesus and the disciple whom He loved was united into the ultimate suffering of Jesus. However, it is not just any suffering, it is turned into the beautiful face of sacrifice for it is the highest act of love. Only those who truly love can make sacrifices.
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Such sacrifice of Jesus strengthens and encourages those who stand at the foot of his Cross. For that is what love does to those who suffer, they are strengthened and given peace.
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Behold your son, Behold your Mother. To behold is to see that the love of God works in them. They still face difficulties. They still cry. They still feel sad. But they have the strength to stand and have the peace in their hearts for they know that it is God who will sustain them.
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In this pandemic, we are asked to behold those who are undergoing suffering. Bring them at the foot of the cross. So that the Love of God will strengthen, heal, and give them comfort.
Fr. Sheldon is Assistant Parish Priest of San Isidro Labrador Parish in Bagong Silangan, Quezon City. He is currently a Fellow at the Titus Brandsma Institute in Radboud University in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.