Mary at the foot of the Cross

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twenty Fourth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35*

*First Reading : Heb 5:7-9*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 31:2 and 3b, 3cd-4, 5-6, 15-16, 20*

*Mary at the foot of the Cross*

*1) A Mother’s Suffering*

Mary stands helplessly, watching her innocent Son endure unimaginable pain and humiliation. 

Her suffering is not physical, but it is no less intense. 

This is the sword that Simeon had prophesied would pierce her heart (Luke 2:35). Yet she does not turn away. She remains.

In our own lives, do we remain present in the suffering of others, or do we retreat to avoid discomfort? 

Mary shows us how to love even when it hurts.

*2) The Courage of Fidelity*

Most of Jesus' disciples fled in fear, but Mary stayed. 

Her presence at the Cross is an act of courage and fidelity. 

She does not run from the pain, nor does she demand a miracle. 

She simply remains—steadfast, silent, strong.

In moments when faith is tested, do we stand firm like Mary? 

Her example calls us to a faith that remains even when the reasons for hope seem hidden

*3) Union with Christ’s Sacrifice*

Mary is not just a bystander. She is united with Christ in His Passion—not in a redemptive sense like Jesus, but in a participatory sense as the one who gave Him flesh and followed Him faithfully to the end. 

Her “yes” at the Annunciation finds its full meaning here.

Our "yes" to God also has a cost. 

Do we accept the cross that comes with discipleship, or only the blessings?

*4) Spiritual Motherhood Begins*

From the Cross, Jesus says to Mary: *“Woman, behold your son,”* and to John: *“Behold your mother”* (John 19:26-27). 

In this act, Mary becomes the spiritual mother of all disciples. 

Her sorrow is transformed into a new mission—to care for the Church, to care for us.

Do we turn to Mary as our spiritual mother? 

Do we allow her to lead us to Jesus, as she always does?

*5) Silence and Contemplation*

Mary doesn’t speak at the foot of the Cross. 

Her silence is not weakness, but deep contemplation and surrender. 

In a noisy world, her silence is a powerful witness to the mystery of suffering and the depth of love.

Are we willing to stand in silence at the foot of the Cross—simply to be with Jesus, to learn from Him, and to enter into His suffering?

*6) Closing Thought*

Mary at the Cross teaches us how to suffer, how to love, and how to remain faithful. 

She is a model of compassion, strength, and presence. 

In our own trials, may we learn to stand with her, looking to the Cross not with despair, but with hope.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*