Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr

Proper for the Memorial of St. Justin
 
Biographical information about St. Justin

“St. Justin, Martyr, Patron of the Destitute”
from an antique holy card,
artist and date are unknown

 
Readings for Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time [1]
 
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]
 
Readings and Commentary:[3]
 
Reading 1: Sirach 42:15-25
 
Now will I recall God’s works;
what I have seen, I will describe.
At God’s word were his works brought into being;
they do his will as he has ordained for them.
As the rising sun is clear to all,
so the glory of the LORD fills all his works;
Yet even God’s holy ones must fail
in recounting the wonders of the LORD,
Though God has given these, his hosts, the strength
to stand firm before his glory.
He plumbs the depths and penetrates the heart;
their innermost being he understands.
The Most High possesses all knowledge,
and sees from of old the things that are to come:
He makes known the past and the future,
and reveals the deepest secrets.
No understanding does he lack;
no single thing escapes him.
Perennial is his almighty wisdom;
he is from all eternity one and the same,
With nothing added, nothing taken away;
no need of a counselor for him!
How beautiful are all his works!
even to the spark and fleeting vision!
The universe lives and abides forever;
to meet each need, each creature is preserved.
All of them differ, one from another,
yet none of them has he made in vain,
For each in turn, as it comes, is good;
can one ever see enough of their splendor?
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Commentary on Sir 42:15-25
 
This passage begins the fifth and final section of Sirach’s treatise on wisdom.  Here the author sees the wisdom of God in his creation.  “When it says that ‘by the word of the Lord his works are done.’ (42:15) [“At God’s word were his works brought into being;” in the NAB] it must have in mind the first chapter of Genesis which narrates how God went about his work of creation and distinguished his works one from another by means of his word ("And God said…” Genesis 1:3, etc.); but the passage also prepares the way to understand the Word of God made flesh, as we discover in Jesus Christ in the new Testament." [4] The reference is pointing at the first chapter of St. John’s Gospel were in we hear “All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be.” (John 1:3)
 
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
 
R. (6a) By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.
 
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
Sing to him a new song;
pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness.
R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.
 
For upright is the word of the LORD
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.
 
By the word of the Lord the heavens were made;
by the breath of his mouth all their host.
He gathers the waters of the sea as in a flask;
in cellars he confines the deep.
R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.
 
Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all who dwell in the world revere him.
For he spoke, and it was made;
he commanded, and it stood forth.
R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.
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Commentary on Ps 33:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
 
This hymn of praise is an invitation to those who follow the Lord to rejoice in His grace. The psalmist asks that a new song be sung.  There is always a newness to praise since the song is sung in unique circumstances each time.  The response provides a sense of God’s omnipresence and creative gift.
 
CCC: Ps 33:6 292, 703
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Gospel: Mark 10:46-52
 
As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd,
Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus,
sat by the roadside begging.
On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth,
he began to cry out and say,
“Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”
And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent.
But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.”
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called the blind man, saying to him,
“Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.”
He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.
Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”
Jesus told him, ‘Go your way; your faith has saved you.”
Immediately he received his sight
and followed him on the way.
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Commentary on Mk 10:46-52
 
In St. Mark’s story of the cure of the blind man (see also Matthew 20:29-34 and Luke 18:35-43), it is the way he addresses Jesus that becomes the focus. We are told he address him as “Son of David.” This is the messianic title applied by Jewish tradition to the one who comes to “heal the blind and the lame and set the prisoners free” (Isaiah 42;6-7). In response to the blind man’s request, “Master, I want to see,” in an almost casual way, Jesus tells him his faith has saved him and the blind man sees. Not surprisingly the now sighted man follows Jesus.
 
CCC:  Mk 10:46-52 2667; Mk 10:48 2616; Mk 10:52 548
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Reflection:
 
How many times have we been challenged to “prove the existence of God”?  Haven’t we each been confronted by individuals who are either atheistic or agnostic who demand that we show proof that God exists?  If we point to miracles like the one described in St. Mark’s Gospel they would say – “There was a rational explanation to the man’s recovery.”  If we point to other biblical miracles, they dismiss them as myth or legend; at worst hearsay or superstition.  
 
In the highly recommended but rarely seen movie “Expelled,” Ben Stein confronts the famous (infamous) atheist Richard Dawkins and asks him about the origins of life on earth.  “If not God, who?”  After stammering around a bit Dawkins finally concludes that aliens from another planet put life here.
 
What is our physical proof that God exists?  As Sirach says “As the rising sun is clear to all,
so the glory of the Lord fills all his works.” This realization crashes down upon us as we wonder at the immensity and complexity of God’s creation.  How could there be any other explanation for this universal order?
 
In that grander plan of the Lord, we see his Son, by a simple act of will, restore sight to a child of the Heavenly Father.  Set against the awesome power of creation we set that act in perspective.  How much more love does the Father have for us whom he created and set in his garden?
 
Pax

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[1] The picture is “St. Justin, Martyr, Patron of the Destitute” from an antique holy card, artist and date are unknown.
[2] S.S. Commemoratio
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[4] The Navarre Bible: “Wisdom Books,” Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2003, p. 523.

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Information about the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

“The Visitation”
by Tintoretto, 1588

Readings for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary [1]
 
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]
 
Readings and Commentary: [3]
 
Reading 1: Zephaniah 3:14-18a
 
Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you,
he has turned away your enemies;
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
He will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.
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Commentary on Zep 3:14-18a
 
The prophet Zephaniah begins this passage with an exaltation of praise to God. His invitation sounds in the present tense, but then he says: “On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem,” which places the event, the rejoicing over the Lord God being in their midst, in the future. In effect, this is a prediction of events to come. Zephaniah also includes the effects of God’s presence as he continues: “a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness and renew you in his love.”
 
We hear the expectation of the Messiah: “The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst.” In this case the effects of the Messiah on the people are the focus. The prophet proclaims a renewal of God's loving adoption and the joy felt by the Father at his favorite creation.
 
CCC: Zep 3:14 722, 2676; Zep 3:17a 2676; Zep 3:17b 2676
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Or: Romans 12:9-16
 
Brothers and sisters: Let love be sincere;
hate what is evil,
hold on to what is good;
love one another with mutual affection;
anticipate one another in showing honor.
Do not grow slack in zeal,
be fervent in spirit,
serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope,
endure in affliction,
persevere in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the holy ones,
exercise hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you,
bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice,
weep with those who weep.
Have the same regard for one another,
do not be haughty but associate with the lowly;
do not be wise in your own estimation.
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Commentary on Rom 12:9-16
 
St. Paul gives a litany of instructions to those who wish to remain faithful to Christ’s teachings. He is speaking to a community that is one in faith in Christ. He tells the community that, in their union, the gifts of each must serve the needs of all, and these gifts need to be exercised. In this selection the evangelist gives a litany of exhortations to live the love of Christ, following his command to love one another sincerely, and to forgive those who persecute them.
 
CCC: Rom 12-15 1454, 1971; Rom 12:9-13 1971; Rom 12:11 2039; Rom 12:12 1820; Rom 12:14 1669, 2636
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Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
 
R. (6) Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
 
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
 
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
 
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
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Commentary on Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
 
This hymn of praise is a profession of faith: “My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior.” It also does something interesting in that it challenges those who profess their faith in the Lord to proclaim it in the world: “among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name.”
 
This canticle emphasizes the peace and confidence found in his servant, enjoying the salvation of God. He sings his praise to God and exhorts all of Israel to praise him as they see his constant presence among them in the blessings they receive.
 
CCC: Is 12:3 2561
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Gospel: Luke 1:39-56
 
Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
"Most blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled."
And Mary said:
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever."
Mary remained with her about three months
and then returned to her home.
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Commentary on Lk 1:39-56
 
The Gospel selection from St. Luke gives us the story of Mary’s journey from Nazareth, over the mountains to Hebron, south of Jerusalem, to visit her cousin St. Elizabeth, who was also with child. St. Elizabeth’s greeting gives us substance for the “Hail Mary,” and Mary’s response is the great Canticle of Mary, which exemplifies her faith and faithfulness appropriate for the Mother of Jesus, who is the Christ.
 
Mary’s meeting with Elizabeth follows the annunciation by Gabriel that she would carry the Son of God, which proclaims the coming of the Lord, and the faith of Mary before the nativity event. We note that Elizabeth is first to identify Jesus as Lord as she says: “how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” She not only professes the identity of the infant, but foreshadows Mary’s leadership standing, elevating the stature of her much younger cousin with reverence. Elizabeth continues her praise of Mary by establishing that her (Mary’s) faith had allowed her to accept even the incredible role God had offered her.
 
In response we hear Mary’s humility as she gives us the Magnificat: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” This opening phrase establishes that the Blessed Mother gives herself to God eternally (her eternal self or soul) and completely (the very core of her being or spirit). What follows in her great song is an abject expression of faith in the Father’s omnipotence, and her own humility and awe in the face of his request of her to carry God’s only Son.
 
CCC: Lk 1:41 523, 717, 2676; Lk 1:43 448, 495, 2677; Lk 1:45 148, 2676; Lk 1:46-55 722, 2619, 2675; Lk 1:46-49 2097; Lk 1:48 148, 971, 2676, 2676; Lk 1:49 273, 2599, 2807, 2827; Lk 1:50 2465; Lk 1:54-55 706; Lk 1:55 422
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Reflection:
 
As sometimes happens when we reflect upon the Visitation, we consider the event in broad or general terms. Mary, the vessel of Jesus, visits St. Elizabeth, the vessel of St. John the Baptist. The mothers greet each other, but only after the Lord and St. John have already communed in spirit: St. John “leaped for joy” in the presence of the Lord, communicating his own exultation to his mother.
 
We see the reaction in St. Elizabeth when she greets Mary, already knowing the identity of the child her cousin carries. St. Elizabeth clearly recognizes the holiness of Mary. This is remarkable when we consider that St. Elizabeth is far older than her young cousin. We were told that she was barren: “And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived  a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren,” (Luke 1:36) when Mary received the news of her own conception from the Archangel Gabriel. Yet, her cousin not only defers to her, but offers her worshipful praise: “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
 
This meeting, as we look back upon it, is much more than an encounter between faith-filled women; rather it is the Messiah, the Only Begotten Son of God, being introduced to the world represented by St. John the Baptist, and secondarily to his mother St. Elizabeth. It is for this reason we celebrate this event in solemn worship. It is, in essence, our first meeting with the Incarnation, the beginning of the Lord’s revelation to the world.
 
Our joy in this meeting is echoed by St. Elizabeth who gives us the words of the Hail Mary in her salutation. It is a reminder, not only of the Blessed Virgin’s own faith in God and acceptance of his will, but our own need to thank St. Mary for her obedience, St. Elizabeth for her understanding, and St. John for his recognition of this wondrous event.
 
Today we pray that our faith may be as perceptive as St. Elizabeth’s in recognizing Christ in our brothers and sisters, and that St. Mary’s unwavering obedience to God might give us courage to obey him as well.
 
Pax
 
In other years on this date: Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

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[1] The image used today is “The Visitation” by Tintoretto, 1588.
[2] S.S. Commemoratio
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

“The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Son of God,
Gathering and Protecting Mankind”
by Frans Floris, 1562

 
Readings for Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time [1]
 
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]
 
Readings and Commentary: [3]
 
Reading I: Sirach 35:1-12
 
To keep the law is a great oblation,
and he who observes the
commandments sacrifices a peace offering.
In works of charity one offers fine flour,
and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise.
To refrain from evil pleases the Lord,
and to avoid injustice is an atonement.
Appear not before the Lord empty-handed,
for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts.
The just one’s offering enriches the altar
and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High.
The just one’s sacrifice is most pleasing,
nor will it ever be forgotten.
In a generous spirit pay homage to the Lord,
be not sparing of freewill gifts.
With each contribution show a cheerful countenance,
and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.
Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
generously, according to your means.
 
For the Lord is one who always repays,
and he will give back to you sevenfold.
But offer no bribes, these he does not accept!
Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion.
For he is a God of justice,
who knows no favorites.
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Commentary on Sir 35:1-12
 
This reading from Sirach deals with the explicit rules surrounding Jewish sacrifice rituals, and the importance of having the right mind-set when presenting gifts to God. The passage concludes by reminding the faithful that God repays sevenfold (we note here the reference to seven which in Hebrew numerology symbolizes completeness or the perfect number) that which is given by the “cheerful giver.”
 
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50:5-6, 7-8, 14 and 23
 
R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
 
“Gather my faithful ones before me,
those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
And the heavens proclaim his justice;
for God himself is the judge.
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
 
“Hear, my people, and I will speak;
Israel, I will testify against you;
God, your God, am I.
Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
for your burnt offerings are before me always.”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
 
“Offer to God praise as your sacrifice
and fulfill your vows to the Most High.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;
and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
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Commentary on Ps 50:5-6, 7-8, 14 and 23
 
Psalm 50 is part of the faithful's response to God’s covenant and supports the idea of ritual sacrifice to God. The psalmist refers to the practice as supporting the covenant made between God and his people. From our place in the history of faith, Christ was the one sacrifice that ended the need for all other sacrificial offerings.
 
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Gospel: Mark 10:28-31
 
Peter began to say to Jesus,
‘We have given up everything and followed you.”
Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you,
there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters
or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:
houses and brothers and sisters
and mothers and children and lands,
with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
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Commentary on Mk 10:28-31
 
The passage contains the disciples' response to Jesus’ teaching about the discipline of discipleship embodied in the story of the wealthy young man (Mark 10:17-27). After seeing the young man leave because he could not part with his possessions, Peter finds it necessary to remind Jesus that they (the disciples) had given up everything to follow him. The Lord replies that those who have sacrificed to follow him will receive not just the sevenfold repayment promised by Sirach 35:10, but a hundred times more than what they have given up.
 
This reference made by St. Mark is likely to the growth of Church under the apostles’ evangelization, and the communal sense of the Church in its early years. The same reference is true of Jesus’ final statement where we hear: “But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first." Here St. Mark is probably referring to the martyrdom many will find before joining the Lord in his heavenly kingdom.
 
CCC: Mk 10:28-31 1618
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Reflection:
 
The Gospel from St. Mark continues the disciples’ lesson given by Jesus and is supported by a reading from the Book of Sirach. In the story of the wealthy young man, we saw the importance of placing God before the material wealth in our lives.  It is easy to say that God is more important to us than material things.  It is another matter to demonstrate that, by giving away or donating a significant part of that wealth (which is later translated into “things”).
 
This is the point Scripture is making today.  It is not good enough to just say we love God more than wealth.  We must demonstrate that love by sharing what we have with those less fortunate.  The disciples did that to the extreme by walking away from their livelihoods.  They gave up every material thing to follow Jesus.  Peter feels he must remind the Lord of that fact today.  And the Lord tells Peter (and the rest of the disciples; we assume Peter was speaking for all of them) that for what they have sacrificed, they will be rewarded.
 
The lesson today is that charity is something that must be an integral part of our practice of the faith.  Ours must not be a faith of words but of actions, and our actions must demonstrate the love of Christ.  Today we pray that God will give us strength to give to others, at least in part, what he has given to us.
 
Pax
 

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[1] The picture is “The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Gathering and Protecting Mankind” by Frans Floris, 1562.
[2] S.S. Commemoratio
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

Background on the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
 
Decree establishing the Memorial
 
(Memorial Day in the United States)
Note: For Memorial Day, the Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice (#30 A or B – For Civil Needs, pp. 1142- 43) may be used.

“Virgin Enthroned
between Saints John the Baptist and Anthony of Padua”
by Pietro Paolo Agabiti,1528

 
Readings for the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church [1]
 
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]
 
Readings and Commentary: [3]
First Reading
 
First Option
Genesis 3:9-15, 20
 
The LORD God then called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?”
He answered, “I heard you in the garden;
but I was afraid, because I was naked,
so I hid myself.”
Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked?
You have eaten, then,
from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!”
The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me
she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it.”
The LORD God then asked the woman,
“Why did you do such a thing?”
The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.”
 
Then the LORD God said to the serpent:
“Because you have done this, you shall be banned
from all the animals
and from all the wild creatures;
on your belly shall you crawl,
and dirt shall you eat
all the days of your life.
I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers;
he will strike at your head,
while you strike at his heel.”
 
The man called his wife Eve,
because she became the mother of all the living.
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Commentary on Gn 3:9-15, 20
 
Adam and Eve are confronted by God after having eaten the fruit which was forbidden to them from the tree of wisdom. Adam blames Eve, and Eve blames the serpent. Thus, the identity of the serpent is now synonymous with the Devil. This passage, because of that linkage, can now be classified as the first prediction of the messianic struggle with evil and ultimate victory.
 
Contained here is the scriptural evidence of original sin. The story is also called “the fall,” as God’s human creation (personified in Adam and Eve) falls from grace and is condemned to suffer the struggle to regain the blessed state throughout history. Mankind has disobeyed God and defied his will. Through disobedience, sin and death enter the world.
 
CCC: Gn 3:9-10 399; Gn 3:9 410, 2568; Gn 3:11-13 400; Gn 3:11 2515; Gn 3:12 1607; Gn 3:13 1736, 2568; Gn 3:14-19 2427; Gn 3:15 70, 410, 489; Gn 3:20 489
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Second Option
Acts 1:12-14
 
After Jesus had been taken up to heaven the apostles
returned to Jerusalem
from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem,
a sabbath day’s journey away.
 
When they entered the city
they went to the upper room where they were staying,
Peter and John and James and Andrew,
Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew,
James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot,
and Judas son of James.
All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer,
together with some women,
and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
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Commentary on Acts 1:12-14
 
This passage provides part of the introductory comments of St. Luke as he begins the Acts of the Apostles. Like any well-written story, he connects the events that have just taken place in his first volume – The Gospel of Luke – with what will follow. In the first verses Jesus ascended and told them to expect the gift of the Holy Spirit. In this selection the disciples with Mary the Mother of Jesus and his extended family return to Jerusalem and enter the locked room. It is important that not just the apostles are present, but so is Mother Mary, ever faithful to her son.
 
"Here we see Mary as the spiritual center round which Jesus' intimate friends gather: tradition has meditated on this 'tableau', and found it to depict our Lady's motherhood over the whole Church, both at its beginning and over the course of the centuries." [4]
 
CCC: Acts 1:14 726, 1310, 2617, 2623, 2673
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Responsorial Psalm
 
Judith 13:18bcde, 19
 
R. (15:9d) You are the highest honor of our race.
 
Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God,
above all the women on earth;
and blessed be the LORD God,
the creator of heaven and earth.
R. You are the highest honor of our race.
 
Your deed of hope will never be forgotten
by those who tell of the might of God.
R. You are the highest honor of our race.
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Commentary on Judith 13:18bcde, 19
 
This short hymn of praise from Judith (who at the time of its writing represented the faithful people) is predictive of the blessed role Mary will play in human salvation. In the story immediately preceding these verses Judith offers to sacrifice herself for salvation of the people and is here found praiseworthy for her willingness to do so.
 
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Gospel
 
John 19:25-34
 
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,
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.
 
After this, aware that everything was now finished,
in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled,
Jesus said, "I thirst."
There was a vessel filled with common wine.
So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop
and put it up to his mouth.
When Jesus had taken the wine, he said,
"It is finished."
And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.
 
Now since it was preparation day,
in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath,
for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one,
the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken
and they be taken down.
So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first
and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead,
they did not break his legs,
but one soldier thrust his lance into his side,
and immediately blood and water flowed out.
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Commentary on Jn 19:25-37
 
Here is Jesus’ last address to his mother. Although the address sounds unnecessarily formal ("Woman, behold, your son.") this would have been considered a polite address in biblical times. The reference, “Woman,” is possibly to Genesis 3:15 which describes the mother of the Messiah as the “woman” whose offspring conquers the devil (CCC 726, 2618). [5] The Lord, nearing the end of his life, commends the care of his mother to the disciple whom he loved. It is presumed this is done because Jesus has no brothers or sisters, and his adoptive father, Joseph, has already died.
 
 In this instance, while it can be assumed that the disciple referred to is St. John, the author of the Gospel, the tender consignment of the care of the Lord’s mother is seen as iconic. That is, she is given into the care of all of the disciples, whom Jesus loves. Seeing her son dying upon the cross is one of the seven sorrows the Blessed Mother endured in faith.
 
The narrative continues describing the Lord's last moments of life on the cross.  The prophecy to which John refers when saying "in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled" was Psalm 69:22.  While Matthew and Mark speak about this event, only John relates it specifically to the prophetic literature.  After this final act, the Lord "handed over his spirit."
 
What happens after Jesus' death demonstrates to the Jews the nature of his sacrifice. "Jesus dies on the Preparation day of the Passover - Parasceve- that is, the eve, when the paschal lambs were officially sacrificed in the temple.  By stressing this, the Evangelist implies that Christ's sacrifice took the place of the sacrifices of the old law and inaugurated the New Alliance in his blood (cf. Hebrews 9:12)." [6] Typically, when the executioners wished to speed up the death of one crucified, the legs would be broken. This would force the victim to suffocate quickly.  In the case of Jesus, this was not done. (see Psalm 34:20-21)  Instead we are told the guards pierced his side with a lance and "immediately Blood and water flowed out."
 
While the outflow of water and blood have a natural explanation, there has been great theological importance placed upon it in numerous sources (St. Ambrose, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Augustine).  Water and blood have already been established as signs of salvation (John 3:5 and John 6:53ff).  "With Christ's death and the giving of the Spirit already signified in v. 30, the life-giving work of the Church begins, and hence the Church can be said in a sense to have been born from the wounded side of Christ." [7]
 
CCC: Jn 19:25-27 726, 2618; Jn 19:25 495; Jn 19:26-27 501, 964, 2605; Jn 19:27 2677, 2679; Jn 19:28 544, 607, 2561, 2605; Jn 19:30 607, 624, 730, 2605; Jn 19:30b 2605; Jn 19:31 641; Jn 19:34 478, 694, 1225
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Reflection:
 
On February 11, 2018, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, in the persons of Archbishop Arthur Roche, Secretary, and Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect, decreed that this new memorial be established to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary’s role as mother of the Church.  This decree follows our long tradition of honoring the Mother of Christ and her role as first in faith and exemplar to all generations of Christians who hunger for her Son’s gift of salvation. 
It is not by accident that the decree was issued on the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, and it is appropriate that it is established for the day following Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. St. Mary has, from the beginning, been given to the Church as our mother. In the Gospel proclaimed today we hear our Savior, as he hung upon the Cross of our redemption, present his mother as a gift to the Church as he said to the Beloved Disciple: “‘Behold, your mother.’” From that time onward, the Church has reflected upon her example of love and faith in God.  Indeed, as a mother teaches her children by example and encouragement, she has been our guide, exhibiting fidelity and love for the Son of God, and her own son, Jesus.
 
She shares with us the joys and sorrows of discipleship.  Even as the Gospel reminds us of the passion our Lord suffered for our salvation, we recall the words of Simeon, speaking to her on the day she followed the Jewish law, presenting Jesus at the temple. 
 
“’Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.’” (Luke 2:34-35)
 
How could we not be reminded of these words as the Roman soldier pierced the heart of the Lord, knowing that same lance pierced the heart his mother, Mary, standing nearby?
 
And what does our veneration of Mary command us to do?
 
She accepted the difficult role God offered to her in the Annunciation as she accepted her role as vessel of God’s Only Begotten Son.  (Luke 1:26-38) She reminds us that we must accept our own call to proclaim Christ, crucified and risen, to those we meet.
 
She reminds us of obedience to the word of the Lord as we recall her command to the servants at the Wedding Feast at Cana as she instructed them to: “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:5)
 
She is the ultimate example of humility before the Lord, always directing us toward the Father’s will. (Luke 1:46-55)
 
Just as any earthly mother, Our Blessed Virgin wishes only for our happiness, knowing the path to a contented life on earth and eternal happiness in the Heavenly Kingdom depends upon our acceptance of the path leading to God’s will.  The Mother of Christ and Mother of the Church constantly invites us to join her in worshiping God and especially her son, the source of life.
 
Pax,
 
In other years on this date: Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time, Optional Memorial for Saint Paul VI, Pope

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[1] The picture used is “Virgin Enthroned between Saints John the Baptist and Anthony of Padua” by Pietro Paolo Agabiti,1528.
[2] S.S. Commemoratio
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[4] The Navarre Bible, "Gospels and Acts," Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2002, p. 722.
[5] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, © 2010, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA. p. 198.
[6] The Navarre Bible, “Gospels and Acts,” Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2002, p. 695.
[7] Jerome Biblical Commentary, Prentice Hall, Inc., © 1968, 63:172, p. 462.