"So the soldiers did this. [] 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. After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the scripture), "I thirst." A bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a spong full of vinegar on hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished"; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." John 19:25-30Here on this last Friday of Lent before we begin Holy Week on Sunday, and enter into the Triduum let us take some time to reflect on how we are being called to grow at this time. No matter our state in life - married, engaged, single, discerning, priest, religious, young, old or anywhere in between - one thing remains constant, our need for a radical life of service to the will of God in love of Him, in right relation with the Church.
We see this earlier in the Gospel exemplified so well in Mary's Fiat at the Annunciation. Now we see this in the life of John, the Beloved Disciple, at the foot of the Cross. Jesus greets them not by their usual greeting but in a generic way so that we may all step into the Scriptures at the foot of the Cross and take Mary into the home of our heart. By taking Mary into the home of our heart and seeking her intercession as we approach Holy Week and Easter we become like John the beloved disciple.
As we approach this holy time, let us reflect on our Lenten past, however difficult or peace-filled it may have been. Let us call to mind and heart our joys and difficulties and take them to Our Mother and to the Cross of her Son. Let us rest there.
"After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), "I thirst." A bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished"; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
What are we thirsting for? How is God's will working in our life? Is there something blocking His work and will in our hearts? Let us cry out with one voice "it is finished." Our attachments to the world, our distractions, our sin, it is finished. Let us give up our spirit, our hearts and souls to Christ - each as we have been called by name - and serve Him with reckless abandon. Amen.
Written by Nicolette
