Meditate on your relationship with the Cross, with the Eucharist and with your Heavenly Mother

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple 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 to his home. John 19: 26-27

On March 3, 2018, Pope Francis announced that a new memorial would be celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost Sunday, entitled "The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church". From now on, this memorial is added to the General Roman Calendar and is to be celebrated universally throughout the Church.

In setting up this memorial, Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, stated:

This celebration will help us to remember that growth in the Christian life must be anchored in the Mystery of the Cross, in the oblation of Christ in the Eucharistic banquet and in the Mother of the Redeemer and Mother of the Redeemer, the Virgin who creates it by offering it to God.

"Anchored" to the Cross, to the Eucharist and to the Blessed Virgin Mary who is both "Mother of the Redeemer" and "Mother of the Redeemer". What beautiful insights and inspiring words from this holy cardinal of the Church.

The Gospel chosen for this memorial presents us with the sacred image of the Blessed Mother standing before the Cross of her Son. As he stood there, he heard Jesus say the words, "I'm thirsty." He was given wine on a sponge and then declared, "It's finished." The Blessed Mother of Jesus, the Mother of the Redeemer, witnessed as her Son's Cross became the source of the world's redemption. While taking that last drink of wine, he completed the institution of the New and Eternal Easter Meal, the Holy Eucharist.

Also, shortly before Jesus' expiration, Jesus declared to his mother that she would now be the "Mother of the Redeemers," meaning the mother of every member of the Church. This gift of the mother of Jesus to the Church was symbolized by Him saying: "Behold, your son ... Behold, your mother".

As we celebrate this new and beautiful universal memorial within the Church, meditate on your relationship with the Cross, the Eucharist and your heavenly mother. If you are willing to stand next to the Cross, to look at it with our Blessed Mother and to testify that Jesus pours out His precious blood for the salvation of the world, then you also have the privilege of listening to Him saying to you: "Behold your mother". Stay close to your heavenly mother. Seek her maternal care and protection and allow her prayers to bring you closer to her Son daily.

Dearest Mother Mary, Mother of God, my mother and Mother of the Church, pray for me and for all your children who need so much the mercy of your Son as it was paid by the Cross for the redemption of the world. May all your children draw ever closer to you and your Son, while we look at the glory of the Cross and while we consume the Most Holy Eucharist. Mother Maria, pray for us. Jesus I believe in you!