Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II).
Readings at Mass
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EITHER: --------
First reading
Genesis 3:9-15, 20
The mother of all the living.
After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree, the LORD God 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.
Commentary
OR: --------
First reading
Acts 1:12-14
All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer together with Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
After Jesus had been taken up into 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.
Commentary
Acts 1:12-14 describes the actions of the apostles and followers of Jesus after his ascension into heaven.
Return to Jerusalem: After witnessing Jesus' ascension from the Mount of Olives, the apostles return to Jerusalem. This journey signifies their obedience to Jesus' command to wait in Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Unity in Prayer: The apostles, along with other followers of Jesus, gather in an upper room and devote themselves to prayer. This unified devotion highlights the importance of community and collective prayer in the early Christian church.
Presence of Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Mary, the mother of Jesus, is specifically mentioned as being present among those praying. This underscores her continued role and significance within the early Christian community, serving as a spiritual mother and source of support.
Inclusion of Women: The passage notes that certain women were part of the group. This inclusion of women among the disciples and in communal prayer reflects the early church's recognition of the vital role women played in the ministry of Jesus and the life of the church.
Preparation for Pentecost: The group's dedication to prayer sets the stage for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Their prayerful waiting demonstrates their faith and readiness to receive the Holy Spirit, which will empower them to carry out their mission of spreading the gospel.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 87:1b-3,5,6-7
Glorious things are said of you, O city of God!
His foundation upon the holy mountains
the LORD loves:
The gates of Zion,
more than any dwelling of Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you, O city of God!
Glorious things are said of you,
O city of God!
Of Zion they shall say:
“One and all were born in her;
And he who has established her
is the Most High LORD.”
Glorious things are said of you, O city of God!
They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled:
“This man was born there.”
And all shall sing, in their festive dance:
“My home is within you.”
Glorious things are said of you, O city of God!
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Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!
Happy are you, holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise,
for from you arose the sun of justice, Christ our God.
Alleluia!
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Gospel
John 19:25-34
Behold, your son. Behold, your mother.
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there 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 that 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.
John 19:25-34 describes a poignant moment during the crucifixion of Jesus.
Presence of the Women: At the cross, several women, including Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene, stand nearby. Their presence shows their loyalty and love for Jesus, even in his final moments of suffering.
Jesus’ Care for His Mother: Despite his own agony, Jesus shows deep concern for his mother, Mary. He addresses her and the beloved disciple (traditionally identified as John) standing beside her, saying, "Woman, behold, your son!" and to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" This act ensures Mary will be cared for after his death, reflecting Jesus' compassion and responsibility as a son.
Creation of a New Family: Jesus’ words establish a new family bond between his mother and the beloved disciple. This symbolizes the creation of a spiritual family among his followers, where relationships are defined not just by blood but by mutual faith and love.
Fulfillment of Scripture: Verses 28-30 mention that Jesus, knowing all was now completed, said, "I thirst," fulfilling the Scripture. This emphasizes that Jesus' suffering and death were part of God's divine plan and fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.
Jesus’ Death and Its Significance: After receiving the sour wine, Jesus declares, "It is finished," and dies. This statement signifies the completion of his mission to bring salvation to humanity. His death is followed by the piercing of his side, which results in a flow of blood and water, symbolizing the sacraments of the Eucharist and Baptism, and further underscoring the sacrificial nature of Jesus' death.
