Here is your son

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Stabat Mater

The King's Consort

Today is Wednesday the 22nd of April, the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Society of Jesus, in the third week of Easter.

Gillian Fisher and Michael Chance sing Stabat Mater Dolorosa by Pergolesi. ‘By the cross from which hung her son, his mother stood in sorrow and tears.’ As I listen, I can prepare myself to contemplate, today, Mary’s share in the suffering and the sacrifice of Jesus, a sacrifice made freely, and made out of love for the world.

3:17

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.

John 19:25-27

Meanwhile, standing near 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 beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

4:26

Nocturne in E minor Op 72 No 1

Chad Lawson

Try gazing at this scene: what stirs for you as you gaze upon it?

What is the most striking thing about it?

Who are you most drawn to?

“From that hour, the disciple took her into his own home”. How do you imagine life for them after this moment?

Listen again to the passage and place yourself there. Perhaps choose a person to be in the scene this time...

7:51

John 19:25-27

Meanwhile, standing near 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 beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

8:44

Finally, just look back over the last few minutes of prayerful reflection. What was going on inside you? Could you turn all that into a prayer to God?

11:03

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen