Date: April 4, 2020 (Lent)
Bible Text: First Reading: EZ 37:21-28; Gospel: JN 11:45-56 | Fr. Roniel Duenas
Series: Scripture Reflections
Ad Jesum per Mariam
There were so many things going on in the life of Jesus especially in his public ministry. And, every detail of his public life could not escape from the eyes of so many. But no matter how well-known Jesus had become, there were still some other things Jesus did that remained hidden from the eyes of the public, where only Mary could tell. A mother always knows her son. Mary knew Jesus more than any great theologian would do.
Today’s gospel gave us an insight into how important it is to go to Mary. The gospel of John in this particular episode says: “Many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what Jesus had done began to believe in him.” The wonderful thing is that what Mary disclosed about Jesus brought them to believe in Jesus: Mary helped bring people to faith. Ad Jesum per Mariam. To Jesus through Mary.
Pope Benedict XVI stated that the Rosary was experiencing a new springtime: "It is one of the most eloquent signs of love that the young generation nourish for Jesus and his Mother."[10] To Benedict XVI, the Rosary is a meditation on all the important moments of salvation history.” In other words, the rosary today is an effective tool to draw people to prayer, to express their devotion to the Lord and to His mother; and to deepen our knowledge of Jesus through the constant meditation on the mysteries of the life of Christ.
Mary brings us to Christ. Mary brings us to the source and fullness of life. In this time of testing and pain, let us turn to Mary for help. She can lead us to Jesus who is the source of healing and hope. Therefore, let this be our prayer:
O Mary, we come to you with confidence,
knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother,
health of the sick and cause of our joy.
Shelter us under the mantle of your protection,
keep us in the embrace of your arms,
help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
(Excerpts from the intercessory prayer to the Our Lady of Guadalupe.)