“Behold, your mother.” Jesus’ most solemn words are spoken from the cross. In entrusting his Mother Mary to the Beloved Disciple, our Lord is concerned for much more than her practical living arrangements: He establishes a relationship between his holy Mother and all who are united to him, that is, the Church. We, too, behold our Mother, for she is the Mother of all who live the new life of grace. We turn to her especially when we experience the cross, knowing she is “standing by.” Today’s memorial teaches us that “growth in the Christian life must be anchored to the mystery of the cross, to the oblation of Christ in the Eucharistic banquet, and to the Mother of the Redeemer and Mother of the redeemed, the Virgin who makes her offering to God” (Robert Cardinal Sarah). For more about this day, please click on the image. Peace be with you!