Daily Gospel Reflection for September 15, 2025

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: John 19:25-27

We are given two choices for today’s Gospel. The first sets the scene of Jesus’ mother standing at the foot of the cross with Mary, the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Three Marys and three hearts grieving beyond description. But the anguish in the heart of the first Mary goes beyond that of the others as she stands looking up at her crucified Son. He is battered, torn, bleeding, and barely clinging to life. The man hanging on the cross is the child she once carried in her womb, the child she taught, fed, tended, and guided throughout His young life. I have often heard it said that no mother should survive her child, and I have witnessed the grief of other moms who have suffered this fate. Women are meant to give life and to nurture that life no matter the cost to themselves. Surely Mary gave Jesus every bit of her strength and devotion as she nurtured Him. She had spent herself so that He could live and then she is spent watching Him die.

In the second Gospel choice for today, we hear about our Lord’s Presentation in the Temple and the prophecy of Simeon. Such an event – the presentation of the firstborn son – was normally a joyous one, filled with hopes, dreams, and gratitude to God. First-century presentations were not unlike our modern-day baptisms. Amid Joseph and Mary’s joy, a great sorrow was proclaimed. This child being consecrated was slated for terrible suffering, and thus Mary would experience terrible suffering. A sword would pierce her heart, Simeon said. At that moment, everything changed for the Holy Family because they were given a glimpse of the heartbreak to come. And yet, without hesitation or regret, the Holy Family accepted it all for our sakes.

Ponder:

How can I empathize with Jesus’ sorrowful mother, seeking her intercession as I unite my suffering with Christ’s?

Pray:

Our Lady of Sorrows, thank you for enduring your suffering for me. Help me to be brave in my own suffering and to offer it silently as you did. 

Copyright 2025 Marge Steinhage Fenelon