Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

And that is what the soldiers did. 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.

There are some life events that are big. The arrival of a new baby, moving into a new house, marriage, the death of someone dear. I think standing by and seeing your only son being tortured and killed would top all of these. This is what we remember today, the enormous sorrow that Mary had to endure. A truly horrific life event. I am not sure that when she said “yes” to God to be the mother of Jesus, that she had this horror in mind.

Mary was not there alone. Her sister, and Mary, wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene were there too. And Jesus, knowing that Mary would need support afterwards, entrusted her into the care of John. Our lives, with all of their lumps and bumps are not solo journeys. We are built for community. (Anyone who has watched “Alone” on SBS knows what too much time by yourself can do to a person!).

We gather together to celebrate the arrivals, the unions, the milestones and the departures. But why wait for the big events? How is my sister doing today? Could my brother do with a call? How about reaching out to someone today to build community. Hey friend, want to go for a walk together this morning? Shall I drop round with a coffee and we can chat? I’ve made extra for dinner tonight, would you like to share some?

Let’s look for little opportunities to share life, the big bits and the small bits, help with a hard task, or share a fun time, building the city of God, one brick at a time.

What step can you take today?