May 25, 2026 // Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church // Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: John 19:25-34
Reflect on the Word //
There’s a glorious place I go in imaginative prayer: a cozy cottage at the base of a heavenly castle, which just so happens to be Mary’s house. There, I not only visit and learn from her, but get to live with and be mothered by her. I have a room of my own and know the grounds by heart. I’ve had pivotal conversations with Saints at backyard garden parties. On sick days Mother Mary stands vigil, tenderly caring for me. On desolate days, she helps me revisit hard memories and find lasting healing. I don’t have the greatest imagination, so praying this way takes extra effort—but the Lord blesses those efforts to help me truly know our Lady, who leads me ever closer to the Heart of Jesus.
No mother and child have ever loved each other more than Jesus and Mary. In their generosity, we’re invited directly into this love by Jesus’ words from the Cross in today’s Gospel: “Woman, behold your son. [. . .] Behold, your mother” (John 19:26-27).
Here, at the Foot of Christ’s Cross, Mary becomes the Mother of all humankind—teaching us what it truly means to be part of God’s family.
In her agony of heart, our Lady stands firm at the Foot of the Cross for boundless love of her Son. In His excruciating Passion, Christ lovingly spends His last breaths for His precious Mother. Seeing her profound grief, Jesus selflessly entrusts Mary with a new joy, a greater mission, an all-encompassing motherhood.
He commends His own Mother to His beloved disciple, and by extension, all of us—so desperate for a pure mother’s love. He then gives His newborn Church to her, for her joy as the perfect mother lies in giving herself for the good of her children.
It is here at the Cross that Mary irrevocably becomes your Mother too. Here, she waits patiently with open arms—inviting you into her life, her home, her heart. Here, she comes to listen to you, comfort you, and console you. Here, she remains—to forever guide you to the Love of Jesus that you were made for.
Relate to the Lord // Spend some time with our Lady in imaginative prayer. Where are you? What does she have to say to you?
Megan Hjelmstad (“Helm-stead”) is a wife, enthusiastic hockey mom, and Army Veteran living in Denver, CO. After serving fifteen years in the United States Army, Megan now serves the Church as an author, speaker, and women's mentor in her “spare” time. Megan loves to share God’s hope in suffering and is the author of Offer it Up: Discovering the Power and Purpose of Redemptive Suffering. She’s a long-time team member of Blessed is She and a writer and speaker for several other ministries. Megan adores books, sleep, sunshine, and Colorado’s great outdoors almost as much as she adores Jesus in the Eucharist. Learn more at MeganHjelmstad.com.
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