MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 25 MAY
May 25, 2026
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
25 MAY, 2026
John 19:25-34
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother
and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas,
and Mary of Magdala.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her,
he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.”
Then he said to the disciple,
“Behold, your mother.”
And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
After this, aware that everything was now finished,
in order that the scripture might be fulfilled,
Jesus said, “I thirst.”
There was a vessel filled with common wine.
So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop
and put it up to his mouth.
When Jesus had taken the wine, he said,
“It is finished.”
And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.
Now since it was preparation day,
in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath,
for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one,
the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken
and they be taken down.
So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first
and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead,
they did not break his legs,
but one soldier thrust his lance into his side,
and immediately Blood and water flowed out.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
Lord Jesus, as I reflect on the scene at the foot of the Cross, I am moved by the profound love and sorrow that radiate from this moment. Your mother stood near You, faithful in her pain, silently suffering with You in Your agony. In the midst of Your own suffering, You turned to her and to John, binding them together in a new relationship born of love and care. Even in death, You taught us how to love selflessly and sacrificially. May I learn to love like You, placing others before myself, even when my own heart is heavy with pain.
From Your pierced side flowed blood and water, signs of the life and grace poured out for the world. This moment is not only one of death, but of divine mercy and hope. You did not hold back anything, giving all so that we may live. In this sacred outpouring, I see the foundation of the Church and the fountain of the sacraments. Help me to never take Your sacrifice for granted. Let me come often to the well of Your mercy, to be renewed and healed by the grace that still flows from Your Cross.
PRAYER
O Jesus, Crucified Savior, I come before You with a humble heart. Let me stand with Mary and John at the foot of Your Cross—not in fear or despair, but in faith and love. Teach me to be present with those who suffer, just as they were present with You. Open my heart to receive the life You offer, and give me the courage to carry my own cross, trusting that in every death, there is the promise of resurrection. Amen
