RENUNGAN HARIAN KATOLIK MINGGU 18 MEI 2025

Summary

This reflection centers on the Gospel of John 13:31-35, where Jesus speaks of His glorification through the cross and commands His disciples to love each other as He has loved them. The message connects this teaching to Marian devotion, emphasizing the virtues of Mary, particularly in the context of the Easter season and the month of May. By referring to *Marialis Cultus*, the reflection highlights the importance of understanding Marian devotion as deeply connected to Christ and the Holy Trinity, encouraging reverence for Mary as a model of love, suffering, and glorification in unity with Christ.

Takeaways

• 😀 The meeting focuses on daily Catholic reflection, specifically in May, the month of Mary.
• 😀 The Gospel passage for today is from John 13:31-35, highlighting Jesus' glorification and the commandment to love each other.
• 😀 Jesus' glorification refers to his suffering on the cross followed by his resurrection.
• 😀 Jesus gives a 'new commandment' to his disciples, instructing them to love one another as he has loved them.
• 😀 The Gospel emphasizes the connection between suffering with Christ and being glorified with him.
• 😀 The reflection also highlights the virtues of Mary, based on Pope Paul VI's Marialis Cultus document.
• 😀 Marialis Cultus teaches that devotion to Mary must always have a Trinitarian and Christological foundation.
• 😀 Worship in Christianity is ultimately directed to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with Mary and the saints being honored in relation to Christ.
• 😀 Devotion to Mary is not an end in itself but always points to Christ, acknowledging her role in the divine plan.
• 😀 Mary, as the Mother of God, received unique gifts from the Holy Spirit and is honored for her role in the salvation of humanity.
• 😀 The key takeaways for devotion to Mary include focusing on her Trinitarian and Christological significance, the proper way of honoring her, and recognizing the unique gifts she received.

Q & A

What is the main theme of today's Gospel reading from John 13:31-35?

The main theme of today's Gospel is the glorification of Jesus through His suffering and resurrection, and His command to His disciples to love one another as He has loved them.

How does Jesus' glorification relate to His suffering on the cross?

Jesus' glorification comes after His suffering on the cross. His glorification is not only a divine triumph but is intrinsically linked to His human suffering, which leads to His resurrection and ultimate glory.

What is the 'new commandment' given by Jesus in this passage?

The new commandment Jesus gives to His disciples is to love one another as He has loved them. This love is selfless, sacrificial, and reflective of the love Jesus showed through His life and death.

Why is the devotion to Mary always directed toward Christ?

Devotion to Mary is always Christocentric because, as outlined in *Marialis Cultus*, Mary’s role in the Church is to direct the faithful to Christ. She is honored as the Mother of God, but all veneration ultimately leads back to her Son, Jesus.

How does *Marialis Cultus* define the role of Mary in the Church?

*Marialis Cultus* emphasizes that the role of Mary is essential in expressing the offering of our lives to the Trinity and orienting us toward Christ. Her veneration never stands alone but is always connected to the worship of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

What does the document say about the veneration of saints, including Mary?

The document states that the veneration of Mary and the saints is always Christologically oriented. The saints, including Mary, have suffered with Christ and have been glorified with Him, which is why they are worthy of reverence.

What are the four key guidelines for devotion to Mary mentioned in the reflection?

The four key guidelines are: 1) Devotion to Mary must be Trinitarian and Christocentric. 2) Christian worship is directed to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 3) Mary and the saints are honored because they suffered with Christ. 4) Mary was chosen by God the Father and prepared by the Holy Spirit to be the Mother of the Redeemer.

Why is Mary considered a unique example for receiving Christ?

Mary is considered a unique example because she was chosen by God the Father from eternity to be the Mother of the Redeemer. She received Christ with humility and faith, embodying the perfect model of devotion and obedience to God.

What does the reflection suggest about the relationship between suffering and glory in the Christian life?

The reflection suggests that, just as Jesus' glorification came after His suffering, Christians are also called to embrace suffering in their lives, knowing that it can lead to glory with Christ. This connection between suffering and glory is central to the Christian understanding of redemption.

How does the Church differentiate between worship and reverence in relation to Mary?

The Church makes a distinction between worship and reverence. Worship is directed only to God — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — while reverence is shown to Mary and the saints as honored figures who have shared in Christ's suffering and glory, but they are never objects of worship.