Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Health Vailankanni

Would you like to know the faith of this woman? Well, just think at the time she does such a request...The cross was ready, the Passion immanent, the crowd of enemies already in place. The Teacher talks about his death and the disciples are worried; even before the Passion they tremble at the simple mention of it; what they hear startles them, they are overcome by agitation and fear. At that very moment this mother leaves the group of the apostles and comes to request the kingdom and a throne for her sons. What did you say, woman? You hear him talking about the cross and you ask for a throne? It is a matter of the Passion and you wish for the Kingdom? In that case, leave the disciples with all their fears and worries of danger. But how could you think of asking such dignity? Out of all that has been said or done, what makes you think about the kingdom? I see – she says – the Passion, but I foresee the Resurrection. I see the cross set up and I contemplate the open skies. I see the nails but I also see the throne... I heard the Lord himself say: “you shall likewise take your places on twelve thrones” (Mt 19:28). I see the future with the eyes of faith. This woman anticipates – it seems to me – the words of the good criminal. He, on the cross, made this prayer: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Lk 23:42). Even before the cross she made the kingdom an object of her supplication... What a desire plunged in the vision of the future! What time hid, faith revealed.

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Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom

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