READ:
Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom He loved standing near by, He said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. (John chapter 19, verses 25-27)
REFLECT:
Of the four Gospel writers, John is the only one who records Mary's presence at the cross. Her son is in trouble -- arrested, tried, condemned, and now dying. Surely, Mary's place is close to her son. And so Simeon's prophecy given at Jesus' dedication comes to pass: "And a sword will pierce your own soul too." (Luke chapter 2, verse 35b) She is near Him now, but her heart is broken. She is consoled by friends, and, John, the beloved disciple, is there also.
This word from the cross tells us something about the extent of Jesus' love. Here He is dying in agony, gasping for each breath. He sees His mother; the one who comforted Him through all of childhood's cuts and bruises, teases and taunts. But now as He sees her at the foot of the cross, heartbroken, weeping, inconsolable, His heart goes out to her. Rather than being consumed by an understandable concern for His own welfare, He is touched by hers. Since we never hear anything more of Joseph after the stories of Jesus' birth, we assume Mary is a widow -- soon she will also be known as mother to that crucified criminal, Jesus. Life will not be easy for her. The other children in the family, at this stage, don't believe in Christ as she does (John chapter 7, verse 5), that comes later. Though it might eventually be judged their legal duty to care for her, perhaps Jesus senses that such care would be less than what she deserves. And so, He calls upon His dear friend, John, to step in and take on that important role.
This scene reaffirms the fact that, while Christ came to give His life willingly for the whole world, He does not treat us as numbers only, but as individuals, who need God's love.
PRAY:
Father God, we see Jesus' example of love and responsibility. As wonderful and loving as family relationships can be, they are often complex, and sometimes hurtful too. We ask You to help us sort them out. Show us how to love You at the same time as we love our family members. Give us the divine wisdom we need so that we can love as Jesus loves. In His name, we pray. Amen.
