25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. (John 19:25-27, emphasis added)
Meditation on the Third Word
Of all the words that Jesus spoke that afternoon, this is the one that stands juxtaposed against the others. In the midst of all the suffering and pain that he was experiencing and that was being witnessed by those present, none could have been more devastated that Mary, Jesus’ mother. Mary was the beneficiary of the single greatest revelation of that God has even given. It was to Mary that the Messiah was sent, not merely in word but in actuality. It was within Mary’s womb that the Messiah was conceived and it was from her womb that the salvation of humankind would proceed. And, even now, as Jesus was dying He thinks of her and entrusts her into the hands of his dear friend John. Jesus’ exemplifies for us that earthly responsibilities are not something to be dismissed as life draws to a close. Have you thought of your family and friends in light of your mortality? What would have life for them to remember of you? What would you change if what they may remember is not what you desire? Jesus loved Mary to the end.
Song of Realization
“Mary did you know?” by CeeLo Green
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