“Jesus said to his mother: ‘Woman, this is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple: ‘This is your mother.’”

John 19:26-27

Jesus’ Third Word on the Cross.

For many years I have been touched by the feelings Jesus had for his mother, Mary.   She was with him when, at the beginning of his public ministry, he turned water into wine in Cana in Galilee.  Again, mother and son are together, this time in the shadow of death.

There were three Mary’s there, and John.  In the throes of pain on the cross, Jesus considered, not himself, but his mother!  Joseph had long since died, it seems, so Mary had no male to look after her if Jesus is taken away.  The bond between Jesus and his mother were tight, very much so.

I find it humbling to realize that Jesus had on his shoulders the sins and needs of all people as he hung there on the cross of wood, yet he wanted to fulfill his filial responsibility, the care of his own mother.  So, in that sacred moment, Jesus gave John the responsibility to look after his mother. We dare not take filial responsibility for granted, it is a sacred trust.  As husband, father, grandfather and great, I feel encouraged by Jesus. The Lord who was destined, in a few short hours, to die for all mankind, felt the needs of his mother, and turned his attention to her.  It is both painful and sweet to witness that.  I must embrace that grace and live it.

As I look back on my own walk with the Lord I realize that he deliberately placed heavy burdens on my shoulders.  I learned, slowly, that HE placed the burden on my shoulder, and this assured me that he will be there to love through me!