Wednesday 15 September
John 19:25-27 • Our Lady of Sorrows (Memorial)
Today Jesus’ devotion to his widowed mother is movingly narrated. Jesus wants Mary to be taken care of. Given the circumstances in which his words are uttered, the impulse of his love shows remarkable courage and selflessness. The words he speaks to Mary and the disciple, whom tradition says was John, are both moving and striking. To his mother he says, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ and to the beloved disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ With these significant words Jesus indicates that a new relationship has been born – a relationship clearly willed by him.
But there is a deeper message in this moving encounter at the foot of the Cross. How are we to interpret it? Who do Mary and the disciple represent? Mary is, if you like, the personification of ‘Mother Zion’ from whom are born the people of God. She is the figure of Israel, and represents a transition between ancient Israel and the Church, the new people of God. In Mary the mystery of the Old Covenant is completed and the New Israel comes forth. In Mary the Church of Christ begins.
The disciple, on the other hand, is symbolic of all believers who faithfully follow Christ, who love Jesus and are loved by him. What is interesting is that John records that ‘from that hour the disciple took her to his own home’ (v. 27). The disciple had received every spiritual gift from Jesus – his words, his revelation – but now must be added the gift of Jesus’ mother. The disciple was welcomed from the Cross to welcome Mary into his life of faith, and he did so in love and obedience.
As we contemplate the scene, Jesus calls us too to invite Mary into our life of faith. Today we praise God for her presence at the foot of Jesus’ Cross. She is the model for us all – we too need to look at Jesus from the perspective of his Cross. Mary, like her son, was familiar with suffering. We join our suffering to hers and pray for the same grace, courage and perseverance.
‘Lord, I stand with Mary at the foot of the Cross. Like her I want to be your disciple and bring your love to the world. Give me a deeper understanding of the suffering you endured for love of me, and the grace and courage to follow you wherever you may lead.’
1 Corinthians 12:31–13:13
Psalm 32(33):2-5, 12, 22 • John 19:25-27 or Luke 2:33-35
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