Twelveth Station: Jesus speaks to his Mother and the Disciple

 

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdalene.  When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said of his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.”  Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.”  And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.–John 19: 25-27

I don’t know about you, but if I were on my way to my impending death, I don’t think I would have much ability to focus on the needs of those around me.  Yet, that is exactly what we see here.  Jesus shows compassion and concern for the needs of his mother.  He assured her that he was precisely in God’s will by going to the cross, and he challenged his beloved disciple to see his mother as his own.  In other words “take care of my mom, she needs you.”  This kind of compassion and love could only be extended from the heart of someone whose future was already secured.  Because his death was not something to be feared, Jesus was free to remain completely attentive to the needs of others.

Are you “free” to offer compassion to those around you?

Lord, we thank you for those people in our life who give us support, love and care.  May we stand also as a source of love and encouragement to those you have given us to care for.

Dave for Wellspring   © 2008