John 19:25-27

Lectio (Reading)

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother
and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas,
and Mary Magdalene.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved
he said to 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.

Meditatio (Reflecting)

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.

Oratio (Responding)

This is line has so much packed into it, all of Jesus’ words on the cross were so full of meaning. These messages have both a temporal and metaphysical meaning. First, on a metaphysical level, “behold your son” is a reference to the wedding at cana when He says my hour has not yet come, in a way prophesying this moment. Now later, at the foot of the cross, He is now (temporally) telling her that his hour has indeed finally come, and that he is now leaving her. This is also a message to john and all of the other disciples that will ever hear this story. On a temporal level he is reminding John that his mother is now a widow and childless (the most desperate of situations for a woman of this time), He is telling John that she must be cared for. Second, on a metaphysical level, when he says to John “behold your mother” He is telling John and all other disciples that will ever hear this story that she is now your mother too, she is now the whole world’s “spiritual mother” and that we all need to look to her for comfort, and love, and spiritual intercession, and also honor her in this world like we should honor our own mothers. We must never forget the holy family in heaven. We have a Father, a Brother, and a Mother in heaven. And even if you have a flawed, or even bad family here on earth, you also have a perfect family in heaven that you are part of as well. Pray to them, ask them for their help and intercession. They want to help, you just need to ask. And if you pray the rosary everyday, Mother mary will watch over you like one of her own children. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Contemplatio (Contemplating)

Take time to simply remain in the presence of God.

Resolutio (Resolving)

Oh lord, thank you for giving us your mother, and for trusting us with her care. Help me lord today to be humble enough to accept the love and care that you and your mother want to give us. And Help me to take the advise that you give us. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.