Take Mary Home

Today’s Gospel Text: So the soldiers did this. But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Mag'dalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, 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

Reflection: No disciples at the cross except John and only the women, where did they go at this crucial moment when any human being waiting to depart would want them more.

Indeed, it was a crucial moment and at the same time a terrifying moment, because an innocent was killed in the most treacherous way, ever known to man.  

Who would want to stand next to a man who has been alleged to have committed one of the most grievous crimes? Who would like to be blacklisted, with the all powerful authorities bent on snuffing out a life that has been a threat to their ambitions and goals?

If it were only the Jewish authorities that were the cause of the injustice to Jesus and his companions then they could have gone in appeal to the pagan Roman authorities.

But it was not to be so, for even the Romans would want to cater to the Jewish sensitivities, which represented by the Jewish authorities. These Jewish authorities could abuse their position in getting a motley group to support their nefarious end.

In such circumstances the presence of the three Mary's and the beloved disciple at the foot of the cross was rather a bold step on their part, made possible with their love and absolute trust in their master, now crucified. It made them persist in being there at the moment of his ignoble death.

At the cross  new relationships are established, because it is a parting moment: "Woman, behold, your son!" (vs. 26)

It was like saying, woman you have the first say, God has blessed you with a free will to choose again, whether my word or your choice, if you accept him and the responsibility of discipling my disciple then I will announce my next plan.

Then he announces plan two, addressed to his beloved dedicated disciple: "Behold, your mother!" (vs. 27a)

Accepted, it meant taking Mary home with him: “And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” (vs. 27b)

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the gift of Mary, who not only said yes to bring you in this world as our savior, but also said yes to adopt us as her own. May we through her many sorrows find salvation.

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us