Jesus Speaks to Mary and John
Station Twelve of the Cross
Hi friends. It’s Holy Week, and I wanted to share images and reflections I wrote a few years ago for a Stations of the Cross event at church. There are 14 Stations adapted for Substack and socials, so I’ll be sending out more emails than usual this week. Feel free to read what you like and skip what you need to, or read them all next Friday. Regardless of how you go about it, I invite you to reflect on the image, Scripture passage, and meditation/reflection question in each email.
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. John 19:25-27
When Jesus looks down from the cross and sees his beloved disciple, John, standing with His mother Mary, He realizes that both John and Mary will soon experience a void in their lives that Jesus’ physical presence has previously filled. Jesus knows that after His resurrection, He will ascend to his Father in heaven. Therefore, He wants the people he loves to take care of one another as family. John is asked to supply Mary with protection and economic support by taking her into his home. Mary is asked to supply John and his family with the wisdom, nurture, and companionship of a mother.
Reflection: Who in your life is God asking you to treat like family? Perhaps it is an elder in your neighborhood or church. Or perhaps it is a younger person who needs support, encouragement, and wisdom. Would you consider reaching out to them?
Suggested Prayer: Lord, show me who You want me to treat as family. Open my eyes so I can see the spiritual sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, aunties, and uncles that you have placed around me. May I love them well with the love You have given to me.