Reflection
John 19: 25-27
Today’s gospel passage from the Passion account in John, although brief, is packed with deep theological significance. From the cross, in his great suffering, abandoned by all of his disciples except John, Jesus says to Mary “Woman behold your son”. Then to John, he says “Behold your mother”.
On one level Jesus is making provisions for the care of his mother, who as a widow with no caretaker would be particularly vulnerable in that society. As so often happens in his gospel, John invites us to take a closer look. This seemingly simple exchange reveals much about Mary’s role in our salvation and the role of the disciples in establishing the Church.
Recall that back at the beginning of his ministry, in the story of the wedding feast at Cana, Jesus refers to Mary as “woman” – a strange title to refer to his mother (John 2:4). Here at the climatic moment of his ministry as he hangs on the cross, Jesus uses the exact same title. This is no coincidence. Clearly this indicates that Mary’s significance extends beyond biological motherhood – she is present at the beginning and at the completion of his mission.
Likewise, as the “beloved disciple”, John’s role extends beyond mere friendship. When Jesus “gives” Mary to John, entrusting her to his care, the Church has always understood this as extending Mary’s motherhood to the Church and hence, to all believers. The catechism speaks to this (CCC 963-975). She in no way replaces Christ – rather, her entire vocation always points to him.
When John writes that “from that hour the disciple took her into his home”, he doesn’t simply mean that is where Mary will live. This means he is taking her into his life as entrusted by Jesus. True discipleship means accepting responsibilities entrusted to us by Jesus. That extends to believers today in accepting our vocations however we are called.
The alternate gospel reading for today is the encounter Mary has with Simeon at the presentation at the temple (Luke 2: 33-35). In today’s gospel from John, Mary fulfills Simeon’s prophecy that “a sword will pierce your heart” as she watches her son die on the cross. She also experiences the Passion. Her perseverance in suffering with Christ through his suffering embodies the Church’s call to persevere through suffering, even when we don’t fully understand God’s purpose in that suffering. She is indeed our lady of sorrows.
Question for reflection: When I encounter suffering in my life, do I look to Mary as “our lady of sorrows” as inspiration for perseverance?