…[Jesus] said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” John 19:26-27
Jesus’ gift of his mother not just to his beloved disciple but to the whole Church.
This touching final act of our Lord was a profoundly personal gift. Mary alone, of all people on this earth, loved Jesus from before he was born until his last breath, and beyond. His beloved disciple, John, also remained by Jesus’ side even after the other disciples had fled. Before leaving them in death, Jesus gave them each other, commissioning them to one another’s care.
When I think back on my own life, I see that the Lord often gives us the gift of other people. What relationships might he be moving us toward now? Is there someone he’s asking us to parent or befriend? Is there someone he’s calling us to learn from and listen to? Whom might the Lord be prompting us to claim and care for next?
Lord, open my heart to the people you bring into my life!
Karla Manternach
Originally published May 29, 2023
