The 3rd Word – Relationship
“Woman, behold, your son… Son, behold your mother.”
“Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. 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.”- John 19: 25-27
Why did Jesus address Mary as “woman” on the cross?
Some suggest that it was a term of honor and respect. Others believe that by saying “woman” and not “mother,” Jesus shows that Mary is not simply his mother, but who Catholics believe to be the Blessed Mother of us all, given to us as Jesus hung on the cross.
In his most agonizing moments, Jesus gives all of us, as his disciples, the gift of his mother. He entrusts us to each other. We can turn to Mary with confidence, knowing that she loves us as a mother and wants nothing more for us than to remain close to her son.
We can be assured of her prayers for us and find comfort in her heart, a heart completely full of love for Jesus.
Listen to the 2-minute audio preview on Hallow at https://hallow.com/prayers/1005514. Extended audio (5-, 7- and 10-minutes versions) and text mediations, including writings from various Saints, is available to Hallow subscribers. For those who are not subscribers, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial at https://hallow.com/.
Text and graphics from Hallow Catholic Prayer and Meditation Website – https://hallow.com/