John 19:25-27 - Here Is Your Mother — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel. Today, we will reflect on John 19:25-27. Listen.

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, "Woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

In the midst of his own agony on the cross, Jesus takes a moment to address his mother and the beloved disciple, traditionally identified as John. It's a powerful example of Jesus' love and care for those closest to him.

First, let's consider the presence of these women at the cross. In a time and culture where women were often marginalized, it's significant that they are here, braving the horror and shame of the crucifixion to be near Jesus. Their presence is a testament to their love and devotion.

Among them is Mary, Jesus' mother. One can only imagine the anguish she must have felt, watching her son suffer and die. The prophecy of Simeon, spoken when Jesus was just an infant, is being fulfilled: "A sword will pierce your own soul too" (Luke 2:35).

And yet, even in this moment of intense personal pain, Jesus is thinking of others. He looks at his mother and the beloved disciple and makes a profound statement. To Mary, he says, "Woman, here is your son." To John, "Here is your mother."

On one level, Jesus is making provision for his mother's future care. As her son, it would have been his responsibility to look after her. Now, as he faces death, he entrusts her to the care of his beloved friend. It's a poignant example of Jesus' human love and concern.

But there's also a deeper spiritual significance to this moment. Throughout his ministry, Jesus has been redefining the boundaries of family. He has said that those who do the will of God are his brother and sister and mother (Mark 3:35). Now, from the cross, he creates a new family bond, based not on blood but on shared discipleship.

In this act, Jesus is also giving us a model of the church as a new family. We are bound together not by biological ties but by our shared faith in Christ. We are called to care for one another, to support and love each other as brothers and sisters.

As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded of Jesus' humanity. Even in his divinity, he experienced the bonds and responsibilities of family life. His example challenges us to prioritize the care and support of those closest to us.

We are also encouraged by the example of the women and the beloved disciple. Their presence at the cross is a model of faithful devotion, even in the darkest of times. May we have the same courage to stand with Jesus and with each other, no matter the cost.

Finally, we are invited to see ourselves as part of the new family Jesus creates. In the church, we find brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, all united in our love for Christ. May we embrace this gift and responsibility, caring for one another as Jesus cared for his own.

As we stand at the foot of the cross, let's ask ourselves: Am I faithful in my love and care for my biological family? Do I see my church as a true spiritual family? How can I better love and support my brothers and sisters in Christ?

May we, like Mary and John, find at the cross not only a place of sorrow but also a place of new beginnings, of new relationships forged in the love of Christ.

God bless you.