The crucifixion of Jesus

JN 19:25-27 [OR LK 2:33-35]

STANDING by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 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.

REFLECTION BEHOLD, YOUR MOTHER. In John, the mother of Jesus is not named as Mary. She is just called mother or woman, but this does not lessen her importance in the history of salvation. The other gospels and sacred traditions identify Jesus’ mother as Mary.

Mary is seen standing by the crucified Christ. Some other women are with her, also looking at the dying Jesus. They hear his conversation with Mary and John. Jesus asks John, whom he loves, to take Mary into his home. Mary has no more companion. So John will take care of her and be her sustenance and security.

Still, Mary will not be a homebody. She will be mobile, as when she was accompanying her itinerant Son. Luke finds Mary with the first community in Jerusalem, praying and waiting for the coming of the Spirit (cf Acts 1:14), and she will later journey with John. She will continue her routine as a responsible mother. She will not be a Mary who is to be adorned, given special treatment, and escorted like a queen.

Mary will continue enduring the sufferings brought about by her Son even after he is gone. Her sorrow will not stop after 40 days or after a year of grieving. She will experience more pains because she will be with John and the other disciples living out faithfully the ideals of her Son Jesus.

Let us make our Marian celebrations not mere beauty pageants but reflections of Mary who suffered because she lived her Son’s mission.