Lent JourneySample

DAY 16
Woman, here is your son. Here is your mother.

I see people standing around the cross. It is noticeable that they are all women. Love is powerful – it must be their love that is keeping them there. John, well known as the apostle of love, also approaches. It is as if love is speaking up.

When Jesus talks to his mother, He addresses her in a loving way as ‘woman’. He did this on previous occasions as well. Once when He was only 12 years old and talking among other scholars about his Father, and another time at the wedding in Canaan.

When He addresses her as ‘woman’, it seems as if He intends to tell her that her role as mother is changing. Now she is entering a new role; the role of a disciple. This is a very important life change for her that is taking place. She is letting go of her son, Jesus, and accepting Him as Christ, the Lord.

John is present to support Maria. It is not the first time that he experiences a situation like this. Previously he himself had to give up his father and mother, and his boat. Now it is his turn to take someone into his home.

In the midst of the suffering and sadness of the cross, there is also a powerful sense of love. Jesus is surrounded by his loved ones, and his love for them also stands out – . . . a love to the very end (John 13:13).
His love brings about a new affinity. It is a love that surpasses the natural – a community of faith, a loving communion of the saints.

EXERCISE
• In your prayer today, hear Jesus calling your name, saying “_________________, there are your brothers and sisters!”
• Who immediately comes to mind?
• Accept them in your life and thank Him for them.