Station 12: Jesus Speaks to Mary and John

Scripture

John 19:25b-27: 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.

Reflect

Consider the pain in a mother’s heart as she beheld her son nailed to a cross amid a crowd of jeering spectators. Consider her pain in seeing those cruel wounds from the scourges whip, the crown of thorns imbedded into the brow, the terrible nails holding the hands and feet that she had bathed as a baby. There must have been great guilt felt by the beloved apostle, who once ran away in fear, standing at the foot of the cross and looking up at his dying friend and Lord. Get a sense of the enormity of Jesus love as he forgives His beloved disciple by granting him the privilege of caring for his mother. Pause and think about forgiveness given in the midst of great pain and anguish.

Prayer

My Lord Jesus, in your final moments you showed love and care for those closest to you. They too showed their devotion to you. Help me to share with others care, love and devotion in my own life. Forgive me when I turn away from you, and grant me strength to return to you humbly.