7 Last Sayings From the Cross
3rd Saying!

Jesus … said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”
John 19:26-27

Thought Of The Day...
In these words from the cross, “Woman, here is your son,” and, “Here is your mother,” Jesus was saying his final goodbye to Mary, his mother.

Of course, it was not the first time Jesus had said goodbye to his family. Three years earlier, when John the Baptist was preaching in the desert, Jesus knew that it was time for him to leave Joseph’s carpenter shop and begin his public ministry of teaching and healing.

Things were never quite the same after that. From that time on, Mary was only able to love her son from a distance: on the edge of a crowd, outside a packed house, at the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Maybe she was even there when Jesus taught, “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29).

But in his final hours, Jesus was deeply concerned for his mother’s well-being. She was most likely a widow by this time (see Mark 3:20-21, 31), and Jesus was entrusting her to the care of one of his closest friends: John. From that time on, John cared for Mary as a member of his own household.

Prayer...
Heavenly Father, As we reflect on the Holy Week and the sacrifice of your son Jesus, we are reminded of the love and care he had for his mother, Mary. In the midst of his suffering, he still remembered his duty to honor and care for her, showing us the importance of family and relationships.

We pray that you would help us to follow Jesus' example and to honor and care for our own mothers and loved ones. May we remember to show them love, even in our darkest moments.

We also lift up all mothers and caregivers, thanking you for the sacrifices they make every day. May they feel your presence and strength as they fulfill their duties.

And just as Jesus entrusted Mary to the care of his beloved disciple John, we pray that you would watch over and protect all mothers and families. Help us to support and care for one another as a community, just as Jesus has taught us.

Thank you, God, for the love and example of Jesus and for the gift of family. May we honor and cherish this gift always.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.