Black-bellied Whistling Duck and chicks, Galveston, Texas
Why were some of Jesus’s final words on the cross as each breath, each word uttered, became a struggle, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother” (John 19:26-27)?
John’s mother was still living (see Matthew 20), so if Jesus’s sole intent was to make sure Mary was taken care of shouldn’t he have simply said to John “Take care of my mother.” At this last moment was Jesus just trying to be poetic, or was there a deeper meaning in his words?
The early Church fathers saw John as the beloved disciple but they also saw John symbolizing all of the Christian faithful that are on the journey of faith following Jesus to the cross. Pope Francis has said there is a genius in the spirituality of women that is desperately needed by all the faithful. This genius is the radiant beauty of humility, which allows us to see God and serve others. Often, us men in particular, get absorbed in pride and self-accomplishment that takes our eyes off of Jesus and serving others. Perhaps Jesus knew, in his infinite wisdom, that we need a spiritual mother to guide and direct us into his loving arms, the loving arms of Jesus, the son of God. What better spiritual mother than his mother, Mary?
#anaturewalk #AimHighWalkwithGod