Seven last words of Jesus

The Third Words

Reflection:

This was one of the few times when Jesus displayed vividly his human character. Although he is God, he willingly took up human nature. He is immortal but here he was agonizing to death, gasping for each breath. Nevertheless, it didn’t skip from his attention some of his faithful followers along with his mother bravely huddled at the foot of the cross weary about his situation. Upon seeing them, it dawned on him the aftermath of the situation. He called out his beloved disciple and his mother and told them; “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”  

In our current culture, it may be downgrading or offensive to address our mother as ‘woman’. But Jesus carefully used the appropriate word to address his mother for the particular situation. He was going beyond the filial connection unto formal public consideration, giving testimony that has the effect of the Jewish’ family law. It was essential in Jewish’ family law to address his mother in a formal manner and language on his oral public testament.

Jesus Christ displayed his loving and merciful nature in showing his care for the welfare of his mother and disciples. He entrusted them to care for each other. It’s extraordinary for anyone agonizing to death physically and emotionally to give superior concern for others. 

Prayer