Behold, Your Mother

Behold, Your Mother

Reflection on John 19:25-27

In John 19:25-27, we hear some of the most tender and profound words of Jesus spoken from the Cross. As He endures His final moments, He looks upon His mother Mary and the beloved disciple John and says: “Woman, behold your son… Behold, your mother.”

This moment is filled with immense love and meaning. Even in His suffering, Jesus is not thinking of Himself but of others—ensuring that His mother will be cared for, and that John will not be left alone. This simple exchange reveals the depth of Christ’s self-giving love, and it reminds us that He entrusts us, too, into the care of His mother.

Mary’s presence at the foot of the Cross is striking. While others had fled in fear, she remained steadfast. She did not run from suffering but embraced it with love and faith. This teaches us about courage, about fidelity, and about the quiet strength of a mother’s heart. In Mary, we see the model of perfect discipleship—always close to Jesus, even in the most painful moments.

When Jesus says, “Behold, your mother,” He is not only speaking to John, but to all of us. He gives us Mary as our spiritual mother, someone who intercedes for us, comforts us, and guides us closer to her Son. In times of trial, we can turn to her, knowing she understands pain, sorrow, and trust in God’s plan.

This passage also challenges us in our relationships with one another. Just as Jesus entrusted Mary and John to each other, He calls us to care for one another as family in the community of faith. The Church itself is a family, and at its heart is the love that flows from the Cross.

Key Takeaway:
From the Cross, Jesus gives us a precious gift—His own mother. Let us welcome Mary into our lives as a mother who leads us to Christ, and let us, like John, remain close to both Jesus and Mary, especially in times of suffering.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son and for entrusting us to His Blessed Mother. May we always welcome Mary into our hearts and homes, and through her intercession, may we grow closer to Jesus. Give us the courage to remain faithful at the foot of the Cross and to care for one another as true brothers and sisters in Christ. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.