Today’s Reading: John 19:23-27
Today’s Reference: Luke 2:34-35a “And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also)…’”
“Woman, behold, your son!”
I wonder if Mary thought of Simeon’s words as she stood at the foot of the cross. If she hadn’t understood them before, she did now, all too painfully. And when she heard Jesus tell John to assume His duties as eldest son, the last shred of hope disappeared. He was, really and truly, going to die before her eyes.
If you’ve ever had to stand by and see your own child go through suffering you can’t relieve, you know Mary’s pain. She would have given anything to stop the crucifixion or trade places with Him, but she knew only His death would purchase her salvation and ours.
Mary couldn’t help her Son, but she could be there in patient love. All too often, we choose to avoid the pain of others, especially when it appears that we can do nothing for them. Who do you know today who needs your patient love far more than your advice?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for a Savior so tender He thought of His mother even in His agony. Help me to be like Mary, standing at the foot of the cross in patient love for the suffering people in my own life.
In Jesus’ name, amen.