“but standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother and His
mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw
His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His
mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your
mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” John 19:25-27
In the midst of His suffering Jesus reaches out to two of
His closest associates a dear friend and His own mother. Mary is suffering as she watches from a
distance. Simeon of old had predicted
that a sword would pierce her own heart when Jesus was but eight-days-old. That
prediction is now her reality.
In singling Mary out Jesus turns her over to John. John has
received a stepmother. Mary a stepson. John will now have the responsibility to
care form Mary as his own mother. This is the 4th commandment - the honor and
care of parents. Jesus would not be able
to physically care for His mother so He chooses John.
By these words Jesus demonstrates proper families regard. Parents
own children spiritual and physical care, love and support. Children owe parents love, honor, service,
obedience. When they are older physical care and support. Jesus by these words demonstrated deep concern
for others. Half of Jesus' last words on the cross are concerned with the needs
of others. We are connected to each
other by blood and by faith. May we show proper human regard especially with
those from our own family.
O Lord Jesus, since
You have left us a memorial of Your Passion in a wonderful sacrament, grant, we
pray, that we may so use this sacrament of Your body and blood that the fruits
of Your redeeming work may continually be manifest in us; for You live and
reign with the Father and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS
Prayer for Maundy Thursday LUTHERAN WORSHIP © 1980 Concordia
Publishing House, St. Louis
No comments:
Post a Comment