BEHOLD THIS IS THY SON, AND THIS IS THY MOTHER, JOHN!

Before the birth of Christ, Mary experienced the Annunciation which prepared her for her mission of being the earthly mother of Jesus. Therefore, she was among the few who recognised the Star that shone over the stable in Bethlehem as the fulfilment of the prophecies! The same Star led three kings to the stable. They presented earthly gifts and went away leaving without protection the Child Who they were meant to protect with their wealth and power so that no harm may befall Him in the fulfilment of His Mission.

In the course of years the memory of the Radiant Star slowly paled and Mary had to struggle with her grave concerns about how Jesus was exposing the false teachings of the religious leaders of His time. In motherly anxiety she expressed the fear that Jesus will only make formidable enemies for Himself who in their hatred might bring Him harm or even kill Him! Mary feared for Jesus, she had no peace. However, Jesus cannot but fulfil His Mission to carry the Word of the Father among mankind on earth. He therefore went forth to bring Light to those who longed for His Message. Christ regarded as His kindred these ones who hear His Holy Word and make use of it. So in Luke 8:19-21 we read “¹⁹ Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. ²⁰ Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”²¹ He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

Jesus the Personification of Divine Love however prior to His departure from the flesh, entrusted the care of Mary to John, one of His Disciples. Despite the agonizing pain of the crucifixion, and as physical death approached, Jesus still managed to reiterate His earlier instructions to John when on seeing Mary with John mourning Him under the cross He said gently: “Behold, this is thy son, and this is thy mother John!”

John embraced Mary. At this solemn hour Mary’s doubts melted away and she became convinced of Christ’s Holy Mission. Similarly, we read in Mark 15:39” ³⁹ And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

Subsequently, Mary moved to the House of John and kept pace with the Disciples of Christ and their activities.

May we also be endowed with the courage to cast off all the old and concern ourselves solely with the Truth no matter the obstacles and opposition that may confront us!