WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29

John 19:26-27 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ”Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”

Jesus is dying in agony upon a cross and his last thoughts are for his mother. Jesus is her first born son and her welfare is his responsibility. Since there is no mention of Joseph at the foot of the cross, we assume that he has died. In first century Palestine women were helpless without male protection and Mary must look to her eldest male child for help. Did Mary expect Jesus to think of her at the end? I have often wondered…

Every mother has hopes and dreams for her children. As we await a birth or the completion of an adoption agreement, we think about what they will be when they are grown. When they are small we nurture and protect. As they grow we teach, comfort and encourage. As they reach adulthood, we feel the pain of separation and pray that they will choose their lives wisely and that the world will be kind. I am sure that Mary did all these things.

But the world was unkind to Mary’s baby, Jesus. How conflicted Mary must have been. The angel had told her that Jesus would be the Messiah, the Savior of the World. What had she expected? Like many other Jews at the time, did she expect a political hero? Did she raise him with that end in mind? Surely she wanted Jesus to be successful and happy. Surely she was frightened for him when his ministry ran afoul of the religious leaders. I’m sure she was horrified as Jesus was arrested, imprisoned, tortured and put to death. Was she ashamed or did she know that Jesus was following God’s plan for his life? I hope she understood that her baby was walking with God.

As modern day mothers, we know that Mary’s baby was a great success. He followed a God given course. Isn’t that what we hope for our own children?

Dear Lord, help us to have faith in our children. Help us to know when they need our guidance and when they need our silence. Help us to have faith in their choices and faith in your plan for them. Amen.

Cindy Judson