A Beacon Of Light… Jesus’ Words Of Love From The Cross

By FR. RICHARD D. BRETON, Jr.

(Editor’s Note: Fr. Richard D. Breton, Jr. is a priest of the Diocese of Norwich, Conn.)

• + + Continuing our reflection of the final moments of Jesus, we find ourselves standing today at the foot of the cross. As we gaze upon the Lord hanging in agony, we get a glimpse of Jesus’ Mother Mary and St. John, “the beloved disciple” whom Jesus loved. Here, at the foot of the cross, Jesus speaks the “third words” recorded in the Gospel of St. John 19:26-27 when He says: “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.”
  This statement by Jesus is often referred to as His “word of love” from the cross, because it expresses His care and concern for His Mother even in the midst of His own suffering. In this moment, Jesus looks down from the cross and sees His Mother standing nearby, along with the disciple John. Jesus’ words to His Mother were not just an expression of His concern for her physical well-being, but also a symbol of His care for all of humanity. As Jesus hangs on the cross, He is thinking of the entire human race. Mary was the vessel through which Jesus received His human nature; Jesus now places humanity into her loving and caring arms: the once earthly Mother who now reigns in Heaven as Queen of Heaven and Earth.
  By entrusting His Mother to John, Jesus was giving an example for all of His followers. This example was reminiscent of the way Jesus cared for the faithful during His earthly life. The ministry of Jesus often occurred around trying and difficult times, and yet, each of these encounters was an example to care for and support one another, even in the most difficult circumstances of life today.
  Every day is an opportunity to place ourselves in the arms of our Lord through the celebration of the Eucharist. At Mass we can renew this moment by entrusting ourselves to the Lord during the Offertory. As we offer the acceptable sacrifice of Christ on the cross, we too can offer a renewal of our own love and desire to God.
  As we reflect on this third word of Jesus from the cross, we are reminded of the love that Jesus showed to all people, even in the midst of His own suffering. This word also challenges us to follow His example of caring for others, especially those who may be most vulnerable or in need of our support.

The Bonds Of Family

What does the imagery of Jesus and Mary at the cross say about our human condition and our need for each other? The image of Jesus and His Mother at the cross imparts a powerful message about love, sacrifice, and the bonds of family. On one hand, we see Jesus as the ultimate example of selfless love and sacrifice, willingly giving His life for the salvation of all. In this moment, He demonstrates His love not only for humanity as a whole but also for His own Mother, whom He entrusts to the care of His beloved disciple John. At the same time, we see Mary as the devoted and faithful Mother, standing by her Son even in the midst of His suffering and death.
Her presence at the cross serves as a powerful reminder of the deep bonds of family and the importance of being there for one another, especially in times of need.
Together, the image of Jesus and His Mother at the cross speaks to the power of love and the strength that can be found in family relationships. It also challenges us to follow their example by demonstrating selfless love and sacrifice in our own lives, and by caring for and supporting those closest to us.
The powerful bond of the familial love seen at the foot of the cross is the same kind of love that we are to have for our family of faith. There is such division among the family of faith today, and yet, Jesus uses the foot of the cross to call us back together again. In essence, Jesus is showing us that the only way we can endure earthly struggles and divisions is through a unification of the one faith we profess. Each week as we profess the Creed, we say, “I believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.” These words are not meant to just be part of a prayer we profess, but rather, must be part of the lives we live!
What is the significance of the beloved disciple at the foot of the cross and how is this important for us? The beloved disciple, who is traditionally identified as the Apostle John, plays a significant role in the scene at the cross where Jesus speaks to His Mother. According to the Gospel of John, the beloved disciple was present at the foot of the cross along with Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
When Jesus saw His Mother and the beloved disciple standing nearby, He entrusted His Mother to the care of the disciple, saying, “Woman, behold your son!” and to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” (John 19:26-27).
This moment is significant because it not only shows Jesus’ concern for His Mother’s well-being but also demonstrates the importance of community and mutual support among His followers. By entrusting His Mother to the care of the beloved disciple, Jesus was creating a new family relationship that transcends biological ties and extended to all of His disciples.
The role of the beloved disciple at the cross also highlights his close relationship with Jesus. He is referred to as the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23), and this love is demonstrated in the trust that Jesus places in him to care for His Mother. The presence of the beloved disciple at the cross serves as a reminder of the importance of community and mutual support among believers, as well as the close relationship that existed between Jesus and His closest followers.
In addition, the role of the disciple at the foot of the cross, is a sign of the Church’s role played out in the life of the faithful. The disciple at the foot of the cross is reminiscent of the role bishops play as successors of the apostles. Bishops, and indeed priests, are called upon to assist us in our earthly struggles and lead us with Mary to Christ her Son. This is done through preaching the Gospel, administering the sacraments and being the presence of Christ in our world. This fatherly care, demonstrated through bishops and priests, is seen in the role John the Apostle plays in assisting the Blessed Mother in her time of need.

Never Alone

So many times in our lives we experience the difficulties of losing a loved one. In that moment of loss we often seem alone and can get discouraged. By reflecting on the “third words of Christ” on the cross, we are reminded that we are never alone. Never alone because the Blessed Mother is always there interceding for us before the heavenly throne of Jesus her Son. Never alone because the Church is the earthly means through which we receive heavenly strength. The Church leads us on our pilgrim way to achieve the heavenly Jerusalem. How blessed are we to have been placed under the protection of two great instruments of God’s love.
Next week we will look at the “fourth words” of Christ on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!”