Today, let’s continue with the last words our Lord pronounced before He was crucified, as we question ourselves about the presence of Mary at the cross. Death is part of life, and one of the most painful thing that can happen in a family is when children die before their parents. My brother, my sister, as Jesus was dying, his mother was among those who had remained with Him. Most of the male disciples had fled, with the exception of one that the Fourth Gospel calls “the disciple He loved.” We don’t not exactly who it was, tough it seems to be John, who also wrote this Gospel. No matter who the beloved disciple was, it’s clear that Jesus was forging a relationship between this disciple and his earthly mother, so that the disciple would take care of Mary after He is gone. Yes, Jesus wanted to make sure she would be in good hands after his death. You see, the presence of Mary at the cross reminds us that Jesus was a real human being who once was a mother’s baby and now was dying on the cross as the Saviour of the world, right before her own eyes. Can you imagine the emotional suffering for her and for Him? The second thing this should teach us is that Jesus didn’t neglect his role as the son of an earthly woman even in his last moments on earth. Therefore, our ministry and service to The Lord should never be an excuse for neglecting our earthly family. If you really want to grab why Jesus said those who want to follow Him should carry their cross, then remember this scene too, because the cross is the place where you sacrifice, my friends and here we see Jesus had really given everything, including his earthly mother to you. Don’t get me wrong here: He did not give you Mary for you to pray to her, but for you to know how to care for your parents, as He cared for her despite His ministry, until His last moment on earth. Stay blessed in Jesus’ name. [facebook] [retweet]