Many were touched deeply by Mel Gibson’s depiction of the relationship between mother and Son in THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST. Who loves like a mother? Who experiences the pain of another like a mother hurts for her child? As Mary endured at the cross and watched her suffering Son, I wonder if the words uttered by Simeon thirty-three years earlier rang in her ears. “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Mothers love, mothers hurt, mothers endure, and mothers believe in their sons. Mary told Jesus, “They have no more wine.” Despite His protests, this mother seemed to know what her Son could do. “Do whatever He tells you,” she told the servants and Jesus’ first miracle was performed. How many good things have been done simply because a mother asked?
It was no small thing that Jesus provided a caretaker for His mother before He drew His last breath. Some wonder what influence such a woman had on one of the great authors of the New Testament. I wonder what blessings John received for caring for the mother God chose for His Son.
My mom turned seventy years old today. She has loved me, hurt for me, endured with me, and believed in me. She still rides a bicycle. She still loves her husband and tries to keep him in line. She still loves her children… and how she loves her grandchildren. I pray I never take her for granted… and I pray she knows she is loved.
Happy Mother’s Day.
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:28-29