LOVE YOUR MOTHER
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, 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 into his home. - John 19:26-27
I relate to this passage in a way that when my mom first learned of my cerebral palsy diagnosis when I was 18 months old, she wondered whether I could have an everyday life. I spent the first four years of my life with my mother and maternal grandparents in Vietnam before my dad sponsored us to California. She, like Mother Mary, was in spiritual desolation.
But she trusted the Lord and put me in therapy in Vietnam, and then eventually, I came to the States and was able to obtain the necessary medical treatments for my cerebral palsy. My mom took a risk and embraced her daughter with cerebral palsy, just like how Jesus encouraged his disciple to embrace Mary as our Mother.
As I got older, Mother Mary walked along with me on my journey, encouraging me to take up my crosses and give them to Jesus.
On Good Friday, as Jesus was preparing to die on the cross, He made a bold move and gave us His Mother. Any mother would cringe at the thought of seeing their children in pain. Mother Mary is no exception. Through her example of “carrying the cross” with her Son, we recognize Jesus's sacrifice in giving us His Mother so that she may intercede for us in every step of our lives.
Sue Do