Love and Compassion

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. John 19:26-27

On Day 3 of this Holy Week devotional, we reflect on Jesus' third saying from the cross: "Woman, behold, your son…Behold, your mother!"

Today, we see Jesus' love and care for His mother, Mary, and His beloved disciple, John. As Jesus hung on the cross, He entrusted His mother's care to John, ensuring that she would be looked after and cared for.

As we meditate on today's text, let us reflect on the following questions:

• What does it mean to care for and show love to our family and friends, especially in times of need? 

• How can we imitate Jesus' example of selflessness and compassion? 

• What barriers prevent us from showing love and kindness to those around us, and how can we work to overcome them?

Dear Church, as we reflect and pray, let us ask God to help us show love and kindness to our family and friends and to all those who are in need. Ask for grace and love to put others before ourselves and to serve and care for those around us. As we meditate on Jesus' words, may the Holy Spirit empower us to love and show compassion to all those whom God has placed in our lives.