Standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
All Kneel
Leader: Jesus, you give your mother to the disciple you love. Even as you face death, you entrust those whom you love most into each other's care. Your dying is marked by giving, and by concern for the ones who remain. You do not leave us as orphans, you have promised your Spirit to your church, and at the cross the church is born.
People: O Jesus, help us see that we are the disciples you love, and you have given Mary, your mother, to us, too. We pray that we might allow the Spirit to give us life as sisters and brothers joined in mutual care. We love you, Jesus; bind us as one.
