|
The beloved disciple is the other person in this
scene. "Given to Mary at the foot of the Cross, this disciple is the symbol
for all the faithful believing in the crucified Jesus. Jesus confides him to
Mary as mother of this disciple. All believers, men and women, are the
brothers and sisters of this disciple who welcome Mary as mother. They also
realize that Jesus has accomplished the will of the Father in heaven. The
disciple and Mary are to carry on this mission of Jesus as the community of
Jesus and the community of the Beloved Disciple and the Mother."[19]
What does all of this have to do with
reconciling love as the heading of this final section states? As we clearly
see in these passages from Luke and John, Mary's importance is indicated in
each of the passages. A disciple is one who does more than believe. A
disciple lives in love with her/his brothers and sisters. Luke's
presentation helps us realize that when a person accepts the living Word of
God, Jesus, that person is incorporated into a new family. John's gospel
helps us to further realize that once a disciple does what Jesus tells
her/him, the gift and strength of caring for other disciples is a charge and
a blessing given by Jesus. Mary, the preeminent disciple will show the way
to a life of love. When she stands by the cross of her dying Son, embraced
in the arms of the beloved disciple, any hate or anger over her Son's
execution is dissolved in this embrace of love. Isn't that the charge given
to the Church? "Live on in my love," Jesus has taught. Reconciling
relationships is central to living this commandment of love. Mary and the
beloved disciple stand at the cross as witnesses that God's gift to us is
strengthened in reconciliation. One author has offered this helpful
reflection, "The union of the beloved disciple with the Mother of the Lord
is the prefiguring and image of the charity of God's Church."[20]
Continue article on next page
Return to start of article
Article Pages
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
|
