“Woman, behold your son: behold your mother” (John 19:26)

This is the third word of Jesus from the Cross.  The first had been a prayer for his enemies; the second came a little nearer home when he made a promise to one who had been his enemy.  This third word brings him now to his nearest and dearest, to his blessed Mother and John the beloved apostle who, watching by him at the foot of the Cross, had a share in his sufferings.

It was the fearless love of Mary for her Son which brought her to Calvary, and it was her example which shamed St John into escorting her.  He could not allow her to go alone and expose herself to the sneers or insults of the mob.  And so they are together with Our Lord for his last hours on earth.