Seven Last Words: Behold Thy Mother

"Woman, behold thy son... Behold thy mother" (John 19:26-27) is the third of the Seven Last Words. From the Cross, Jesus gave His mother to the beloved disciple John, and the Church has always understood that in John He gave Mary to all of us as our spiritual mother.

This short meditation accepts that gift personally and asks Mary to be a mother to us now and at the hour of our death. It is a good prayer on Good Friday, on the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15), before an act of Marian consecration, and for anyone who has lost their mother or longs for a mother's care.

The Prayer

"Woman, behold thy son... Behold thy Mother." O Jesus, I accept Mary as my Mother. Mary, be a mother to me now and at the hour of my death. Amen.

Sources: Traditional Seven Words devotion; classic Passion manuals, public domain.

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