Good Friday 2023

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved 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 into his home.

As we stand before the cross of Jesus on this Good Friday, we are reminded of the immense love and sacrifice that Jesus showed for us. But we are also reminded of the love and sacrifice of those who stood by him in his hour of greatest need, including his mother Mary.

In this passage from John's Gospel, we see Jesus entrusting his mother to the care of his beloved disciple. It's a moment of profound love and compassion, as Jesus ensures that his mother will be taken care of after his death.

But it's also a moment that speaks to the importance of community and connection in our own lives. Just as Jesus entrusted his mother to the care of his disciple, we too are called to care for one another, to support each other in times of need, and to build relationships that sustain us through the ups and downs of life.

As we reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus on this Good Friday, let us also reflect on the love and sacrifice of those around us, those who stand by us in our own moments of need. Let us give thanks for the community that surrounds us and ask for the strength and courage to be there for others in the same way.

And let us remember that, even in the darkest moments of our lives, we are never alone. Just as Jesus entrusted his mother to the care of his beloved disciple, he entrusts us to the care of one another, giving us the strength and support we need to face whatever challenges come our way.

May we take this message of love and community with us as we leave this Good Friday service, and may we continue to build relationships of love and support in our own lives.