March 2009 - Vol. 28

The Word of Affection

“Mother behold your son; 
son behold your mother” 
– John 19:26,27

commentary and painting
by John Dunne

We cannot but be aware of the rich symbolism contained in this scene, as the mother of Jesus is placed into the care of the “beloved disciple” and John is likewise placed into the care of Mary.

In this work I have John looking up into the face of his friend and master, Jesus, who is in the final throes of dying. John holds the hand of Mary as he receives the last wishes of Jesus. This is the mother who has watched her son mature from the boy to the man. The one who has walked and talked with him even when others thought him mad. This was the mother who was present during the wedding at Cana and who ushered him into his public ministry. Here now, she is fulfilling the prophecy of Simeon “that a sword would pierce her own heart.” 


The Word of Affection, oil painting by John Dunne


Go to > Next page | Introduction |
Even at this moment of numbing pain, the son does not forget those he is leaving behind. He makes sure that the one who protected and was responsible for his welfare during his formative years will now be under the protection of his trusted friend John. John was later to resettle with Mary to Ephesus (in present day Turkey), away from the persecutions that would follow the death of Jesus. Tradition has it that it was there that John wrote his account of the life of Jesus, no doubt assisted by the memories of Mary. John’s account of the events and their possible meanings differ in many ways from the Synoptic accounts, but in relation to this particular event and of these particular words spoken from the cross the accounts match. John, however, viewed this man hanging on this cross in a different light, for here in his view hung the God-man. This man was no less than the Son of God! 

From John’s point of view the crucifixion beggars belief; how was it that God in his love for us was pouring out the life of his own son? Later on John would come to understand this self-emptying of God as love. Love for humanity. Love for you and me and love for his church.

And at this moment we have the first hint of that church.

For Mary would become the mother of the church and the early church would in turn confess her as the mother of God (theotokos, which means God-bearer) and the redeemer. By her prayers and association with the apostles she is truly the first in rank in the church and the arm of the church that provides its heart.

 Go to > Next page | Introduction |
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