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In more than three decades of my Christian life, I have been blest by 2 types of Daily devos'
(matter not exceeding 500 words) in universal Christian literature. Not only those Devos'
which have a different theme everyday but also the ones which revolve around a certain
theme over a period of time, say a fortnight, have richly edified me. In fact, both
styles have their own inherent advantages. If the former style caters to the varying
spiritual needs of a christian from day-to-day, the latter aims 'to ground'
a child of God in a certain subject in order he derives the full benefits of the
deep insightful study of a certain topic, spread over a fixed span of time.
In my Daily devo page, I have consciously tried to go in for 'a blend of both the
styles' whereby within a constant theme, I would be aiming to focus on different
facets of it which admittedly is a closer imitation of the 'Constant theme' style
than the 'Varying topics' one.
Having dwelt on the topic of Christian journey and the “Conquest of Canaan”
in the previous months, now in the month of March, considering that
we are in the season of Lent, I intend to focus on the subject- “Lent season”.
Once again, let me wish you a happy and an edifying read…
Suresh Manoharan
17th Lent Day
The filial responsibilty
When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby,
he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother."
From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.-
John 19:26-27
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If Jesus life was marked by fulfillment of many a prophecy, it was marked by fulfillment of the
Law too (in dying as a blemish less lamb for the sins of mankind, he was fulfilling
Leviticus 1:3-5, also see
Matt 5:17-19). So it follows that even at the point of death, being the
eldest son of the family, he would discharge his filial responsibility of providing for his parents
in line with the V Commandment “ Honor your parents”.
While Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus seems to have died even before Jesus started his
public ministry, Mary was to see and endure what Simeon had prophesied about
(Luke 2:34,35).
So there she was at the foot of the cross, seeing her innocent Son crucified. Though, his other
brothers like James and Jude (initially unbelievers but later destined to become great Church leaders)
were fully conversant with the “happenings in their own family” (I.e.… the death of their elder brother),
none of them were at the cross nor were other disciples of Jesus who had fled, all except John
(the youngest disciple), who would not care about the dangerous ramifications of identifying himself
with his master. For that reason alone, more than anyone else, he possessed the qualification of taking
care of Jesus’ precious mother, so it is to him, Jesus’ hands the responsibility of providing for his mother.
Oh what an example of being alive to filial responsibility even at the time of death!
Doubtless, John along with Salome his mother and Zebedee his father was a great source of
comfort and security to Mary, from then on.
Prayer:
Father, you in your Divine wisdom have chosen parents for us, who brought us up
lovingly from childhood, at a time we couldn’t take care of ourselves. Enable us to be faithful
children who would honor their parents , at all times. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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