John 19:26-27
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, 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 to his own home.
The Jewish culture is similar to most of our African cultures. Children, especially sons, have a responsibility of taking care of their parents in their old and vulnerable years. Jesus, being the firstborn son of Mary, took care of His own mother. Scholars suggest that Joseph must have died at some point, and that is why not much is said about him. This is highly likely, and that is why, at the end of Jesus’s life, it seems that He was the one taking care of his mother. Knowing that He was about to exit earth in His human physical nature, He ensured that His mother would still be taken care of. Thus, He passes the responsibility to John, His beloved disciple.
Jesus, as a man, can teach us something about responsibility. In a time when many of us who are Africans are revolting against the so-called ‘Black Tax’, the incarnate Son who became a son is a model for us. We bear a responsibility to take care of our parents when they are no longer able to take care of themselves. This might seemingly hinder us from achieving whatever dreams and goals we had set for ourselves, but it is a responsibility that we must undertake with honour. In fact, Jesus once rebuked the Pharisees for failure in this area:
He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God commanded, Honor your father and your mother,’ and, Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. (Matthew 15:3-6).
This is an interesting text because it shows that our giving to God is not considered if we fail to cater to the needs of our parents. In fact, it is interesting that Jesus applies the commandment to honour father and mother as providing for their material needs. Jesus took care of His own mother, and before He departed, He ensured that she would be taken care of. We, too, must consider the welfare of our parents, especially those who are unable to cater for themselves. On this one, both by teaching and example, our Lord leaves us no choice. We must be responsible!
Reflections
1. Do you have aged and vulnerable parents? Do you take care of them?
