Follow Her Gaze

You have no idea who you are
But there is one who teaches
Linger for a moment in the light
Patience, follow her gaze

Unguard your wounded heart
Honor her with fragrant words
She has been expecting you
Watching out for your soul

Obey the wordless teaching
And voice the silent prayer
She gives her hand at the gate
There with you to enter in

David Dickens, Nothing Hypothetical blog

In the Gospel of St John, when Christ was crucified, His mother was there, watching. The youngest disciple, St John, was standing with her. In the extremes of His agony, the Lord took the time to provide for her because He was her only Son. He looked at "the disciple He loved" and said, "Here is your mother." And from that day on, the Theotokos lived with John. (John 19:25-27)

Now, if she had had other children by Joseph, Jesus would not have had to arrange for her care. One of her other children would have done it. Apparently, she did not and so He arranged for John to care for her so that she would not be without care in her old age. He had done much the same for the widow of Naim by raising her son from the dead. (Luke 7:11-15)

The Gospel, however, makes it a point to use the phrase, "the disciple Jesus loved". Who is that? If we take the words only literally (as some do) we can answer that question simply with the name John. But then again, am I not also one of the disciples of Jesus? He said He loved me as the Father loved Him and greater love has no man than he lay his life down for his friends. (John 15:9-13)

So that would make me also "the disciple who Jesus love[s]."

Should I not also take her into my home as well? How will I call her blessed as she prophecied that all generations would do (Luke 1:46-48) if I do not? Why do many people ignore the one whose "fiat" gave the Lord entrance to bring salvation? He would not have imposed Himself on her. She gave her consent, "Let it be unto me according to the Lord's will." (Luke 1:38)

It's not dangerous to regard the Theotokos with respect and reverence. She always points to Christ--He alone is the Way the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). She always and only says, "Do what He tells you." (John 2:5). If you follow her gaze, she looks to Him. She points at Him.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

Relevant Reading
Luke 1:38
Luke 1:46-48
Luke 7:11-15
John 2:5
John 14:6
John 15:9-13
John 19:25-27