Look after orphans and widows in their distress.
In India, we often call people "son" or "daughter". Countless aunties have called me “beta” or told me, “You’re like a son to me!” and, similarly, I have told them, “Yes, aunty, you remind me of my mom.” It’s an endearing way to appreciate someone lovingly that makes sense in our culture.
The first time something like this happened to Jenny in India was when an older gentleman approached her in a shop and asked her a bunch of questions about where she lived and worked. She got a little spooked, politely cut the conversation short and left when he said, “You don’t have to be scared, I’m your father!” That freaked her out even more.😂
When Jesus told Mary, “Woman, here is your son,” referring to John, and He said to John, “Here is your mother,” referring to Mary (John 19:26-27 NIV), He didn’t just mean it in a loving, metaphorical sense.
Jesus told John to take responsibility for caring for His mother, and He told His mother John is from now on who I was to you; your oldest son who will take care of you.
Mary was a widow, which made her vulnerable in society. John’s task would have involved not just loving Mary like a mother, but actually, practically caring for her needs, looking after her health and ensuring her safety.
It’s a reminder that we, too, are called to tangibly and practically take care of the needs of others, especially those around us who are vulnerable.
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. – James 1:27 NIV
How can you be intentional today about caring for the practical needs of others? Do you know people who are especially vulnerable?
