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"Mother & Son" by Andrew Macdonald: The Unspoken Words of Love and Presence


Mother & Son is the tenth track on Andrew Macdonald's upcoming October release. Andrew was asked to reflect on the John19:26 at his church. 

Andrew Macdonald - Mother & Son"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 day on, the disciple took her into his home." - John 19:26–27(NIV)

Andrew explains: "We have so few words and yet I could not help but think of what else was happening between Jesus and His mother. It was the unspoken words and feelings, that I kept thinking about. This was a mother and her son in his last moments dying in such terrible circumstances." 

The song describes what happens when the Son's suffering meets a mother's unwavering gaze. It's a dialogue of presence more than explanation, grief answered by love, and silence filled with memory. In other words, the song imagines what Scripture left out between the lines… the shared glances that carry memories of all the times they had shared as an infant, a child, youth, and adult. A mother who witnessed His mission and watched all of the events unfold that ultimately led to this final hour. 

Instead of despair, this somber setting gives way to rising hope; but most of all, the faith that holds this moment together. The music is meant to do the same so there is a somberness to it, surrounded by the rising glory of what will ultimately happen. 

Why does this message matter? It's because presence is a ministry. Be there. Hold the gaze. Speak mercy when words are few. Listen for the promise that all things will begin anew, and then live like it. Press play, pray along, and share it.

(Related scripture: John 19:26-27; Isaiah 53:3; John 13:1)

Connect with Andrew Macdonald

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