We adore You, O Christ, and bless You… because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, 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 into his home.
John 19: 25-27
When Mary stands at the foot of the cross of Jesus and watches him die, she is witnessing to the profound tension that we all carry at some point in our lives. Those moments of inexpressible grief and pain, and the helplessness we feel when we know we cannot immediately fix it … when we see our children and other loved ones endure pain or unjust suffering; when we witness the destruction and loss of life and property after a natural disaster; when we attempt to comprehend the toll of this pandemic on so many people who lost loved ones, livelihoods, purpose and joy in their daily lives.
And yet Mary willingly carried this tension and held space for it. She did not flee or numb herself to the reality of the pain she was witnessing and experiencing herself. Instead, she modeled for us what we are to do in our deepest moments of despair and helplessness.
We are invited to find our way to the foot of the cross, to weep, and to vulnerably share our most honest emotions with Jesus. Our Lord knew what his mother most needed in that moment… the care and protection of his beloved disciple, John. As we voice our prayers to Jesus, we know that He will bless us with what we need as well… whether it is patience, perseverance, or the kind and loving presence of a friend or confidante to witness to our pain. May we trust our Lord Jesus with our worries and fears, and humbly welcome the care and concern of loved ones who are willing to share them with us. And may God use us to be willing witnesses to the pain of our brothers and sisters as well.
Lord, grant us constancy that we may be willing to stand by those in need. Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be to the Father... Lord Jesus Christ, your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites heaven and earth, and reconciles all people to you. May we who have faithfully reflected on the mysteries of Your passion follow in your steps and so come to share your glory in heaven where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen. Lord Jesus Christ... crucified... have mercy on us. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
By Sara Carsten
Retreat During Daily Life 