I chose to talk about the Blessed Virgin today, because it is the image of her on Good Friday that most resonates with me.
We know Mary pondered so many things in her heart throughout her life, so many things that were amazing or shocking or incomprehensible. But when her son most needed her, on his road to Calvary, she was present, watching him bleed and stumble, deserted by those who claimed to love him. It would have been easier for her to be at home, crying and grieving. But she was there… because she knew he needed her.
From John 19:25-27:
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.
Spend some quiet time today thinking about who needs your presence, even though the situation may be difficult for you. Contact this person and offer to take him or her to coffee or lunch or dinner or to get together in your home between now and Easter. If that won’t work, call the person and be present to what he or she has to say.
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