Let's put ourselves in Mary's shoes for today's reflection...
I'm trying to get through the mob of soldiers towards my son. They won't let me through. He is being beaten by the soldiers as he struggles to stand up from the ground.
I look for a way out. There is an alley behind me that doesn't have anyone guarding it.
Thank you Lord! I pray
I zig zag through the mob of people standing in between I and the alley way. When I reach the opening into the street I push my way through the soldiers towards my dear son. Do not be afraid, Mary. The words spoken to me by the angel that announced that my son would be born on that special day 33 years ago, ring clear in my mind as I step closer towards my dear son.
They are still whipping him. Blood runs down his face from the piercing crown of thorns that the placed upon his head to mock him.
He sees me.
I try as hard as I can to push through the soldiers around him and at least touch him. They won't let me through. He reaches out a hand towards me, and locks eyes with me.
He grabs my arm. "I'm here," I say. He can't speak. He is in too much pain. The soldiers continue to whip him, forcing him to move on towards Golgotha. "I love you." I whisper as two soldiers pull me out of the street. Jesus twists looks over his soldier back at me. I know he knows what I said. My dear Jesus is now out of sight. I love him. My heart is breaking for him.
Do not be afraid, I hear again. I push out of the soldier's grasp and run back through the crowd in the alley to catch up with my dear son. God's son.
Think of your favorite person in the entire world. It might be a friend, a sibling, a parent. It could be anyone. Now put yourself and them in this scene and you will realize how much pain Mary endured on that day.
(and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Luke 2:35
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