By Nancy Jo Sullivan

 

 

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother ~John 19:25

 

As I read this passage from John’s Gospel, two words struck my heart: Mary stood.

Imagine for a moment that you are witnessing the unimaginable suffering of your child. Crucifixion would be too much for any mother to bear. I would probably collapse and curl into a fetal position. 

Where did Mary find the strength to stand? Perhaps the ponderings of her heart came to mind.

Did she remember the night of Jesus’ birth? Did she recall the swaddling clothes, the star, and the angels? Chosen years earlier to be the mother of the savior. Now, her child was about to save the entire world.     

At the cross, Mary’s feet were firmly planted on the hallowed ground of trust. The song she had once sung as a young mother was still in her heart; My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Three days later, when Jesus rose on Easter morning, Mary’s song must’ve taken on a whole new meaning.

At the cross, Mary stood. The reflective woman. The keeper of memories. The mother who pondered God’s faithfulness in her life.       

During these weeks of Lent, I invite you to follow in the footsteps of Mary. If you are facing a cross, try opening the treasure box of your heart. Take some time to ponder the past and the many ways in which God has been faithful. Stand on the hallowed ground of trust, as Mary did. Easter will be here soon.   

 

 

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