Petition: O Lord, even during the final moments of your life and most painful suffering, your thought was to take care of us by giving us your mother. Open our hearts and show us how to love her as you do, and imitate her example of humility and love. 

1. Mary's Presence at the Cross 

Only John mentions Mary's presence at the foot of the cross. The other gospel writers mention other names: Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and Salome the mother of James and John. These women had followed Jesus during his public ministry and gave him aid in goods and service. "Afterward he went on through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means" (Lk 8: 2-4). Mary did not form part of this group of women, and this fact gives greater significance to Mary's presence now beneath the cross. Jesus singles her out to speak to her. His words from the cross reveal to us the meaning of Mary's presence according to the divine plan. 

Mary was present on Calvary of her own accord. She is there because she wants to be there. Very likely the other women, particularly her cousin, Mary the wife of Clopas, had made efforts to spare her the sight of the sufferings of her son. She had come to Jerusalem knowing that the Scribes and Pharisees were looking to put him to death. Mary's presence by the cross was not the mere result of a combination of circumstances, but proceeded from her firm determination to be there. No doubt she was led there by the Spirit, to be united with the dramatic destiny of Christ. 

2. John's Presence at the Cross 

John had been a follower of John the Baptist, showing his great spiritual sensitivity. When Christ called him he had left everything and followed the Master immediately. He had been radical in his surrender to Christ. He and his brother were known as "the sons of thunder" (Lk 9:52) and Jesus battled to correct their excesses and harness their energy. John was one of the three chosen apostles to witness special events such as the Transfiguration (Mt. 17) the raising of the daughter of Jairus (Mk 5: 37) and Christ's agony in the Garden (Mk 14: 32-42). A close, personal love grew between our Lord and John, and he was able to call himself in all simplicity "the disciple whom Jesus loved". This love allowed him to overcome his fear after he had run away, and come back to the foot of the Christ's cross. 

3. My Presence at the Cross 

We can realize now that what brought both Mary and John to be present under the cross was their love and loyalty to Christ. It brought our Lord great consolation in the midst of his passion to see this loyalty of his Mother and friend. Their presence cost them much suffering, a suffering united to his. 

To be there at the cross we must imitate Mary in her prayer and understanding of Christ. These allow us to hear God, they provide the light to walk our Christian path, and strengthen us so as not to flag on your journey. Let us make room in your hearts for prayer, and not spend all our time and thoughts on the vanities and frivolity of external things. This takes a certain amount of silence in our soul. 

Mary was also humble. She was favored with immense gifts, but accepted them in humility, "My soul glorifies the Lord." She was singled out for a special privilege and task, and she accepted it in obedience, "Be it done unto me according to your word". She was told to wait in the background when Christ started his public ministry, and from Cana she returns to Nazareth in humility and obedience. 

If we only had the spiritual maturity to be as docile to God! Then we would be at the foot of his cross, not somewhere else, doing what is easier and more pleasing. If only we had her integrity, to accept your limitations and our gifts, qualities and virtues humbly, then we would be at the foot of the cross with her. She was faithful even though than meant a sword would pierce her heart. 

And Mary seems to worry much less than we do. Her "yes" to God brings her peace, and she has the joy and confidence that comes from knowing she is in his hands. 

Questionnaire: To help you to examine your life, in the light of the inspirations God just gave you in these moments you shared with him. 

1. Have I come to appreciate that Mary, being "full of grace" is a true and perfect model of all the virtues? Have I thought about her example as I seek my call in life, trusting God and putting him first? 

2. Does Mary's example of loyalty and love help me to embrace my small daily cross? 

3. Do I think about the beauty of Mary's soul and her life, and am I proud that she is not only Christ's mother but mine also, through his gift?