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Gospel: 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 Magdalene.
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.
The Gospel of the Lord.
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The crucifixion of Jesus Christ was the most dreadful moment in world history. As the Gospels recount, “darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.”
Even the sun had to hide.
Humanly speaking, Jesus was a victim robbed of his friends, his dignity, and his life.
While Mary was robbed of her son.
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But Jesus and Mary were not only victims on Good Friday; they were also victors.
Jesus was a victor because he never reneged on his identity; even in the face of unimaginable torture, he would not back down from his claim, “I AM.”
He was also victorious because he died with love in his heart.
Not even spittle, thirty-nine lashings, thorns, or mocking cries from a Godless crowd could beat the love out of him. Rather, Jesus spent some of his final, precious breaths interceding for his guileless murderers.
“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”
Then drawing another fill of air, he turned to John, the only Apostle who did not abandon him, and said, “Behold your mother.”
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That is, behold the other victor of Calvary.
Mary did not give up in the face of torture, either. As seven swords of sorrow pierced her immaculate heart, she stood by the cross, clinging – not to understanding – but to faith.
“How can this be?” She must’ve wondered. The same question she asked the Archangel Gabriel more than 30 years prior. How could God allow this?
Still, she stood her ground.
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The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows reminds us that, even in the face of the most unimaginable loss, there is always victory to be found.
We are victorious when we do not allow life – or the circumstances we may find ourselves in – to rob us of our faith in God, the love he has poured into our hearts, or the dignity he bestows upon us as his beloved children.
May Jesus and Mary intercede for us, that we, too, would compete well, run this race of life to the finish, and keep the faith.
Then the victory is ours.
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Image credits: (1) Pieta, William Adolphe Bouguereau (2) Cristo Crucificado, Goya (3) The Resurrection, Piero della Francesca