Mary at the Foot of the Cross

Mary, at the foot of the cross, watching her Son hang lifeless, her sorrow like a sword piercing through her Immaculate Heart. She felt the loss of her Son, her only Son. She was all alone. Did she like what she was experiencing? I cannot think of anyone who would in her situation. My whole being must have been badly shaken. Everything she once knew, had, believed in, hoped in, etc must have all been threatened, blurred and lost in that moment of great sorrow and pain. Yet, Mary stood at the foot of the cross and chose to be ever faithful to the Will of the Father. She might not have understood all that had happened or accept the reason for all that was happening, and she probably did not know what life would be without her Son from then on; she must have had tons of uncertainty on top of the sorrow to cope with. Yet, Mary stood at the foot of the cross, surrendering her pain and sorrow to God, accepting all that she was experiencing and still keeping her faith in God as firm and immovable as the mountains. She put herself entirely into the hands of the Father, whom she trusts would take good care of her. She was steadfast in her trust in the love and faithfulness of God. And she accepted all her sufferings with hope, trust and obedience. 

As disciples of God, there are many times we try to build up a close and intimate relationship with God but experiences in life will overwhelm and throw us off track and affect our relationship with God drastically. There are times of emotional turmoil that destroy the spiritual consolation we once enjoyed. But, like Mary, we are invited to place our complete trust in God consistently and faithfully, to always stand at the foot of the cross of Jesus and remain there whether or not we feel close to Him or as if we've "lost" Him. And even though the "feeling" of closeness, peace and joy are not experienced in prayer, we still must continue to pray and trust that by the perfect and infinite love of God, He will certainly faithfully be with us every step of the way (whether or not we feel it), loving us and listening to our every need and prayer. He will never abandon us. That is His promise to us if we always abide in Him. Hence, let us, no matter what the experience, stand steadfast at the foot of the cross, set our eyes firmly on Him and pray for His blessings and graces to walk in His way of goodness and love. 

26 September 2010

9.28am