Remain - The Thirteen Station

The Thirteen Station

Jesus is taken down from the Cross

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Mary watched on as her Son was tortured and crucified. She stood by Him all along the way and now, having Him taken down from the Cross, she can finally hold Him in her arms. A mother, holding her child, cold, bloody, bruised, dead. Her heart is pierced through, inflicted by a deep inconsolable sorrow. 

Why is there no anger in her? No hatred or resentment? Why is she not pointing her fingers and grinding her teeth at us? We who continue to scourge and nail Jesus to the cross by our sinful living? 

John 19:26-27

Seeing his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her, Jesus said to his mother, 'Woman, this is your son'. Then to the disciple he said, 'This is your mother'. And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home. 

Mary was obedient to God in her Son Jesus, to the point of accepting the motherhood of all of her own Son's murderers. She became the mother of all Man, loving and praying for us in all our troubles, and protecting us even when we do not realise that she is. Who among us can replace Mary in her great compassion and obedience? God has indeed chosen her to be our dear mother. 

REFLECTION

Can you feel the pain and sorrow of Mary as she beheld her Son?

How can you live life differently so as to console the pierced heart of Mary who continues to suffer with her suffering Son?

REMAINING WITH JESUS

Reflecting more deeply on this thirteen station in the Way of the Cross, and

Realising more deeply how you have continued to crucify Jesus and break the heart of Mary, will you choose to remain with Jesus as a consolation to Him?