But standing by the cross of Jesus was his mother…” (Gospel of John 19:25)
Mary went all the way to Calvary where she stood and endured the “sword” which pierced her own heart as Simeon had predicted (see Luke 2:33-35). She did not flinch nor turn aside. She persevered in faith, hope and most of all in love. As she stood on Calvary’s hill, she birthed Salvation a second time, for while the Father was giving his Son for the world, so she was giving her son.
The incomplete sacrifice of Isaac on Mount Moriah was completed and fulfilled on Calvary by the Lamb which God had provided (see Genesis 22). Like Abraham, Mary did not withhold her son, her only son. She was so trustingly anchored in love that she remained by Jesus. She did not faint, nor swoon, nor run away, but stood as she and her son both fulfilled the will of the Father. I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word (Mary – Luke 1:38). Abba, Father…not my will but yours be done (Jesus – Mark 14, Luke 22). Both were trustingly surrendered to the divine plan.
Oh, Lord: help me to so know you, to so trust you, to so love you that I am willing to stand by the “crosses” of my own children, as Mary did with her child. Holy Spirit, fortify me that I would be so entirely convinced of your love, goodness, wisdom and power that I can fully surrender my motherly desire to spare them suffering if that is not your loving plan for them. Help me, strengthen me by your grace, to persevere in prayer on their behalf; to bring them untiringly to you, Jesus, that you might in time speak your words of healing and touch them with your infinite love.
Lord, I entrust them to you, to your will and way for them no matter what it costs me. Be in me to live your life through me, to make me an icon of your love. Amen.
Note to readers: This post is especially for parents who anxiously watch their adult children making poor choices (or living with the results of those choices), who want to swoop in and inappropriately rescue them. Let us remind ourselves that our amazing God is able to cause all things to work together for their good – every mistake, even sin. HE has the last word and that last Word is Jesus.
Lessons From Love School 
I can only imagine the deep wounds that Mary was feeling. Even though she knew from the beginning her son’s destiny, there was no way for her to emotionally prepare ahead of time for the experience of the crucifixion. I cannot say that my strength would be as great as Mary’s but I am thankful to God that He chose a woman after His own heart.
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What an exceptionally beautiful prayer. Thank you.
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