Friday, April 18th

Scripture

Is 52: 13 -53:12
Ps.31: 2,6,12-13,15-17,25
Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9
John 18: 1-19: 42

Reflection

“Near the Cross of Jesus there stood his mother, his mother’s sister, and
Mary Magdalene…
and the disciple whom he loved.” Jn.19, 25-26

“Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they nailed him to the tree? Were you there when the sun refused to shine?” These questions from this African American hymn reverberate in our souls as they invite us to re-member the events of Christ’s passion in the NOW.

Were you there when the children in Gaza were dying of starvation? Were you there with those ill or elderly? Were you there with families crossing the border? Were you there where fracking of land and polluting of waters were underway? Do these and so many other sufferings cause your soul to tremble, tremble? These questions are not “Where were you?” said in accusation, but calls to be part of the compassion of the suffering Christ.

We desire to be there. We pray: “Mary, we place ourselves with you at your Son’s cross, asking you to help us to participate in the mystery of Christ’s life and death.”

Prayer

“Mary, we place ourselves with you at the foot of your Son’s cross,
asking you to help us to enter into the mystery of his life and
death; to dwell in his heart; to remain at his feet in an attitude of
listening and contemplation.“ (Martini, SJ)

Personal Challenge

Today I will “be there” participating in the mystery of the suffering
Christ in contemplation and loving action, insofar as I am able.

Sister Lucy Silvio
Baton Rouge, LA