23rd Day — Mary Meets Jesus Carrying the Cross
Bearing His own cross He went forth to that place which is called Calvary. (St. John xix. 17.)
I. As the time of the Passion drew near, Mary's realization of the approaching sufferings of her Son became more vivid. The sword of Simeon pierced her heart as it had never done before. How could she endure to see her Son and her God outraged and ill-treated, insulted, and put to death? "Weeping, she hath wept in the night: there is none to comfort her among all them that were dear to her." (Lament, i. 2.)
2. At last the storm of anguish burst upon her. The apostles bring her the heart-breaking news: He has been seized by the Pharisees, insulted by the soldiers, dragged before Pilate, scourged, and condemned to the death of the cross. What a night and morning for the Mother of Jesus! Each moment full of an agony worse than death.
3. At last she could refrain no longer. She must go and meet Him Whom her soul loved. What a meeting must that have been! Her darling Son all masked in blood, toiling under the weight of the cross. Oh, holy Mother, who would not be moved with compassion? "Attend, and see if there be any sorrow like to my sorrow." (Lament, i. 12.)
O thou Mother! fount of love!
Touch my spirit from above.
Make my heart with thine accord;
Make me feel as thou hast felt;
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ my Lord.
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