REFLECT:
My first encounter with Michaelangelo’s Pieta at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome left me breathless and unable to move.   Gazing upon our Blessed Mother holding the lifeless body of her Son and our Savior, Jesus, brings nothing but raw emotion to one’s heart.  What sorrow is in her eyes as she gazes on our Lord, who has been scourged, beaten, whipped and crucified – tortured for the sin’s of humanity beyond any imaginings.  But one can feel the tenderness, the mercy, the love and complete commitment that she has for Jesus, holding him that one last time.  What a gift that Jesus gives to the Church and to each of us on this Good Friday in one his final words before he dies on the Cross.  “Woman, behold your Son.  Behold your Mother.”  It is at that moment that Mary is given to the Church and to all believers in ever age.  She will never abandon us; she stands at the foot of our crosses and shares in our sufferings.  She holds us closely in her loving embrace.   She calls out to us every day – look at my Soni; do what he tells you; see what wondrous love he has for you.  Look to Jesus and be saved.

PRAY:
O dearest Mother Mary, O purest Virgin, O Lady of Sorrow, full of all hope and joy, be our constant guide and our help.  Hold us as you did your Son close to your heart.  Embrace us always with the mantle of your love.  Help us in our struggles and our sufferings, in our own weakness and despair.  Lead us by your saving hand to the loving heart of your Son, our Savior, so we too can find new life in Him.

ACT:
Pray a decade of the Rosary, reflecting on the Cross of Jesus, and ask our Lady for the gift of strong faith and deep trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.