The darkness and silence make me uneasy. I can hear Jesus’ slow and shallow breathing. I wish I could breathe for him, but that will only prolong his terrible anguish. The ground beneath the cross is soaked with the blood of the Sacrificial Lamb. That blood should be mine, not his. How can he love me this much?

Please stop crying, Mother. Your grief overwhelms me. Your Son is leaving you but I’m here. I’ll stay beside you, I promise.

Listen…Jesus is asking his Father to forgive his murderers. I’m one of them, aren’t I, Mother? Sorrow and devotion fill his eyes as he looks at you for the last time. Will you agree to his request? Will you take me as your child and give yourself to me as my mother? How can you love me this much?

I want to be yours forever. Mother, accept me as I am right now – a helpless, imperfect child. Through your love, transform me into the child my Father wants me to be.

Ecce Mater Tua. Behold, your Mother. Behold, your Mother.

Margaret Steinhage Fenelon, Via Crucis "Ecce Mater tua"

Foto: Pardo © 2007