Today's reflection: the strength of the Immaculate Heart

Beside the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Maria wife of Clopa and Maria di Magdala. John 19:25

Once again, today, we look at this most sacred scene of the Mother of Jesus standing at the foot of the Cross. Note that John's Gospel says he was "on his feet".

There is no doubt that the human emotion felt by Mother Maria was extreme and intense. His heart was broken and wounded as he watched his dear Son hanging on the cross. But as she looked at him, she stood up.

The fact that she got up is significant. It is a small and subtle way in which this Gospel passage shows his strength in the midst of great personal pain. Nothing could be more devastating than for her to witness such brutality against those who loved him with all her heart. Yet, in the middle of this excruciating pain, he not gives in to his pain or fell into despair. He remained with the maximum strength, faithfully realizing the love of a mother until the end.

The strength of our Blessed Mother at the foot of the Cross is rooted in a heart that is immaculate in every way. His heart was immaculate in love, perfectly strong, perfectly faithful, steadfast in the determination and infused with unfailing hope in the midst of the earth's chaos. From the world viewpoint, the greatest possible tragedy was happening to his Son. But from Heaven's point of view, he was invited at the same time to demonstrate the pure love of her Immaculate Heart.

Only a heart that loved with perfection could be so strong. The hope, in particular, that she would be alive in her heart was impressive and glorious. How can one have hope and strength like this in the face of such pain? There is only one way and it is the way of love. The pure and holy love in the Immaculate Heart of our Blessed Mother was perfect.

Reflect today on the strength of the heart of our Blessed Mother. Looks of love he had for his Son, and let themselves be attracted by the awe of this pure love and holy. When you discover that the pain in your life is intense and overwhelming, remember the love in the heart of this mother. Pray that his heart inspires you and that its strength will become your strength as you try to deal with crosses and difficulties of life.

My loving Mother, draw me into the purity and strength of your heart. You were at the foot of the Cross, looking at your Son while he was being treated so cruelly. Invite me into your heart of perfect love, so that I can be inspired by you and strengthened by your glorious testimony.

My dear Mother, while you were at the foot of the Cross, have set an example for all people. There is no better place to be at the foot of the cross. Help me to never get away from the Cross, hiding in fear, in pain or despair. Deliver me from my weakness and pray for me that I may imitate the strength of your heart.

Precious Lord, while hanging the cross, let the love of your heart to join your mother's heart. Invite me in this shared love, so that I too may join to you in your grief and your suffering. May I never take my eyes off you, dear Lord.

Mother Maria, pray for us. Jesus I believe in you.