At the Foot of the Cross

St. John with Mary at the Foot of the Cross

Think, if you will, for a moment on how St. John the Evangelist stood beside Mary, the Mother of Jesus at the foot of the cross. Our Sorrowful Mother, whose tears fell like rain as she witnessed the suffering of her Son, was granted the grace of John, who stood beside her during the Passion.

A favorite blogger of mine, also a singer and evangelist, Mark Mallett posts these thoughts today on the subject:

"JOHN, AND THE HIDDEN PREPARATION"

"During the years of Christ’s ministry, the Apostle John never imagined that he would one day stand beneath the Cross of Jesus. As it turns out, he was the only one of the Twelve who did. Why? Scripture notes that Jesus considered John the "beloved" disciple. And we see why at the Last Supper:

One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was lying close to the breast of Jesus. (John 13:23)
John had his ear to the Heart of Jesus. He heard Love whispering to him, a whisper which reached the depths of his soul in ways that He did not comprehend. It was this same apostle who later penned the words, "God is love."
John found strength to remain beneath the Cross while all the others fled, because he was prepared by the Heart of Jesus. For us Catholics, that is the Eucharist. But it is not just a matter of receiving the Eucharist on our tongues, but also in our hearts. For didn’t the betrayer of Christ also partake of the Last Supper?"

"John stood beneath the Cross with Mary. Perhaps it was seeing her strength, standing there alone, that drew him to her side. Indeed, Mary’s strength, her fortitude, her faithfulness, will always draw you to the feet of Jesus. And so brothers and sisters, take up the Rosary and pray; do not let go of our Mother’s hand. And with your whole heart receive her son, our Eucharistic savior. In this way, you will acquire the graces necessary to stand with Jesus in the days ahead…"

John was indeed a privileged soul. He is now in heaven beside his Mother once again, worshipping God without ceasing. He stood beside the cross when all the other disciples fled and as a reward recieved the Mother of God. Let us also stand beside this great saint and our Sorrowful Mother and recieve untold of graces that will allow us to know Him, love Him, serve Him and spend all eternity with Him in heaven.

Prayer

Do Thou, of Thy goodness, O Lord, cast Thy bright beams of light upon Thy Church; that being illumined by the doctrine of Blessed John, Thine Apostle and Evangelist, she may obtain eternal gifts. Almighty and everlasting God, give unto us an increase of faith, hope and charity, and that we may be worthy to gain what Thou dost promise, make us love what Thou commandest. Through Christ , our Lord. Amen+ (Source: My Daily Prayer, Confraternity of the Precious Blood, 1955)

Sub Tuum

We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God; Despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin Mary. Amen+