- Feb 5, 2002
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As Christians we should look toward the image of the crucifixion as the most perfect example of the sacrificial love from which to learn. It is, as St. Maximillian Kolbe says, “the school of love.”
But this example of true, self-gift extends beyond Christ on the cross, and looks out toward his most Blessed Mother standing at his feet as he takes his final breaths. To me, this image exemplifies a beautiful and necessary facet of human love.
Mary did not let her son suffer alone; instead, she stood close enough to him during his final moments that his most precious blood probably showered down upon her. However, Mary did not stand as a mere observer of her son’s passion. Rather, because of her deep love for Jesus, Mary became a partaker in his passion. She allowed his sorrow to pierce her heart.
When you willingly choose to share in someone else’s cross, sympathy grows into empathy, and your capacity for intimacy with another deepens.
Continued below.
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But this example of true, self-gift extends beyond Christ on the cross, and looks out toward his most Blessed Mother standing at his feet as he takes his final breaths. To me, this image exemplifies a beautiful and necessary facet of human love.
Mary did not let her son suffer alone; instead, she stood close enough to him during his final moments that his most precious blood probably showered down upon her. However, Mary did not stand as a mere observer of her son’s passion. Rather, because of her deep love for Jesus, Mary became a partaker in his passion. She allowed his sorrow to pierce her heart.
When you willingly choose to share in someone else’s cross, sympathy grows into empathy, and your capacity for intimacy with another deepens.
Understanding Mary at the foot of the cross
Continued below.
Standing at the foot of another's cross
Mary’s love at the foot of the cross shows how entering into another’s suffering deepens intimacy and mirrors Christ’s sacrificial love.
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