Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Luke 1:30
Each year, on March 25, we honor Mary, who was honored by God and designated as a person who was filled with grace. This Annunciation Day is nearly always celebrated during Lent. I have a note on my calendar to walk the way of the cross, this year, with Mary on the road to Easter. I know she also carried her own heavy cross, for it had been predicted that a sword of sorrow would pierce her soul. The Lenten song again will ask, “Were You There?” I can be there spiritually with Mary when Jesus falls the first time under the cross and when he meets his mother. I can be present when Mary encourages Veronica to step forward and use her veil to wipe tears, blood and dirt from his face. On Calvary, along with the Apostle John, I can be there and wonder how painfully Mary must endure the torture and death of Jesus. Finally, walking with her down from Calvary, I can hear her faith-filled prayer, quietly saying that he will rise again.
Fr. James McKarns
Originally published in Living Faith Lent 2020
