Mary “standing” at the foot of the cross (Jn 19:25) is the epitome of compassion. She’s the mother of a dying son, a nonviolent man struck down by violence, a condemned and executed political prisoner. She’s the companion of everyone who experiences loss and rejection, fear and hopelessness, but with courage, faith and hope remains standing. She doesn’t know how good will come out of this, but she KNOWS it will. That’s why she can stand instead of fall apart in grief.


