- photo by Susan PageThe season of Lent is when we focus on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The cruelty that took place before and during His death is hard to contemplate, sometimes nearly impossible. I recall closing my eyes in horror during scenes in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ.

I’ve been thinking about the anguish of Mary, the mother of Jesus. One of the hardest things for a parent to bear is watching their children suffer. I can’t imagine having to witness anything like what Christ’s cruel torture entailed. Like many moms, I’ve had my share of trips to the emergency room with my kids as well as a few hospitalizations. I recall being asked to restrain my youngest while an IV was being inserted into her temple. It was almost beyond me. Yet, that was a small thing compared to what the mother of our Lord went through.

In John’s gospel, it says that Jesus’ mother Mary was with a group standing within sight of the crucifixion.

We can assume they must have been quite close to the cross because we read “When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” Without going into the gruesome details, imagine a mother being that close to seeing, hearing, and experiencing her child’s torment.

Even in the most unimaginable moments of agony, Jesus took care of His mom. As only Jesus could do, He modelled care, compassion, and willing obedience to death on the cross, all because of His love for the world.

Jesus offered forgiveness even in the worst moments of His unjust and brutal punishment, all done on our behalf.

“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

How hard it must have been for Mary to forgive those who had so brutally murdered her much-loved son. Yet, she knew that Jesus was the Son of God who was sent into the world to free us from our sins. So perhaps, as difficult as it was, she too, in love freely forgave.

As we celebrate our Saviour’s death and resurrection, remember what Jesus taught and modelled. Through Christ’s love, may we also offer forgiveness wherever and whenever needed.

Susan Page is the daughter of the King, His beloved child, wonderfully forgiven and blessed! Susan longs to age gracefully, becoming more like Jesus as she seeks the hidden treasures revealed to her through Scripture, literature, the arts, humankind, and nature.