Day Thirty-Nine: Love at the Foot of the Cross
Good Friday

Scripture Passage:
“Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved 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 into his home.”
— John 19:25–27

Opening Reflection:
Good Friday invites us to silence, awe, and sorrow—but also to profound love. On this day, as the Church contemplates Christ crucified, we are drawn into the mystery of a love so deep it endures abandonment, mockery, torture, and death. Yet, in the midst of this suffering, we find a striking image: Mary, the Mother of Jesus, standing by the Cross. Her love did not waver. Her presence became a living testament of hope, faith, and the tender strength of maternal devotion.

Meditative Reflection:
From the wounds Christ bore to the silent exchange between Him and His Mother, Good Friday unveils a love that embraces suffering without turning away. Tradition tells us of a hidden wound one not recorded in the Gospels on Jesus’ shoulder, where the Cross bit deeply into His flesh. This hidden pain, revealed in private revelation to St. Bernard, reminds us that much of Jesus’ suffering was unseen by the world but fully offered for our salvation.

And then there is Longinus the soldier who pierced Jesus’ side. The water and blood that poured forth did not condemn him; instead, they washed him clean. Touched by grace, he believed. The open side of Christ became a door to divine mercy, an invitation to all of us. Like Longinus, like John, like Mary—we are invited to stand close to the Cross, not to flee from it.

Mary did not need explanations or miracles. Her love was enough to keep her grounded in the agony. She did not flee, curse, or despair. Instead, she gave her Son the only thing she could in that moment: her presence, her love. And Jesus, even in His final hour, thought not of Himself, but of her. “Behold your son… Behold your mother.” These were not mere words—they were a gift to Mary, to John, and to us all.

To truly live Holy Week is to let our hearts break open at the foot of the Cross and to love as Mary loved: silently, faithfully, completely.

Reflection Questions:
Do I allow myself to stand still before the suffering of Christ, or do I avoid facing the Cross in my life? What does it mean for me to “stand by” someone in pain with love and presence like Mary? Do I believe that Christ’s love is personal, that even His hidden wounds were endured out of love for me?

Lenten Question
Q: Why is Good Friday “good” if it is so sorrowful?
A: Because on this day, Jesus accomplished the work of our redemption through His Passion and death. What appears to be defeat is actually the greatest victory the triumph of divine love over sin and death. His suffering opens for us the way to eternal life.

Lenten Action:
Spend time in prayerful silence today. If possible, participate in the Good Friday liturgy. Reflect on a crucifix, or meditate on one of Christ’s wounds. Pray the Seven Last Words of Jesus or keep a Holy Hour with Mary at the foot of the Cross.

Concluding Prayer:
Crucified Lord Jesus, You bore every wound, every insult, every drop of agony for my sake. You embraced even the hidden sufferings, the ones no one saw, so that no part of my own pain would be left untouched by Your love. At the Cross, You gave me Your Mother, and through her, an example of steadfast, fearless love. Give me the courage to stand beside You, not only today but always. Transform my heart through Your wounds, that I may love as You love and believe as Mary believed.
Amen.

Resources for Lenten Prayers and Reflections:

Daily Saints and Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Lenten Reflections | EWTN | https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/reflections/lent

Lenten Prayers and Daily Reflections | My Catholic Life | https://mycatholic.life/lent-prayers-reflections/