Our most gracious advocate.

During the lenten season I was able to attend the Way of the Cross on some days. The way of the cross has 14 stations where we pray and meditate on Christ's sacrifice for us, the way to Calvary where he died on Cross.I don’t know what happened today; my eyes filled with tears at the fourth station.

It is where we meditate on the pinnacle of the pain of the Lord's mother (Mother Mary) where she meets her child suffering and carrying the cross. Haven't we all come across situations where the mental or physical agony of our beloved ones hurt us, perhaps more than they themselves?

Well, she experienced the same pain, throughout the whole journey, when she followed her son Jesus, all the way to Calvary.

If an unmarried female like me feel her pain this way, I wonder,how intense any mother could relate her pain.

And the fourth station also made me think of the greatness of the same lady who discerned Lord's voice even when she was very young. I notice with sadness and bit derision how much importance I give to other's opinion than Lord's opinion. And here, she, who a virgin,believed in providence and conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit when it was foolishness to any one else of the very conservative society in which she lived. What a strong faith! What obedience! What humility! What serenity in the midst of extreme adversities! Mother, how I admire you!

And as the one closest to Jesus here on earth and now in heaven who else can nurture us in his love than her? So with all the glory her creator has given, she appears in different parts of the world to direct us to the Lord's love, conveying the message of love, peace and joy.

Oh Holy Queen, our most gracious advocate, how joyful is to proclaim that you are the radiant temple of the Holy Spirit.