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Explanation for:
Matthew
27
:
55
And there were there many women afar off, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The women, particularly those with deep compassion and mourning hearts, observe these occurrences closely. Behold their fervor! They accompanied Him in service and remained by His side even through peril. Consequently, they witnessed everything: they saw Him agonize, surrender His spirit, the rocks tremble, and all the other events unfolding. They were the first to encounter Jesus, whom many scorned, and they were the first to appreciate the blessings of His presence. In this, their bravery shines forth. While the disciples fled, these devoted women stayed near."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The women provided their teachers with nourishment and garments from their own resources, adhering to Jewish tradition. This behavior was not aligned with Gentile customs and could potentially lead to temptation among them. Paul himself notes that he did not conform to this practice: \\"Or have we not authority to have a sister wife as a companion, even as the other apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?\\" (1 Cor. 9:5). These women supported the Lord from their means, deriving benefits from His spiritual grace in return. This should not imply that the Lord of all lacked the means to provide for His sustenance; rather, He took the opportunity to impart teachings to them. Consider the companions He chose—Mary Magdalene, from whom He expelled seven demons; Mary, the mother of James and Joseph; her aunt, the sister of Mary, Jesus' mother; and the mother of the sons of Zebedee, who had previously sought a place for her children in the kingdom. Other women were also present."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Many women observed from a distance, having journeyed with Jesus from Galilee, serving Him by meeting His needs. They formed the support system for the disciples, gathered around the Mother of God and contributing to the necessary provisions. It's important to recognize the contrast in their actions: while the disciples were dispersed, these faithful women remained steadfast."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"They gazed from a distance, undoubtedly held back by the Roman soldiers surrounding the cross. From that vantage point, they observed their suffering Master and Lord, feeling deep anguish within their spirits. Despite being far away, their eyes were fixed on the scene, even as the disciples dispersed."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Gumilevski)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896f4b6fd32caa244b5d7_Philaret%20(Gumilevski).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"At the foot of the cross of Jesus stand His mother, her sister, Mary of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene (Jn. 19:25, see there about the Mother of God). Who are these women, companions of the Mother of the Most Sweet? Mary of Clopas was wed to Cleopas, also known as Alphaeus (Mk. 3:18), and she was the mother of Josiah and James the Less, the Saviour's maternal cousins (Mk. 15:40). Mary Magdalene, having been miraculously liberated from sin and unclean spirits (Mk. 16:3; Lk. 8:3), became a devoted follower of the Saviour. She traveled with Him on His journeys and provided for Him with what resources she had (Lk. 8:3, 4). It was this same holy affection that brought her to the cross. Close to the cross, we find Salome, the wife of Zebedee and mother of the Apostles James and John (Mk. 15:40), along with other women who had accompanied the Saviour from Galilee to Jerusalem (Mk. 15:41; Lk. 23:49). Were any of the Apostles present at the foot of the cross? Only one disciple, whom Jesus loved, was there, namely John; his love compelled him to leave the high priest's court for Golgotha, and it strengthened him to remain at the cross of Jesus despite the threats posed by the enemies of Christ. Were there any other disciples at the cross? What of the zealous Peter? Or the doubting Thomas? Was Judas, the seeker of God's vision, present? The Gospel writers reveal no one else at the foot of the cross except for John. According to Thomas, one might argue he glimpsed Jesus at Golgotha, yet only after His side was pierced and His body lay lifeless. St. Chrysostom notes that \\"the weaker sex was then courageous\\"; while the disciples fled, these faithful women remained."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Among those dear to the Lord, specifically His apostles, only John was present at the foot of the cross. It appears that their fear eclipsed their love during the harrowing moments of His crucifixion. Peter carried his own burden, weeping in isolation. However, the devotion of the holy women, who were disciples of Christ, triumphed over their fears. They were unable to draw near the cross due to the Roman soldiers stationed there, yet they observed their suffering Lord from a distance, enduring anguish in their hearts. There were numerous women watching from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, serving Him wherever opportunities arose; among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom the Lord had cast out seven demons, and Mary, the mother of James and Joseph (as noted by St. Chrysostom and Blessed Theophylact, who refer to the Virgin Mary this way because James and Joseph were the sons of Joseph from his previous marriage; other interpretations suggest she was the spouse of Alpheus or Cleopas, related to the Mother of God), along with the mother of the sons of Zebedee, who was the mother of the apostles James and John, Salome. And what of the chief priests and elders of the Jewish people? Did they grasp the significance of the events unfolding around them? Were they moved by at least a sense of fear? The centurion witnessed Christ’s foretelling of Jerusalem’s sorrowful fate, heard His intercession for those who crucified Him, and His divine response to the penitent thief, all while being astonished by His serene demeanor amidst the derision. He recalled that even Pilate had found no fault in Him, and deep reverence filled his spirit."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In the face of the scorn and ridicule directed at Jesus by His adversaries on Golgotha, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James (Mary of Cleopas), and the Apostle John fearlessly drew near to His Cross. Some, like Archbishop Innocent, suggest that they only approached during the darkness, contending that prior to this, it would have been too perilous to openly show their love for Jesus and that the Theotokos might have faced harsh mockery if identified by those opposed to her Son. However, this interpretation seems implausible. It is difficult to accept that Our Lady observed her Son’s suffering from a distance; rather, the compassionate heart of a mother yearned for Him in His time of anguish, surrounded by hostile enemies, with no one else to share His suffering. Anyone can understand the pain of enduring trial in the company of foes, with no one nearby to alleviate the mental torment of the afflicted; but a mother's heart comprehends this struggle more profoundly and is driven by love rather than fear of danger. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that once the soldiers completed their task and took position to watch over Jesus, John promptly guided the Mother of God through the crowd, followed by Mary Magdalene and Mary Cleopas, and they collectively stood at the foot of the Cross, disregarding all potential threats. Initially, it is likely they positioned themselves where Christ might not discern them, perhaps because the Cross was encircled by hostile onlookers, leaving no space to draw closer. But as the enemies’ malice waned and they began to disperse, Our Lady and John—who remained close to her—immediately advanced so that Jesus could see them.\\n\\nWhen Christ departed from this world, His Blessed Mother was left alone with no one to care for her. Joseph was no longer with them; the so-called brothers of the Lord, who were sons of Mary Cleopas, were not part of His disciples or followers. Therefore, upon seeing His Mother and His beloved disciple beside her, Jesus felt a sense of relief in entrusting John with her care, addressing her with the words, “Woman, behold, your son,” (John 19:26) and indicating John with His gaze. Then, turning to John and gesturing towards His mother, He said, “Behold, your mother!” (John 19:27). John later confirms this event, adding that from this moment, he took her into his home and tended to her as a son would care for his mother (John 19:27). \\n\\nThe Gospel accounts by Matthew and Mark recount the women present at the crucifixion observing from a distance but fail to mention the Mother of God (Mark 15:40-41), leading us to consider the possibility that she may not have been there at the moment of her Son's death. Jesus may have chosen to shield His Mother from the profound anguish of witnessing His suffering on the Cross and, through a glance, signaled to John to take her away. Yet, it also seems plausible that John escorted Our Lady from the scene only to return, as he later describes the events following with the assertion, \\"And he who saw testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he speaks the truth\\" (John 19:35). It is hard to imagine that John would have taken the Blessed Mother into his home and then left her alone during such a harrowing moment. Therefore, enough evidence suggests that Our Lady remained close to the Cross until its conclusion or at a small distance from it. \\n\\nThe gathering onlookers bore witness (Luke 23:35). But where were the other apostles, aside from John? Where were those steadfast companions of Christ, who had resolved to accompany Him on His final journey to Jerusalem, prepared to die with Him? Where was Peter, who had boldly declared he would lay down his life for Him? In that moment of despair for their Master, whom they had recently acknowledged as the Son of God, where were they? Meanwhile, Judas lingered at a distance, distraught (see Matthew 27:5). But what of the remaining ten apostles? Where were those whom Christ called His friends during their last conversation (John 15:15)? The Gospels do not provide answers, but by reflecting upon the preceding and following events, we can infer the mindset of the ten apostles who fled.\\n\\nThe Apostles, alongside the Jews of that era, envisioned the Messiah as a conquering King who would defeat the Roman oppressors and rule over all nations, establishing Jewish dominion. Such misapprehensions about the Messiah's purpose were deeply ingrained and despite Christ's repeated assertions that His kingdom was not of this world, the apostles struggled to abandon these hopes. They aspired to positions of prominence in this anticipated Kingdom, engaging in disputes over who would occupy the most esteemed seats. Even the “sons of thunder,” John and James, audaciously requested to be granted places of honor by Jesus in His kingdom. Their unwavering faith in the envisioned triumphant reign of the Messiah clouded their perception, yielding disbelief regarding Jesus’ predictions of suffering, death, and resurrection. They could not reconcile their expectations of an all-powerful leader with the notion of suffering and death. How could the Messiah endure such anguish? How could He die? No; He was meant to reign eternally, so death was inconceivable. Yet they found no resolution to the paradox of resurrection if the Messiah could not perish. This conundrum was beyond their comprehension, and they did not endeavor to solve it.\\n\\nThey were perplexed by Christ’s delay in establishing His kingdom and may have wondered why He resisted the chance to claim His kingship when the fervent crowds sought to elevate Him forcibly to Jerusalem. Their hopes began to wane by the time Jesus embarked on His final journey, especially as they had urged Him against going, fearing the certain demise they believed awaited Him. Even if they entertained the possibility of His death, this was only because faith in Him as the Messiah had begun to erode. However, love for Him as a Prophet compelled them to follow. When Thomas exclaimed, “Come and we will die with Him!” they all acquiesced. \\n\\nThe jubilant entry into Jerusalem reignited the apostles’ hopes for the glorious kingdom, though the subsequent rift between Jesus and the ruling authorities, along with the people’s growing disillusionment, plunged His friends back into sorrow. When Jesus was bound and put on trial as a criminal, they all betrayed Him in fear, with the most ardent of them denying Him thrice and shrinking from even invoking His name. Even in the wake of these occurrences, they clung to the hope that some miracle would extricate Him from the ignominious fate that loomed and that He would then, in triumphant glory, establish His kingdom. This hope likely motivated them as they approached Calvary but ultimately proved fruitless. For not only did Christ refrain from using His miraculous powers to avert death, but He even prayed for those who executed Him.\\n\\nWhen He was crucified, the malicious taunts of the Jews rang out—“If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross”— did not doubt seep into the hearts of the apostles? Did they not internally implore, “Lord! If You truly are the Son of God, descend from the cross and manifest Your kingdom! All will believe in You. O Lord! Do not delay. Come down from the cross, come down!” If the Cross posed a significant temptation to many who were prepared to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, did it not equally challenge the apostles? Did it not plunge them into sorrow, despair, and confusion? Watching their crucified Master from a distance, longing for salvation that never came, they could descend into utter hopelessness. Their cherished visions of a radiant kingdom had crumbled; the prospects of prominent roles within that Kingdom seemed lost forever! How often they had considered that kingdom close to attainment, and wondered what would be afforded them for leaving everything to follow Him? And Christ’s answer—that when He ascends to His Throne of glory, they too would occupy twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel— was now but an echo of unfulfilled promise. Their failure to grasp the true essence of this proclamation resulted in melancholy as they lamented, “Where are these promised twelve thrones? Where is Jesus' Throne of Glory? Is it not this cross? Will we not share in His fate? Will we not face crucifixion as His disciples, as those aligned with Him? Why has He led us to such an unbearable state? Why speak of thrones when He has met the Cross instead of the Kingdom of Glory?” \\n\\nThose cries of doubt, despair, vague hope, and finally, desolation tormented the hearts of the ten apostles who sought refuge amidst the crowd around Golgotha. They had yet to grasp the significance of the unfolding events; they were unaware that it would only be through Christ's death and resurrection that He would triumph over the world. They had certainly forgotten His farewell words: “Take heart! I have overcome the world!” It was only post-Resurrection, when the Holy Spirit descended upon them, that their hearts, previously hardened, were softened and their minds, clouded by misguided teachings regarding the Messiah’s kingdom, were illuminated. Only then did they comprehend fully and boldly proclaim the risen Christ, grounded in faith and conviction.\\n\\nThus, as we attempt to fathom the psyche of those apostles gazing helplessly at their crucified Master from a distance, we should not deride their doubts and disbelief nor lament the circumstances as they were. It was the Father’s divine intention to guide the apostles toward unshakeable faith amidst their persistent uncertainties, which might even seem offensive to us. Only when they arrived at a conscious belief in Jesus Christ as God incarnate could they become powerful heralds able to confront the pagan world. Therefore, all their doubts, disillusionment, and despair were part of God's purpose. \\n\\nAnd the spectators remained, observing (Luke 23:35). As sinners, let us also gather at the foot of the cross of our Lord! Let us mentally position ourselves at the base of the Suffering Servant, the only sinless One who offered Himself as an atonement for the world’s transgressions. May we stand and hear the voice of Christ from the height of His Cross, nearly nineteen centuries post His sacrificial act. Can we perceive how He prompts us to remember the commandment given to the apostles during His final discourse with them? “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34). Do we hear Him imploring, “Do you love one another? Do you remember that there is no greater love than this, that a man lays down his life for his friends” (John 15:13)? “By this, all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Do we recollect His commands and abide by them?\\n\\nWhat shall we say to the Lord who suffered for our sake? Do we dare assert that we remember His commandments and love one another in the manner He loves us? Rather, let us profess, “Lord, You know all things; You know if we truly love You and adhere to Your commands. You are aware, O Lord, how the enemy sowed confusion among us and garnered a bountiful harvest. You see, Lord, our hearts are not brimming with selfless and forgiving love but rather filled with self-interest, pride, spite, and hatred. You witness how some who call themselves Christians adore only their own selves, forging idols of them, sacrificing everything—including the happiness and well-being of their neighbors—on their altars. \\n\\nYou know that worldly ideologies champion personal desires over obedience to God, even when such desires entail the misfortune or death of others. You see how nations wage war against one another, how countless souls perish in excruciating suffering, their blood pooling in rivers...! Do we dare to assert before You, O Lord, that we adhere to Your commandments, and that we are called Christians for just cause? No! By our actions—by substituting Your divine commandments with worldly teachings—we inflict upon You immense anguish; we crucify You again upon Your Cross, O Lord! \\n\\n“Come, all who believe in our Lord Jesus Christ! Come to the base of His Cross, all who remember His covenants. Let us kneel before Him, and with penitent tears, beseech Him, ‘May all malice, enmity, and hatred within us fall silent. Let our hearts blaze with love for You and for each other. May You help us acknowledge our spiritual poverty and moral frailty in stark contrast to the perfection we should aspire to. Grant us strength to be reborn into new life and to commence the construction of the Kingdom of God anew. May You sanctify us through the Holy Spirit, and may we all be united, one with You! Amen.’\\n\\nBut those who were acquainted with Him, including the women who had accompanied Him from Galilee, stood at a distance and observed (Luke 23:49). Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and Joseph, and Salome, the mother of James and John, who had followed Him and served Him, along with others who journeyed to Jerusalem with Him. John the Evangelist mentions that Mary Magdalene and Mary Cleopas stood together with the Blessed Mother at the Cross; hence, if Evangelist Mark notes that at the moment of Jesus' death, Mary Magdalene and Mary Cleopas were positioned afar, we must conclude that they had moved back from the Cross by that time."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The adversaries of the Crucified were not the sole individuals present at the cross. Among them were those whose hearts were burdened with grief for the Divine. The One who Suffered. In the distance, a group of women gazed upon Him with a mix of horror and deep compassion. Many of these women had attended to His needs in Galilee and had journeyed from there to the festival with fellow Galilean worshipers. Among this fearful assembly were His mother Mary, Mary Magdalene, Mary the wife of Clopas, the mother of James and Joseph, and Salome, the wife of Zebedee."},{"author-name":"Makkaveiski N.K.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In this very crowd gathered near the cross, there exist hearts aflame with deep devotion to the Lord. Among them are His mother, His cherished disciple, and a few women from Galilee. Yet, despite their love, they fear to approach the cross, remaining silent while mockery and scorn echo around them. Therefore, not a single expression of compassion or comfort, nor a single tender word of affection can be heard by the Lord Jesus Christ during these harrowing moments."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"All those who were familiar with the Lord, along with numerous devout women who had supported Him from their resources and had accompanied Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, observed from a distance the unfolding events. Among those eager spectators mentioned by the holy Evangelists were Mary Magdalene, Mary the wife of Clopas, sister of the Blessed Virgin, the mother of James the lesser and Joses, and Salome, the mother of James the greater and John, the sons of Zebedee. As Salome beheld the cross and the Lord who had been crucified upon it, she was filled with profound grief as she recalled her earlier request for prestigious positions for her sons in the temporal realm of Christ (Matthew 20:21). Now, in her sorrow, she recognized the cup of suffering and the baptism of death that the Divine Teacher had spoken of to her and her children (v. 22). The duration of suffering mirrored the seven days of creation. The equinox marks the commencement of time at creation, a moment when day and night were in balance. The full moon was established on the fourth day, following the equinox. On the sixth day, humanity was created. This period of creation has been chosen as a time of renewal, symbolized by the equinox, the full moon on the fourteenth day, and the day of mankind's creation. Simultaneously, the Lord surrendered Himself to suffering: Father, the hour has come (John 17:1). The Saviour endured the crucifixion during those very moments that Adam spent from consuming the forbidden fruit to the day of judgment - from the 6th hour to the 9th: But the hour was as the sixth, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour (Luke 23:44). We understand this time to be from noon until 3 PM. The sun is at its peak, yet suddenly it dims and the constellation of Aries begins to shine in the sky. Adam sought divine elevation, while the Lord, as the God-man and the new Adam, descended to earth to uplift humanity. Through Christ's passing, redemption was fulfilled, the shadow of sin was dispelled, and the sun shone once more. Not only did the sun and moon return to their brilliance, but the entire celestial tapestry during the crucifixion mirrored the scene at the creation of humanity on the sixth day of creation, which was also a Friday. The moment of humanity's re-creation occurred at the same time as the original creation. This marks the fulcrum of time. On the fourth day (Wednesday), the sun and moon were created, and on the sixth day, which is Friday, humanity was made. In the re-creation of man, the Lord harmonized the phases of the full moon, Friday, and the Jewish Passover into a single day. From this understanding of the center of time, it is reasonable to surmise that the equinox also shared this temporal significance. Thus, the initial period of creation—the equinox, along with the six days of creation—converged upon the day of the Saviour's suffering—Friday, the day of the Jewish Passover. The first hour reminds us of Jesus Christ being led from the Sanhedrin to His trial before Pilate and the tortures He endured in the Praetorium. The troparion for the first hour states: ‘In the morning, hear my voice, O my King and my God’. By the third hour, the Church commemorates the Messiah's ascension toward His crucifixion: it was at the third hour that they crucified Him (Mark 15:25). By the sixth hour, through the Saviour's suffering on the cross, humanity was liberated from the bondage of the devil, prompting the Church's prayer: ‘And He who on the sixth day and hour, on the cross, resolved the boldness of Adam's sin in paradise, and abolished the decree of our transgressions, O Christ God, save us’. At the ninth hour, the Lord prayed and surrendered His spirit to the Father (Matt. 27:46-50). In that same hour, He was pierced in the side by a spear, causing blood and water to flow from His wound. At the ninth hour, the Church prays in remembrance of the Saviour’s death and suffering: ‘He who tasted death in the ninth hour for our sake, who in the flesh experienced death, put to death our flesh; O Christ God, save us’. Thus, the first, third, sixth, and ninth hours encapsulate the redemptive moments of the Friday of the Cross of Jesus Christ. On that fateful day, the Easter of the prefigured met the Easter of the fulfilled promise. The sacrifice was made. Redemption was achieved. Adam was freed from hell. The devil was defeated. Eternal death was vanquished. The gates of heaven were opened to all. ‘Christ is risen!’ the angels proclaimed to Christ’s disciples at the dawn of the eighth day, which is the first day of the week following the Sabbath. This day symbolizes the first day of creation and the eighth day, signifying the timeless, eternal Kingdom of God."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Society of Jesus found itself in a most dire predicament after losing Him. His disciples abandoned Him and scattered as soon as the soldiers arrived at Gethsemane to arrest Him. At the time of Christ's agony, many may not have even been in Jerusalem. Among the two who followed Him to the site of His trial, one was burdened with guilt over his betrayal, while the other, bearing witness to His final moments, shared in the profound sorrow of His inconsolable mother. Shall we reflect on the unfortunate betrayer who soon regretted his actions and took his own life? These were the heirs to the twelve thrones of the kingdom established by their Savior, tasked with judging the twelve tribes of Israel! This prospect seemed incredibly remote to them now. Their thoughts were consumed by the sense of having been separated from Jesus, and thus from everything; a grief even more acute as it intertwined with painful self-reproaches. Each one was acutely aware that he had lost everything through Jesus. Their aspirations for the glorious kingdom of the Messiah were shattered like fragile glass. They no longer found joy in such dreams; they were at a loss regarding how to escape their situation. Their faith in Jesus, along with His glory, had been obscured, leaving them without the miraculous powers that this faith once bestowed. There was a void in their spirits, a lack of miraculous strength in their actions, and no help from influential allies or resources to ensure their safety. Everything had been taken from them with the Master’s descent into the grave. They could expect nothing more from their fellow countrymen than a similar fate. Having spent such time in close fellowship with their Divine Master, they had nurtured a genuine love for Him in their hearts. How could they not love Him? How passionate was His love for them! How gracious He was towards them! The essential teachings He imparted were life-giving, and He defended them against the onslaughts of His adversaries (Matthew 12:2, 3, etc.). He cared for them even on the brink of His undeserved suffering (Lk. 22:36, 31, 32. Jn. 13:18, 19; 18:8, 9-11)! Who could possess enough love to fully repay Him for His own? Would it not be more heartless than stone to remain indifferent? His heart was fully open to His disciples; to them, He revealed all mysteries. As their Lord, He treated them as friends. And now, with Jesus gone, could they still take solace in the belief that they had behaved rightly towards Him? May each one at least reflect inwardly: I remained faithful to You, Divine Teacher, until the very end, sharing all things with You, and only an external force conquered us, seizing You from our grasp. Yet, conscience compelled them to admit: you were not deserving of His continual presence. The memories of the anguish inflicted upon Him on that final night lingered, particularly when He foretold that one of them would deny Him three times before dawn; they all proclaimed, “No, it cannot be” (Matthew 26:35). What were they like when Jesus was taken? They were willing to abandon their last garments to escape the clutches of His persecutors (Mark 14:51). The more He called some of them closer to share in their troubled thoughts, the less they grasped the gravity of the situation. He urged them to pray alongside Him—they fell asleep. He sought to impress upon them the urgency of the impending trials—they failed to comprehend Him (Luke 22). He spoke of the sufferings that lay ahead within just a few hours—and they disagreed among themselves over who among them would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Ultimately, was it not one of them who betrayed Him? Thus, every source of comfort and glimmer of hope was consumed by the heavy sorrow stemming from the absence of their Master, particularly in the agonizing hours following the dreadful events at Golgotha (Mark 16:10). The time foreseen by Jesus during the Last Supper had arrived: you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice (John 16:20); you will seek Me, but you cannot come where I am going (John 13:33). Gradually, they began to gather, yet in each other's company they found no relief, as they shared their grief with one another as well as loneliness. Other individuals connected to Jesus could not avoid sharing their despair, especially the Blessed Virgin, who had witnessed His suffering on the cross and mourned deeply for her beloved Son. The prophecy of Simeon had come to pass: a sword pierced her soul. Each drop of Jesus' blood struck her heart and burned like fire. The humiliation and disgrace He endured, placed among the lawless, was particularly agonizing for her, as she had known even before His birth that He was the Son of God, and had anticipated that all nations would honor her for His sake. The compassionate Son, fully immersed in suffering, sought to spare His mother from observing His final agonies; yet, this act provided little relief from her anguish. The mother of the Apostles James and Judas, along with Salomia, the mother of James and John, were likely in the company of the Blessed Virgin at John’s residence in Jerusalem and surely wept together. Those who witnessed Jesus' suffering returned from the disgraceful scene, hearts heavy with sorrow: what torment must have afflicted the hearts of the women, bound to Jesus by the ties of blood, love, and cherished hopes? And touching again on Mary Magdalene, fervent, simple-hearted, and loving, she stood beside Jesus at the cross with His Mother (Jn. The sisters of Lazarus returned, having witnessed their brother's resurrection, now sorrowing at this tragic moment that marked the Sanhedrin's decisive condemnation of Jesus. Joseph and Nicodemus, who had previously concealed their allegiance to Jesus, approached Him solely to pay their last respects to One forsaken by all; in short, all who had known Jesus, to varying degrees, found themselves consumed by the same sorrow as the apostles."}]}
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