Imagine the sorrow a parent feels when death stands at the doorstep of their child's life.

I personally get rather sick at that thought, and feel a sudden panic to account for my children wherever they are.

Now imagine you are Mary the Mother of God incarnate. You chose the path of God your entire life. You accepted the saving grace of your son before you could understand what it meant! Then after 33 years of raising this man you see your son unjustly condemned. He then walks past you beaten and broken as his final mission...walking to his death on a tree. Yet in her sorrow, she still watched her son Jesus become the ultimate passover sacrifice.

The Bible says Mary kept these types of things in her heart from Jesus' earliest days. I wonder when it all came together for her, when she understood the events she witnessed.

How I'd like to hear her explain how her simple childhood wisdom carried her through these burdensome times! Or what she thought when she realized the earth shattering gifts her son obtained for us!

When I think about it, I can only say that I've got it so easy compared to her right now...she is definitely a role model to follow as we take the journey towards her son.

-ehw

PS Fuji X-E1 with 18-55, post in Perfect Effects 8

On his way to the cross Veronica reached out to help Jesus. Most of us today can not fathom the bravery it took to do this act of mercy.

Remember the crowd was frenzied. The governing powers led poor in spirit around like sheep. Any sympathy to Jesus could lead to an enforcement gang immediately targeting you for death as well...without a trial and rather brutally..especially if you were a woman.

When you accept the call of Christ, you must live it out by both in your heart and in your deeds.

Jesus dined with sinners yes, but he called them to repent in their hearts live it in their actions. I submit to you he is calling each of us as well...

So to build his kingdom on earth we are called to be like Veronica. We are called to risk our lives to help Christ build his kingdom.

A quick look at the television today shows us the dangers that lie in wait for us...false accusations, projections, and yes even physical violence if we preach for and walk with Christ.

Will you take the risk to walk with Christ like Veronica? Or will you hide in the shadows?

As Easter Monday rises...what will your choice be?

-ehw

PS Techies...this was taken with a little Fujifilm X-20. Nice little camera. Converted to B&W in OnOne Perfect B&W

A mother's sorrow, and our salvation

Will You Help Him?