The Rain Was Mary's Tears

Scripture 

Jesus called out with a loud voice,‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’When he had said this, he breathed his last ….. When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. …. The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. 
(Luke 23:48-49,55-56 NIVUK)

The Rain Was Mary’s Tears 

On a recent retreat with a long-time group of friends, just as I released us to an hour of silent mediation the rain began to pour. Our cottage was beside a gorgeous set of rapids and racing river which I find a nourishing place to stand when I’m praying. After a bit of time in my room I had the story in my mind and donned my waterproof hooded jacket and braved the rain – the beauty of the river was calling.    

Tall and wide branches provided some shelter and Luke’s story of the crucifixion rolled around in my imagination. I used the eyes of the Mary who washed Jesus’ feet with her hair and expensive perfume to view the scene. Jesus hanging on the cross, the thieves calling out to him, the gawkers, mockers and gamblers at his feet, His cries of forgiveness and release to his Father.  

Mary focused on Jesus’ feet. “I washed those shattered feet not so long ago. I still love that man, even though it all seems so dark right now.” As I looked at the scene through her eyes the rain became her tears as it poured down in front of me.  

She is persevering in her love because she followed the burial team to see where Jesus would be buried and when Sunday came, returned to wash his body once again. I prayed, “O to be faithful in love for Jesus like her, in and through the darkest times when there seems to be no hope or benefit to me.”  

A  Prayer In the Generous Spirit of Mary Washing Jesus’ feet

Lord, why is it that we get jealous so easily of someone else’s perception or sensitivity or generosity? It’s not only among your first disciples: it happens among us still, often, far too often. We have to admit: we ourselves are among the “poor,” for there are so many ways in which we are impoverished. We all need you to recall us to what really matters.

Mary is an inspiration to us, we want to be more like her, to take your words to heart, to be more sensitive to what you are doing, and to pour out for you the very best that we have. …. For Jesus’ sake.   
(Praying the Passion, Ken Taylor, Abingdon)