In our own lives, we sometimes hesitate to embrace what is asked of us, possibly out of fear of what future sacrifices may be required. We know that to love deeply makes us vulnerable to great loss and sorrow, but how can we draw strength from the gentle affection between Mary and Jesus to join them on the way to Calvary, confident of the hope that ultimately lies beyond our crosses?

_{^{Image Credit: Italian, Madonna and Child (Madonna of Tenderness), 13th century, Tempera on panel, Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, University of Notre Dame. Gift of C.P. and A.E.R. Schneider Jr. in honor of A.E.R. and Clara B. Schneider, 1957.052.}}