Standing at the Foot of the Cross

A Lenten Reflection Through the Eyes of Mary Magdalene

by Lori Wilson

Introduction

In the Gospel accounts, we find Mary Magdalene among the faithful few who remained at the foot of the Cross when others fled. She who had been transformed by Christ's love now faced the ultimate test of faith—watching the One who had given her new life suffer and die.

This Lenten season, we're invited to stand with Mary Magdalene at the foot of the Cross. To witness not only Christ's suffering, but also the unwavering love that sustained those who remained. In her voice, we hear the heartbreak of loss and the fierce determination of hope that refuses to surrender, even in humanity's darkest hour.

As you enter into this reflection, allow yourself to be present to both the darkness of Good Friday and the unshakeable faith that carries us toward resurrection.

Reflection

I stand at the foot of the Cross, heartbroken… and unbelieving. Everything in me wants to turn away from this unbearable sight. But I won't. He would never leave me. This I know.

I remember the first time I heard His voice speak my name. It wasn't a voice of judgment, but of compassion… truth… and love. He looked at me… and truly saw me. Not what others whispered. Not what my past tried to define. But who I really was: A disciple. A friend. A woman of worth. A woman of dignity.

I remember the moments we shared. I watched Him with those who welcomed Him… those who doubted… those who feared. And He met each one with the same presence… love… and acceptance.

Yes, He had a fiery temper! I remember the day in the temple when He overturned the tables—making a point about justice. He didn't hurt anyone. That day, Judas thought, "Finally—Jesus is becoming the leader He's supposed to be." But Judas was wrong. He misunderstood Jesus' motivation.

Later, Jesus gathered us and said: No, violence is not the way to win hearts. Truth-telling, yes. Justice, yes. But love must lead. Not violence that harms.

He told us: The Kingdom is not some far-off dream. It's here—if we can move beyond fear. If we can turn our eyes outward—toward each other—we can build the Kingdom now.

And He showed us how. How to lead with love. How to live with compassion.

And now… His body hangs here. Beaten. Broken. Bloodied. He called me by name. He gave me new life. And now… He struggles for every breath—and I can do nothing… but remain. To stay with the One who changed everything for me.

I remember: He told us not to be afraid. He said He would suffer… and die… and rise. I didn't fully understand what He meant. I never imagined this. This Cross. This aching emptiness in my chest.

I longed to help Him carry that Cross. But they would never allow a woman to bear that weight. Even though He told me I was strong—capable of doing anything. Instead, they chose a stranger—Simon—who didn't even want to help at first. I would have done it gladly.

How can such darkness swallow the Light of the World? How can the One who taught us to turn the other cheek die by such violence?

The crowd mocks. The soldiers laugh. And His mother—our beloved Mary—crumples in grief. I lean on John. He holds my arm. Our sorrow connects us in a way we never knew before.

John never fully understood the love Jesus and I shared. Neither did Peter. Nor the others. There was jealousy sometimes… even anger. But none of that matters now.

I remember when my life felt like it was already over. When I was lost. Unseen. Unloved. And then—He looked at me. And I was seen. Known. Loved.

He taught me to build a world where others are seen, known, and loved. He said it could be done—not by force, but by love.

So now—even as this has been done to Him—I know this is not the end. We will go—we women. We will tend to His body. We will do what we can. But something in my soul knows: This story isn't finished.

For I have heard what others have not. I have seen what they refused to see. I remember the words He spoke to me when no one else would listen: "Do not let your heart be troubled. Follow where the mind leads. The Kingdom is within you and outside of you. Seek it, and you will find it. What you seek is already within you."

This may be my challenge. To hold onto the truth when all seems lost. To remain faithful when the world says hope is gone. To believe that something better can come when the world is wrapped in chaos—with violence, inequality, and harshness. If we could only see each other with His eyes. What a different world this would be.

He awakened something in me that cannot die—not with this Cross, not with the tomb. I will carry His words in my heart. I will cling to hope when hope seems lost. I will speak His truth when others fall silent. I will love as He loved. See as He saw.

Even as I weep at the foot of this Cross—I will believe. Even before the silence of the tomb—I will believe. Even when they say it is over, that death has won—I will believe. Even when evil seems to have overtaken the world—I will believe.

I will share what He told me. I will live what He taught me. It cannot be lost.

Questions for Reflection

Standing at the Cross

• Mary Magdalene chose to remain at the Cross when others fled. What keeps you present when facing difficult or painful circumstances? What would it mean for you to "remain" with Christ in your current struggles?

Being Seen and Known

• Mary remembers how Jesus truly saw her—not her past or others' judgments, but her true dignity and worth. How has Christ's love helped you see your own worth beyond your past or others' opinions? Who in your life needs to be truly seen and known?

Love Over Violence

• Jesus taught that "love must lead, not violence that harms." Where do you see this choice between love and force playing out in your life, community, or world? How might you choose love's way of transformation over coercion or judgment?

The Kingdom Within and Among Us

• Mary recalls Jesus saying, "The Kingdom is within you and outside of you." How do you experience this inner Kingdom? How might you participate in building God's Kingdom in the world around you?

Holding Hope in Darkness

• Even at the Cross, Mary believes "this story isn't finished." What helps you hold onto hope when circumstances seem hopeless? How has your faith carried you through seasons of darkness?

Carrying the Message Forward

• Mary commits to sharing what Jesus told her and living what He taught her. What has Christ awakened in you that "cannot die"? How are you called to carry His love and truth into the world?

Closing Prayer

God of the Cross and Resurrection,

Grant us the courage of Mary Magdalene— to remain present when all seems lost, to believe when hope feels distant, to trust that love's way is always the way forward.

Help us to see ourselves and others through Your eyes of compassion and truth. Awaken in us that which cannot die— Your love, Your hope, Your Kingdom within.

When the world chooses violence, let us choose love. When others turn away, help us remain. When darkness seems to triumph, remind us that Your story is never finished.

May we carry Your words in our hearts and live Your truth with our lives, knowing that what You have begun in us will surely be brought to completion.

In the name of the One who died and rose for love, Amen.