The Gospel today begins with a simple but powerful image: “Standing by the cross of Jesus was his mother.”

Mary could not remove the nails. She could not stop the suffering of her Son. But she could stay. And she stayed.

This speaks very strongly to our times.

Today, many people are carrying crosses that we cannot see. Some struggle with anxiety and depression. Some feel terribly alone. Some wake up each morning already tired of life. And sadly, there are people who reach a point where they begin to think that death is the only way to end their pain.

Sometimes these people are very close to us. They may be sitting beside us at Mass. They may be our children, our friends, our coworkers, even our priests and religious. And sometimes they are smiling.

That is why we must learn from Mary: When someone is hurting, stay.

Do not immediately preach. Do not judge. Do not simply say, “Kulang ra ka sa pag-ampo. You just need to pray more.”

Prayer is powerful, but someone suffering from depression may also need a listening ear, professional help, treatment, companionship, and patient love.

Seeking help is not a lack of faith.

God can also reach us through doctors, counselors, medicines, family members, friends, and communities that care.

And if someone tells you, “I don’t want to live anymore,” please take those words seriously.

Stay with that person. Listen. Help them reach someone who can help. Do not leave them alone with their darkness.

At Calvary, Mary teaches us the ministry of presence. She could not fix everything. But she refused to let Jesus suffer alone.

Sometimes presence is enough

There is a story of a little boy whose friend had lost his father. The boy went to his friend’s house and stayed there for some time.

When he returned, his mother asked, “What did you say to him?”

The boy answered, “Nothing.”

“So what did you do?”

He said, “I sat beside him and helped him cry.”

Final Words

Sometimes, my dear brothers and sisters, that is the beginning of healing. You do not always need the perfect words. Sometimes a person simply needs to know: “I am here. I will listen.

You don’t have to carry this alone. We will find help together.”

And to anyone here who may be struggling silently: please do not carry your pain alone. Tell somebody. Reach out. Allow someone to stay beside you. Seek the help you need.

And stay close to God, even when you cannot feel Him.

Mary stood in darkness on Good Friday without yet seeing Easter Sunday. But Easter came.

Our Lady of Sorrows, stay close to all who are suffering. Teach us to notice the hidden pain around us, to stay with those who are hurting, and to help one another hold on to hope until the light comes again. Amen.