(The Calvary scene at the Cave of Mary Magdalen in France) 

We usually think of the Roman soldiers and the head-shaking Pharisees being present on Calvary...we think of Our Blessed Mother, and Mary Magdalen and the other holy women, and St. John...but there was probably a multitude of other mourners who silently wished that they could help Him...remembered what He had done for them...and were saddened by His sufferings and His death. After all, His carrying of the cross and crucifixion had been a terribly public event...many, many people had seen what was happening. What were their thoughts?

Katherine F. Mullany wrote a book of spiritual effusions called Miriam of Magdala: A Study in 1906. It wasn't solely about Saint Mary Magdalen; it talks a lot about the Passion of Our Lord. But this part struck me...

"But for that Central Sufferer [of the three crosses on Calvary], so quiet in His Agony, so uncomplaining in His torture, many eyes were weeping and many hearts were aching, as they watched Him slowly dying. For three years, He had been known to them as the young Prophet of Nazareth: the sweetest influence their lives had ever experienced; the Consoler of their sorrows; the Healer of all their ills. His preaching had lifted their souls heavenwards in holy aspirations; His teaching had softened hearts, and sweetened minds, and smoothed away difficulties between friends. He had healed their sick, and cured affliction, and even raised the dead to life; His Heart ever pitying their troubles of whatever kind. Never had His Lips uttered aught but kindly words; never were His deeds but those of love and mercy. In His footsteps sprang up blessings for those who followed Him. His time was given to them without limit, and none there were, who appealed to Him for help in vain."

And remember...Jesus Christ is the same - yesterday, today, and forever! (Hebrews 13:8)