Those who mourned most deeply had loved most deeply.

Not all the disciples attended the crucifixion. John was there, the one called “the most beloved,” and Mary Magdalene, the one freed from the torment of demons,

We can frown at the others, call them cowards, shame them for giving in to their fear. But would we do anything different? I fear I would not. I would not want to attend the execution of a man I had followed and honoured for three years, a man I believed was the one who would remove the oppressive yoke of the Romans from my neck and that of my family and friends. I don’t think I could bear it. My sorrow would have been, as I’m sure it was for those disciples, tangled up in fear and disappointment to such an extent that I would withdraw and hide, as they did.

So I have compassion for them. They didn’t understand. Perhaps there were things in their past that prevented them from being there to support Jesus in the midst of his tortuous death. Perhaps they had seen other friends crucified and just couldn’t face watching it again. We don’t know, so judging them puts us in the category of those who show no compassion, no empathy. And since it was Jesus Himself who modelled those behaviours, it would be good to take note and do the same.

Our church has recently started a program called grief share. We gather each week, watch a video about some aspect of grief and then talk about our own experiences. The group is varied, young, old, recently grieved and a couple whose loss was years ago.

It has been good for me to be there, though I have not recently been in that place of loss. Listening to those who have has infused compassion and empathy into me in a way I did not expect, in a way that has changed me. And I am grateful.

Jesus commands us to love in ways that are not always easy. Love your neighbours, even when they’re cranky, love your enemies even when they do despicable things like lie and slander those who are innocent.

There is only one way to obey such commands – rely on Him for the strength and wisdom to do so. Proverbs 3:5 tells us – Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

He will enable us when we open our hearts, minds and souls to His leading.

I wish you all a blessed Easter!