After Jesus was scourged, he likely was held in a dungeon. Jerusalem marks a cave beneath the house of Ciaphas which may have been the one where Jesus was held. It’s thought that prisoners were lowered into dark, damp caves by ropes that were tied under their arms. The rope was long enough for prisoners to touch the ground but not lay down.

While visiting Jerusalem last October, I stood with my fellow pilgrims in such a pit. The thought of Jesus, his hands tied, beaten, weary, alone, and anxious about his upcoming crucifixion, deeply saddened me. I could imagine his physical and emotional pain and how much our ongoing sin continues to hurt him.

I also could imagine, as a mother myself, the pain Mary felt knowing what her son had been through and what he was about to endure. Nothing hurts a parent more than what hurts our children. And how terrifying for Mary to realize there was nothing she could do to stop the progression of events to her son’s death. She couldn’t hold or protect him.

Jesus knows and understands your pain, as does his mother. Bring your worries to the Lord. He’s waiting to hear from you.

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Photos: 1. Image of Christ in ropes, 2. Inside the Sacred Pit, 3. Looking up to the top of the pit, 3. Signage at the Sacred Pit.

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Mary understands your sorrow. Pray with her. Grieving with Mary is available from Amazon.com and ACTA Publications.