Tuesday, March 3, 2026L 4: Jesus meets his mother Mary, and both are filled with grief.

PRAYER: 

Oh Jesus, you saw your beloved mother once more on your way to the cross. Both of your hearts were pierced with sorrow in beholding the grief and suffering of the other. We ask you to fill our hearts with compassion for the parents and children who are affected by injustices and legal hurdles which have separated them. May you feel near them in their pain

Reflection:

Mary knew from the very beginning that her son would suffer–but did she really understand just how bad it would be to watch it unfold right in front of her? 

Mary, what were you thinking and feeling that day? Did those images stab your heart every day for the rest of your life? Did you wake in the night sweating from the terror of reliving those moments in nightmares? Pray for us, Mary. Teach us to prayerfully endure the struggles in our own lives and to comfort others when they suffer.

Story:

Inez is a Venezuelan woman who has been separated for years from her young teenage son and only child, Daniel. Inez fled Venezuela due to threats against her life from the government because of her political views. She made it to the United States, hoping to win asylum and ultimately petition for her child. 

She has an asylum hearing next year, but with the travel ban in place and ongoing turmoil in Venezuela she is unsure when she will be able to reunite with Daniel. The pain of their separation weighs heavily on both of them. When Inez sees Daniel’s sadness via a video call, it feels like her heart will break. 

- Inez is a pro bono client of a CLINIC staff member