The Compassion of the Blessed Virgin (III)

Father and Son share the same glory in eternity, Mother and Son share through time the same suffering; Father and Son share the same source of delight, Mother and Son, the same tide of bitterness; Father and Son share the same throne, Mother and Son, the same cross. If His brow is pierced with thorns, Mary's flesh is torn by their prickles. When He is offered gall and vinegar, it is Mary who drinks the cup of bitterness. When his body is nailed to the cross, it is Mary who bears all the violence. What, but love, could suffer this?