"Large numbers of people followed him, and women too, who mourned and lamented for
him.  But Jesus turned to them and said, 'Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep
rather for yourselves and for your children.'"  Saint Luke, 23:27,28
 

I Some aren't without pity.  Some stand and weep possessing hearts that see a mother's son  reveal the cruel oppressive act here done by human justice.  -Legal minds well keep desired effects of brutal rule and sweep away the dream of public virtue.  None discussed acquittal.  "Pardon," said not one. Their conscience in tradition's law they steep. Soprano voices chant a sad complaint. They cry for him who dies as innocent. For life cut short, they wail without restraint, these daughters of Jerusalem lament. Yet, he who travels to his death so grim is moved to pity those who pity him.

"In all truth I tell you, you will be weeping and wailing while the world will rejoice;
you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy."  Saint John, 16:20
 

II So here outside these conquered city walls is seen the place the Romans call the skull. The eyes of him on whom this torture falls can see the site that shields death's patient pall. The moans that voice the grieving women's dirge move with the beat made by their dropping tears. This music with this moment comes to merge the doubts of human thought; of human fears. Exhausted, Christ moves yet upon the way that promises a wretched fatal end. But here his path, as time moves near midday,  is sowed with sobs by those who him befriend. Then Jesus, who must love and for love delves, implores, "Weep not for me but for yourselves."

"There were some women watching from a distance.   Among them were Mary Magdala,
Mary who was the mother of James the younger and Joset, and Salome.   These used to follow him and look after him when he was in Galilee.  And many other women were there who had come to Jerusalem with him."  Saint Mark, 15:40,41
 

III Yes, Weep! Good Women! Tear your hearts!  This day does hold the sins of old and each that's new. Bewail your sons who by their weakness slay their sisters and your daughters.  Pause to rue the heartless minds which fail to greet the reach of Truth and do not honor rightly you. For God created all and loves us each;  that all through love may serve the One who's true. By Via Dolorosa, mothers mourn your doubting daughters who will kill their own; deny God's own.  Wail, weep, cry the forlorn, the abandoned poor; the abused unknown.  He born of Woman feels the depths you feel.  By Love he'll raise you and your hearts he'll heal.   © E. David