Stay with me, please

by Greg Fowler

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Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb (Matthew 27:61).

Read Matthew 27:55–66

My father was diagnosed with cancer when he was just 69. He was an important part of my family’s life, and in his retirement he spent lots of time with my kids. When I got the phone call that my dad had died, I experienced many levels of grief. Of course, I would miss his company, but it hurt to see my children miss out on him as well. It hurt to see my mum be completely disoriented and never fully recover. I didn’t know what to do or say.

I took solace from the two Marys at Jesus’ tomb. They, too, felt grief on many levels: for themselves, for their community, and for all those whose lives would be changed by his touch. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary just sat together. They stayed with each other. When there were no words, they knew that just being there was enough.

I was blessed with several people who came and stayed with me when my dad died. They didn’t offer wise and comforting words, and I didn’t ask. ‘Just stay with me’ was all I said. Amazingly, things became clearer, and grief was replaced with love and blessings from those whom God has given to me as time went by. As Mary saw the risen Christ and her grief was transformed into hope, so I saw my children, my mum and my pain transformed by the blessings God provides.

In times of grief, the best gift we can give is to simply ask, ‘Can I stay with you?’ We don’t need fancy words or remarkable deeds. Just being there is healing. Listening to God’s word is healing. Seeing how God fills our lives with blessings is healing. Praise God for his love and his willingness to stay with us.

Lord, thank you for always staying with us. Prompt us to stay with one another as the two Marys at the tomb stayed with each other. Please help us to stay with those who need your presence. Amen.

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