Today we celebrate the third Sunday of Lent. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Sr. Teresia Wamũyũ Wachira invites us to reflect on the women who were part of Jesus’ journey, who accompanied Him by caring for Him and sharing in His suffering until the very end.

From the profound profession of faith made by Mary even before her Son came into the world, that “Here I am” spoken with such trust, to the immense love of Mary Magdalene, who did not want to abandon her Master even after His death, Lent calls us to reflect on the great witness of hope and love that can stand against even the greatest violence.

In the gesture of Veronica, who wipes the bloodied face of Jesus in front of the soldiers, and in Mary’s embrace of the disciple whom Jesus loved, we are today invited to identify with the example of the women of the Gospel, who call us not to be indifferent and to take up that same Cross that leads to a path of peace.