On Good Friday we published ‘The Golgotha Monologues’ four monologues written from the perspectives of people who would have been there on the very first Good Friday. But we know that after Good Friday comes Easter Sunday, after Jesus’ death comes his resurrection, and so, today we are publishing ‘The Resurrection Monologues’!

The third is from the perspective of Mary the mother of Jesus.

O Lord, my Saviour, my spirit rejoices in you, for you....

Oh, Jesus. This isn't as easy as I thought it would be. Oh, my son, my child, my beloved child - now my Saviour. My whole being worships you, and yet… in my heart I still treasure those times when it was just you and me. Holding you close, hearing your first words, shepherding you as you took your first steps, watching over you, binding your first scrapes - you were sooo adventurous; it was always a challenge keeping you out of your father's workshop.

And now you watch over me.

Son, my heart still aches when I recall your body arched in pain, bleeding. Your cries still haunt me. It's hard to shake the image of your lifeless body wrapped in cloth and lying - in a tomb.

Forgive me, dear son; I almost lost my mind with grief. I was blinded with my tears, and in my fear I didn't understand. All I could feel was the sword piecing my very soul, just as old Simeon promised.

And then, when I saw you again, whole, restored.... Oh how I loved to see that smile again, to feel your arms around me once more, to hear your laughter, to draw in your warmth as we shared a simple meal, just like we used to.

But you were taken again so soon. I know you had to go, but oh, how I missed you – to lose you again. (Deep breath)

But I'll tell your story - so many want to hear my story. The boys promise to write it down, but I'll still tell. It thrills me every time I tell it, for how can written words capture you, your love, your presence.

Son, you spoke of a gift. Well, as you probably know, it arrived right on time. You said that if we waited here in Jerusalem, we would be bathed in YOUR Holy Spirit.

And now I see.

I almost weep with joy when I hear young John and the rest of your friends – your disciples - speaking in your name. I recognise your voice, you see, I recognise your heart, in their words.

It's -

it's just like you're still here.

Thank you for not leaving your old mum alone.

I'll see you soon, my Jesus.