AT THE END of Mel Gibson's film, The Passion of the Christ, there is a tableau - a scene in which the characters freeze, holding their position. It is a kind of painting, using film as the medium. Mary sits on the ground cradling the body of Jesus which is limp in death. Faithful friends, Magdalen and John look on close by. The only thing we hear is the wind in Mary's veil. She looks down at the face of her Son and then, slowly lifting her head, she looks directly at me, at you. Holding the pose and unblinking, her gaze seems to say, "All of the things you have watched along this way were done for you. Now you love him too."
Shh...
Our Father Who art in Heaven...
Hail Mary full of grace...
Glory be to the Father...
