In today's Gospel we see the three Mary's (Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala), along with the apostle, John, standing at the cross with Jesus while He dies (Jn 19: 25-34). That had to be a terrible, and dangerous, place to be. Jesus was condemned because He supposedly called Himself the king of the Jews, and those who continued to support Him could easily be putting themselves into the same category. So, public support for Jesus came with a cost, a risk, a chance of personal pain and suffering. The three Mary's and John did it anyway. We might think about whether we take any risks to stand with Jesus in this time. Sure, we're not likely to get crucified, but this society has its own ways to punish those who support Jesus. Look at the folks in the Democratic party who want to oppose abortion-- they were largely tossed out long ago(John Bell Edwards in Louisiana is a notable exception). At work, at school, in our social dealings there are people who will punish us if we stand with Jesus, sometimes in subtle ways and sometimes overtly. When we face the challenge of standing with Jesus anyway, we might remember the example of the Mary's and John. We can-- and must-- take risks. Otherwise saying we're a follower of Christ is just hot air.