LEAN ON ME AND I’LL BE YOUR FRIEND
November 30, 2025
Endless are the signs and wonders reported at Medjugorje. But there is one that has been around for a long time and so could be considered somewhat of a permanent fixture. But I doubt if many, if any, pilgrims are aware of its mystery.
It’s located in a field at the rear of St James church and close to the bronze statue that represents both the Crucified and Risen Christ.
In the summer months, especially when sizeable congregations spill out into the field during outdoor Mass and prayer events, pilgrims can be seen resting against a large rock to take advantage of any shade it provides from the sun.
The above picture shows a group of men doing this while praying the Rosary, and when I look closely I can’t help but be reminded of the Bill Withers song “Lean on Me”.
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend.
I'll help you carry on;
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on.
Take a closer look at the shape of the boulder, particularly the profile on the left side. Recognise the ‘rock face’, the ‘face set like flint’, the ‘rock of ages’?
I offered my back to those who struck me,
my cheeks to those who tore at my beard;
I did not cover my face against insult and spittle.
The Lord comes to my help,
so that I am untouched by the insults.
So, too, I set my face like flint;
I know I shall not be shamed.
Isaiah 51 : 6-7
Isaiah’s prophecy is about the time of Christ’s passion and death on the cross, so it doesn’t surprise me that the ‘rock face’, set like flint, is just a few yards from the Risen Christ sculpture! Also, observe the cross a pilgrim has scratched on the ‘eye’ of the rock!
I’ve captioned the relevant features of the ‘rock of ages’ in the picture below.
