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Gospel: Luke 2: 33-35
Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
and you yourself a sword will pierce
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
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“You yourself a sword shall pierce.”
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From the moment Mary accepted the invitation to become the Mother of God a sword pierces her heart.
First was the sword of Joseph’s doubt. How could Mary be pregnant? How could she betray him?
Then the sword of rejection as she is forced to give birth to Jesus in a stable, because there’s no room for her in the inn.
Then the sword of fear as Mary and Joseph must flee to Egypt, fearing that King Herod will murder her newborn child.
When Jesus turns twelve, Mary’s heart is pierced with a sword of confusion.
Thinking she’s lost her son in the Temple, she spends days looking for him. When she finds him, Jesus doesn’t apologize; he simply says, “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?”
A confusing rebuke at best.
Finally, the sharpest sword of all: the moment when Mary witnesses the crucifixion of her son. I cannot imagine anything worse than that.
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Although Mary’s journey with Jesus was filled with grace, it wasn’t easy; often enough, it pierced her heart with grief.
But she never gives up. Wherever her journey with Jesus leads her, she remains by his side, offering us all a model in perseverance.
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When our own hearts are pierced with grief, may we follow Mary’s example, staying close to Christ.
It’s the safest place to be.
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Image credits: (1) Taylor Marshall (2) Jenny Norton, Catholic Life (3) Inspirational Christian Pictures, Pinterest