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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.”
From the beginning of the Gospels, Mary teaches us that Christians are not immune to suffering.
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First was the sword of Joseph’s doubt. How could Mary be pregnant? How could she betray him?
Even after Joseph accepted what happened to Mary, another sword pierced her heart; she’s forced to give birth to Jesus in a stable, because there’s no room for them in the inn.
Immediately after Christ’s birth, another sword strikes; 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 again.
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; nor at times are ours.
But Mary never gave up. Wherever her journey with Jesus led her, she remained faithfully by Christ’s side, offering us all a model of perseverance in faith.
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Even when our own heart is pierced by grief, stay close to Christ.
It’s the safest place to be.
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Image credits: (1) Catholic News Agency (2) Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (3) National Catholic Register