Lk 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."

Reflection

Mary and Joseph obediently brought their son to the temple to uphold the Jewish tradition. Even though they knew this was God’s son, they had no expectations and were “amazed” as they presented him to the temple. Simeon foretold the sufferings of Mary and the future upheaval surrounding Jesus’s life on earth. God was preparing Mary by giving her this message just as he prepares us in our faith and spiritual life. As we contemplate our mother’s sufferings and her readiness to do God’s will, are we ready to do the same? Our decision to follow Christ may lead us to suffering. Yet keep in mind, this agony can be healed by God.

Jesus was sent to open the world’s hearts. Some hearts filled with sacrificial love and others filled with a prideful love of self. Jesus brought forth the truth and turned prideful lives upside down and led humble hearts to God. As we walk in our faith let us turn our hearts to Jesus and the humility shown by Mary.

Our Mother Mary has the distinguished title of “Our Mother of Sorrows”. She stood by her son throughout his life and death, feeling the pains of his terrible sufferings as a mother’s heart suffers with her child. Her heart is filled with the sorrow of those who don’t understand and reject the love of God. How sad it must be for Mary to watch her children walk away from all that is good and see how their life is void of everlasting love and joy. May we find strength in Mary’s example to follow Jesus and know that she doesn’t leave us as we carry our crosses.