Imagine the field day the gossips of Mary’s time must have had when they found out that she was with child. Psst, did you hear that Mary is pregnant? Eyes rolling sarcastically, “By the Holy Spirit, no less, she says.” She may have faced ridicule no end. And that was just the beginning of it all.

 

Although to be fair, how could they have known that she was giving birth to Immanuel, God in the flesh?

 

She probably felt alone, isolated or misunderstood most of her life, certainly since that day when an angel first shared great tidings of joy with her.

 

Mary was the woman in whose hands God entrusted his one and only begotten Son. Let that sink in – God Almighty chose her Jewish family in which to rear Jesus in Israel’s dusty, backwater streets.

 

Indeed, a sword pierced her soul. She may have found herself with a questionable reputation, in stark contrast to her obedience. Recently, I wondered what her father thought. Her mother? There is no record, perhaps, because by then, she was betrothed to Joseph.

 

But, she was not the only one to be pierced. It is poignant to read John’s gospel account in John 19:34. “Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.”

 

Shattered, Mary stood at the foot of the cross that bore the plaque which read "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." She was with him at the very beginning and the bitter end. And more than anyone that day, when the earth shook and the rocks split, she knew who was being crucified. Could she have imagined that it would “end” that way?

 

I wonder what went through her mind that awful night. What anguish was in her soul? What did Jesus’ earthly mother pray to Father God? Did she have recriminations for those who had seemingly abandoned her “boy” in his worst moment of suffering?

 

Surely, Mary of all women was allowed to ask, “Why, God?” I surely ask God that when I do not understand his plans. Do you?

 

Yet, praise be to God, it does not end there. I wonder what Mary told Jesus after the resurrection. What a reunion that must have been!

 

Prayer: Lord, please help us to surrender to you in unfettered faith like Mary when faced with situations beyond human comprehension. Amen.