I would like to share some thoughts on Mary, the mother of Jesus (God the Son). Mary, the mother of Jesus, is usually depicted in art, as a very beautiful woman. I have always respected Mary as the mother of God, Jesus, God the Son. Though I prayed to her, I could not relate to such a beautiful woman. I only thought of her as a holy woman chosen by God, now blessed by Him to be instrumental in miraculous healings and answers to our prayers.
Two years ago, I was given a leaflet that recounted Our Blessed Mother Mary telling St. Bridgit of Sweden of seven instances in her life where she had to endure sorrow. Now, of course, the Holy Rosary prayers recounted these instances, but when I prayed the rosary, I never thought of how situations in Jesus’ life here on Earth, impacted His Mother, Mary. But when I read of the sorrows as listed in the leaflet, Mary seemed more approachable to me. I have found that meditating on the painful experiences in her life, made her more relatable. Luke 1:26-38 tells us that God chose Mary specifically. He sent the angel Gabriel to request her participation in His plan. After hearing the message, she responded to the Angel who brought God’s request to her. “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
While Mary is now honored as the Mother of God (Jesus), the sorrows she shared with St. Bridget helped me to realize how she fully understands what we go through in our earthly trials. We live in a real world and sometimes endure fear and/or sorrow in our own lives.
Mary’s first sorrow:
The Bible tells us that Joseph and Mary brought the baby, Jesus, to the Temple as was the Jewish practice.Luke 2:34-35 states, “And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
Mary was young mother. Imagine what she might have felt when this old man said these words. Can you remember a time when you had an older person say something to you, causing fear, real or imagined?
Mary’s Second Sorrow:
After the birth of Jesus and the visit of the three Kings from the East (or Wise men), Joseph was warned in a dream to take the young Mother, Mary, and child into Egypt because King Herod wanted to kill the infant. Mary had just given birth and now had to travel, probably on a horse or mule, to protect her baby.
Matthew 2:13-15 states, “When they (the Magi, Kings of the East) had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
Have you ever had to deal with worry and concern about the safety of someone dear to you? While Mary was faithful in her promise to God, do you think she was scared for her baby?
Mary’s third sorrow:
Luke 2:41-52 tells of 12 year old Jesus going with Mary and Joseph on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. On the return home, on the second day, they realized that Jesus was missing. As they made their way back to Jerusalem to look for him, imagine the fear Mary had in her heart. Have you ever encountered situation like that? I have. Meeting our 12 year old son arriving on a non-stop cross-country flight and not seeing him among the travelers leaving the plane, was a terrifying experience. When we found him, we learned that another mother arranged for a tour of the cockpit and invited our son along. That was in the day when you could do this. And, when we found him, what did I do? I yelled at him, “Where have you been?” Mary’s question to Jesus was much more subdued. I was not that sweet.
Mary’s Fourth Sorrow:
The next instance of sorrow was the Meeting of Jesus and Mary as he carried his cross. While this is not related in Scripture, this was related by a visionary. It’s so hard to imagine a mother standing and watching this. I think I would have followed my son and possibly interfered trying to save him. After all, He was her son.
Can you even imagine not being able to help your child, not matter how old they are? Wouldn’t you be stressed and frustrated? There is no mention of Mary’s thoughts.
Mary’s Fifth Sorrow:
John 19:25 tells us that Mary stood by Jesus on the Cross. Actually, very little is said in that Scripture. When raising our children, I had a very hard time dealing with emergencies. Anytime there was an injury or medical emergency, I was a basket case. As time went on, I grew stronger, but Mary was really strong. What is related is Jesus telling John to look after his Mother after Jesus died. That is the reason we can look to Mary as our Heavenly mother.
Mary’s Sixth Sorrow:
When the dead body of Jesus being removed from the cross and placed in the arms of his holy mother. While this isn’t related in Scripture, I have no problem envisioning this. When my six year old son died, the nurses laid him in my arms so I could hold him one more time. Michelango’s Pieta depicts Mary holding Jesus after he died. When I visited St. Peter’s Basillica in Rome, there were so many people surrounding this statue, I couldn’t get near enough to see it. Having just visited the Sistine Chapel where people had to be reminded to be quiet and respectful, I was amazed at the quiet respectful crowd in front of the Pieta.
Mary’s seventh sorrow:
This sorrow that she told to St. Bridget of Sweden was Mary’s tears and loneliness after Jesus’ burial. She was so faithful, that she stayed with Jesus’ Apostles until the Holy Spirit came to them in the Upper Room, as related in Acts:2. I believe she was their strength until the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles as related in The Book of Acts Chapter 2:1-4. I suggest that you read it because the same Holy Spirit will help and strengthen you, personally, in your life.
For more information, just Google “The seven sorrows of Mary, the Mother of Jesus”
Remember, we’re all in the same boat, so to speak. I’m a sinner saved by the grace and mercy of a dear, loving, forgiving Friend, God.
