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Mary's life was difficult. She agreed to carry a cross when she said
at the Annunciation,
"Be it done unto me according to your word."
- The prophecy of Simeon
Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the temple. They are met by
an old man, Simeon, who
predicts that Mary will suffer. A sword will pierce her heart.
- The Flight to Egypt
An angel told Joseph that they were in danger and should
flee to Egypt. They became
refugees in a foreign land, to avoid terror in their homeland.
- Loss of Child Jesus for 3 days
Any mother panics when she realizes her child is lost.
The boy Jesus was Mary's responsibility. He was
missing. They searched for 3 days
before He was found. When they found Him Mary said,
"Why have you done this to us?
Behold your father and I have sought you sorrowing."
And He said to them:
"Why were you looking for me?
Don't you know I must be about my Father's business."
And they understood not the word that he spoke to them."
Luke 2:48-50
It was not easy to be parents of Jesus.
- Witnessing Jesus carry his Cross
Jesus was the child she had raised and cared for. Now he was
suffering and on His way to a difficult death.
- The Crucifixion of Jesus
Mary stands at the foot of the cross watching her son, Jesus, die.
He said to his mother: "Woman behold your son."
After that he said to the disciple: "Behold your mother",
And after that hour the disciple took her to his own.
John 19:26-27
One of the tough things about dying is leaving loved ones
who depend on you. Jesus knew His mother needed support.
He asked John to take care of her. John represents us.
Jesus asks us to be devoted to Mary.
- Taking Jesus Down from the Cross
Mary receives the dead body of her child. Struck down
in his prime.
- The Burial of Jesus
Although Mary was confident of His resurrection, placing Him in the tomb
was difficult.
At the Cross her station keeping,
stood the mournful Mother weeping,
close to her son to the last.
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