|
|
|
December 10 For the next few days, all I could think about was the picture of that pregnant woman. In fact, as I dreamed last night (or was I awake?), I thought about how that hurting but hopeful woman was like several notable women in the Bible. First, I thought of Eve. How painful her expulsion from the garden must have been. And how many sleepless nights did she suffer through, remembering how it used to be? And if that wasn’t enough, what anguish she must have experienced when she heard the news that one of her sons had been murdered by the other. But Eve also understood hope. Shortly after being disciplined for her sin, she received her name: “Eve, the mother of all living.” Despite the pain she had to suffer, she lived in hope, knowing that the day was coming when one of her descendants would crush the Serpent’s head. This first picture also made me think about Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. I tried to imagine the pain she must have felt when she announced to her family and friends that she was pregnant out of wedlock. Mary knew pain. The angel of the Lord promises her, “a sword will pierce your own heart.” And it did.
On my way home this evening I decided to peek inside one of the hundreds of ornate church buildings. I’m not sure why I went in; maybe it was the beauty of the Gothic edifice? But when I entered I was stopped in my tracks by a beautiful operatic voice. Ok, I admit I’ve never been fond of opera, especially from a soprano. But this was different. At the front of the sanctuary, a young lady — certainly no older than in her mid 20’s — was rehearsing “Ave Maria.” I couldn’t stay long for I was already late for dinner. And yet ... this was one of the most beautiful pieces of music I’ve ever heard. Pain and hope ... yes, they do go together! |
|
While
Mary knew great pain, I also began to contemplate what hope Mary experienced.
Oh, the joyful thoughts that must have flooded her soul as she heard the words
of promise from the angel Gabriel, from Simeon, and from those wise men.