As we begin our Lenten journey, I thought a good way to “travel” it this year would be to reflect on the seven sorrows of Mary. While I may have addressed or referenced these events in other posts, I’d like to concentrate on these as a guide within the Lenten season. 

The first sorrow of Mary’s is the Prophecy of Simeon (Lk 2:34-35). It is only 40 days after Jesus’ birth.

…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.

Lk 2:34-35

It all began with a visit from an angel, then Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, then for Mary to become part of Joseph’s household, and finally their journey to Bethlehem, where the birth took place. That’s quite a lot to happen in less than a year! Some of these things would be wonderful, like the visit with Elizabeth. Some may have been a bit more stressful like the relationship with Joseph and the travel to Bethlehem. Could Mary think of some of these events she’s already lived through as “sword-piercing?” Or did she think of all the hazards that parents encounter when raising a child, let alone the Son of God? 

Perhaps Mary thought about the various judges and prophets from the Old Testament. While some were looked upon favorably, all had warning messages to give to people who were less than willing to listen. Who wants to be told they are living their life incorrectly? Being a devout Jewish woman, Mary would have known all the stories very well, and probably understood them better than we do today. She was living in the land where they occurred, and would have understood the nuances within the text. The scriptures were written in her language, so there was nothing that could be “lost in translation.” 

At just 40 days old, Jesus had His whole life ahead of Him. There was no way that Mary could understand the gravity of the prophecy Simeon was making. But she didn’t let it stop her from raising Jesus. She had claimed herself as the Lord’s handmaid and she lived out that vow. Mary was also a very young woman at the time. While she may not have understood the prophecy, she probably remembered it as each trial event occurred. 

As we begin this Lent, we know that there will be trials to live out with whatever practice(s) we have identified for this season. The whole point of a Lenten practice is to challenge ourselves, to go deeper into our faith. No matter what avenue we choose — prayers, fasting, pennances, or almsgiving — it will bring an experience of suffering. However, if we seek Mary’s patronage this Lent, uniting our trials to her sorrows, we can receive the consolation that only a spiritual mother can impart upon us. No sword can piece us as strongly as the one Mary had to endure. Yet even now Mary does not rest in her heavenly home, but rather keeps watch on all her spiritual children visiting and intervening at times when circumstances will be most fruitful. 

While the sword of the prophecy is metaphorical, the damage is just as painful as from a physical sword. Let us call on Mary to lead us this Lenten journey, through whatever sorrow and pain there may be, into the arms of her beloved Son, Jesus.