Day 20 – For many

“(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:35

Many more prophecies are linked to the beautiful prophecy of Simeon about Jesus, the Messiah he was waiting for. But the prophecy did not stop there. His words began to prepare Mary for the sorrow she would endure: “a sword will pierce through your own soul.” In the original Greek text, the word used for sword is 𝘳𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘢, which refers to a large, heavy broadsword, emphasizing the massive weight of the anguish she would bear. It was important for Mary to know that mothering the Messiah would not be all sweetness and light. It was both a great privilege and a great burden.

Possibly no other human agonized as much over Jesus’ rejection and suffering as His mother did. This was not only because of a mother’s natural love, but also because His rejection was her rejection. As a mother, Mary’s love meant she could not (and would not) walk away from her son’s suffering. Her endurance was tested in the most agonizing way possible: watching the child she had cradled, protected, and nurtured be broken by the world. Yet, a mother’s love does not flee when the sword pierces; it stands firm, bearing the weight of the grief out of sheer devotion. Mary’s journey reveals the profound depth of maternal endurance – a love that willingly carries the heaviest burdens, suffers in deep silence, and remains steadfast through the darkest hours, holding onto the promise of ultimate victory.

Pray with me: Father, thank You for the example of a mother’s love through Mary. You have created mothers with a maternal endurance the world will never understand. Our children’s suffering is ours too. Father, today I ask that You will heal and nurture the hearts of mothers whose hearts have been pierced. Hold them close to Your heart and comfort them with Your love. Amen. ©

Love, Pastor Iriza