Joy and Sorrow with Jesus and Mary
Mary said her Fiat in peace and holy joy on the day of the Annunciation. There was sorrow too in her heart at the thought of the sufferings which Isaiah had foretold would befall her Son. Still more light is thrown for her on the mystery of the Redemption when the holy old man Simeon speaks of the child Jesus as the salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to the revelation of the Gentiles. Mary remains silent in wonder and thanksgiving….
Turning then to Mary herself, Simeon addressed to her the prophetic words: And your own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed. Mary will have a share in the Savior’s trials. His sufferings will be hers. Her very heart will be pierced by a sword of sorrow….
Jesus’ fullness of grace had two apparently contradictory effects: the most perfect peace of soul; the will to offer himself as a redemptive victim. Mary’s grace produced two similarly contrasting effects: the pure joys of the days of the Annunciation and the Nativity; the desire to be united most generously to the sufferings of her Son for our salvation. Thus, presenting him in the Temple, she already offers him for us. Joy and sorrow are wedded in the heart of the Mother of God who is already the Mother of all who will believe in her Son.
Father Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, o.p.
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