The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; 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.”
(Luke 2: 33–35)

Luke 2: 22-40

After praising and thanking God for showing him Christ, the Holy Spirit revealed something else: he was shown the future of the child Jesus. 

At the Annunciation, the angel of the Lord visited Mary to ask her to carry and give birth to the Son of God. Full of faith, Mary said yes, without knowing what would come. She said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word.”

I believe that Mary did not understand what that meant with Simeon in the temple at that moment. I think she did not know that her son would suffer unimaginable pain and that she would suffer immense grief.

At the start of any commitment in our lives—marriage, a new job, welcoming a new child, entering religious life, or any other commitment—we never fully see what will be asked of us. We encounter suffering, agony, and pain that we could never have foreseen or imagined, perhaps at times wishing we could go back and undo the commitment. 

We are invited to look to Mary when faced with pain and challenges in our commitments and follow her example at the Annunciation, “I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your word”.

Reflections by Morongoa Selepe

Loving Lord,
Thank you for always being with me.
When faced with challenges and agonies regarding my faith commitments, help me to say, “Lord, I am your servant; 

be it done to me according to your word.” 

Amen.

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