Mark 15:33-47
Whenever I listen to the story of Jesus’ birth, I focus on Mary. How was she feeling (aside from terrified and tired and sore)? Was she thinking about Jesus’ first words, or when he would walk, or what amazing things he would do as an adult? Did she count his fingers and toes (I mean, I know he was God’s Son, but you can never be too careful)? Did she take to heart the praise from the angels, shepherds and wise men? Did she worry about him falling and getting hurt, or having a broken heart?
Whenever I listen to the story of Jesus’ birth, I focus on Mary. How was she feeling (aside from terrified and tired and sore)? Was she thinking about Jesus’ first words, or when he would walk, or what amazing things he would do as an adult? Did she count his fingers and toes (I mean, I know he was God’s Son, but you can never be too careful)? Did she take to heart the praise from the angels, shepherds and wise men? Did she worry about him falling and getting hurt, or having a broken heart?
When I listen to the story of the crucifixion, my mind again wanders away from Jesus’ story, to Mary. I try to imagine the unimaginable feelings she has as she watches her Son nailed to a cross, guilty only of telling people that love, grace and forgiveness are the way. I’d like to think that she took great solace, and even pride in knowing that her Son was dying for all of humanity-to save us from our sins, after all-that was always the plan, but I doubt that is so. I am a mother, and as much as my heart overflows with love for each of you, I would never sacrifice one of my children for you. Thank goodness I’m not God.
On that day, God gave us everything. He wiped our slates clean, gave us a new beginning. Jesus understood that was His plan. I understand that was His plan, although I cannot fathom a love so deep that I would offer up one of my children. I know Mary understood that was His plan, but I’m sure that didn’t make losing Jesus any easier. Today we grieve the loss of The Son. We wonder at a love so big, and we are saddened by a world that still does not hear that love, grace, and forgiveness are the way.
Good thing we know the ending. Sunday is coming-and Joy comes in the morning.
Dear Heavenly Father;
How can we begin to thank you for the gift of Your Son? Today of all days, we are forced to think of Your sacrifice; of Jesus’ sacrifice; of Mary’s sacrifice. Forgive us for not being able to fathom the depth of love that you have for us, because we cannot fathom giving up someone we love so deeply, with whom we are so well pleased-not even for others that we love. Today we grieve the unimaginable loss of a Teacher, a Healer, a Friend, a Son. We look forward to the ending, because we know the story of Good Friday is not an ending, but a beautiful beginning.
Amen
On that day, God gave us everything. He wiped our slates clean, gave us a new beginning. Jesus understood that was His plan. I understand that was His plan, although I cannot fathom a love so deep that I would offer up one of my children. I know Mary understood that was His plan, but I’m sure that didn’t make losing Jesus any easier. Today we grieve the loss of The Son. We wonder at a love so big, and we are saddened by a world that still does not hear that love, grace, and forgiveness are the way.
Good thing we know the ending. Sunday is coming-and Joy comes in the morning.
Dear Heavenly Father;
How can we begin to thank you for the gift of Your Son? Today of all days, we are forced to think of Your sacrifice; of Jesus’ sacrifice; of Mary’s sacrifice. Forgive us for not being able to fathom the depth of love that you have for us, because we cannot fathom giving up someone we love so deeply, with whom we are so well pleased-not even for others that we love. Today we grieve the unimaginable loss of a Teacher, a Healer, a Friend, a Son. We look forward to the ending, because we know the story of Good Friday is not an ending, but a beautiful beginning.
Amen
by Allison Amling
