The remarkable woman we know as Mary is truly exemplary of faith. She trusted the Lord when it could cost her marriage, and certainly her reputation, if not her life! She accepted responsibility of raising a child, our Savior, while in poverty and at some point, without a husband. Serving God does not promise ease. Now, aghast at the terrible injustice and merciless inhuman savagery on her own flesh and blood she hears Jesus’ words of hope! John is to take her as his own Mom. He is still thinking of others and our future, above His ordeal!

However, the suffering of the cross is not merely physical pain! Even that cannot compare to the insufferable and loathsome weight of our sins crushing our Savior at this crossroad of justice and mercy. The 1st prophecy of the Seed of the woman who will crush the head of the serpent now exhibits the Fathers love.

Mary herself had said of this day “my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”, even Mary needed a Savior!

What a paradox to see the child she bore, bearing her sin! The greatest story is now reaching its crescendo, Hope, and Joy is birthing through His death!