At the annunciation, the archangel Gabriel called Mary “full of grace” and told her God’s plan involving her to become the mother of the Savior. God’s promises sounded mysterious, and the angel mentioned everything in superlatives, especially the reign of her Son that was to be forever. But Mary was not deluded to think that henceforth life would be sweetness and light, with perks and privileges. Rather, the opposite would be true. Many things would be required of Mary, including heartbreaks and sacrifices.

At the beginning, Joseph almost divorced Mary because of her perceived infidelity. As she was about to give birth, they had to take the long and difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem to participate in the census and, once there, there was no inn for her, and she had to give birth to the baby in a stable. Old man Simeon and the elderly Anna later prophesied about Jesus who would become important and whose life would make a great impact on the lives of others, but he would be a sign of contradiction. Mary and Joseph had to escape to Egypt when King Herod sought to kill Jesus. Upon their return to Israel following Herod’s death, they settled in Nazareth to stay away from Herod Archelaus. Jesus grew in grace, age, and wisdom and, at the opportune time, began his public ministry, a ministry that ended on the cross at Calvary. Now, Mary stands by the cross, the last sword of sorrow thrusting her heart. Now the prophecy of Simeon has come to pass: “You yourself a sword will pierce” (Lk 2:35).

Beloved: First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. For there is one God. There is also one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as ransom for all. This was the testimony at the proper time. For this I was appointed preacher and Apostle (I am speaking the truth, I am not lying), teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.

“Blessed be the Lord, for he has heard my prayer.”

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.