A Mother's Journey

(Sunday's Coming.)

Christians around the world are observing this solemn day. Sitting here on Good Friday morning, I think about THE sacrifice. One doesn't have to be a theologian to feel the weight. I am not only contemplating what Jesus endured; I am also thinking about his mother.

I have statues of the Blessed Mother throughout my home. Although I do not worship her, I have great reverence. Her faith and strength are almost incomprehensible to me. She accepted the "assignment" having been told ONLY the following:

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. He will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. Luke 1:32-33

Motherhood is not for sissies. As a mother, my heart breaks for women who have experienced hardships in relation to their children. We ALL do at differing degrees. The Blessed Mother experienced it all, which is probably why I feel so connected to her. My children occupy the chambers of my heart. Their well-being gives me life. Their suffering derails me. Being their mother has been my greatest honor, but it hasn't always gone as planned.

When my husband and I decided to have children, we did so with the hope that they would be born healthy, do something to make the world a better place, enjoy genuine friendships, find a spouse with whom they'd experience life-long love and adoration, give us grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will be perfect in every way, and live long lives that end with them dying peacefully in their sleep and finally meeting us on the other side. That was the plan, the ideal, the perfect dream.

The saying, "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans," should have been preached in the gospel because it is so true. So. Very. True. Life will DO LIFE, and we have to find God in every moment. Even when it's difficult. Well, especially when it's difficult.

This brings me back to the Blessed Mother. Indeed, Jesus changed the world, and "His kingdom has no end," but there were many trials and tribulations before the resurrection. It was certainly not an easy life for Him or her, nor was a life without hardships promised to any of us. I assume the Blessed Mother's faith sustained her, and I will continue to look to Christ and her if and when my faith is shaken.

This brings me to today, the remembrance of the crucifixion. This, too, shall pass. It's not over. Sunday's coming. Hallelujah.

"For with God nothing shall be impossible." (Luke 1:37 King James Version)