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When Joy Meets Sorrow: Mary at the Temple

When Joy Meets Sorrow: Mary at the Temple

Last updated on: March 14, 2025 at 11:49 am by HJ Sandigo

When Joy Meets Sorrow: Mary at the Temple 2025-03-14T11:49:42-07:00 HJ Sandigo

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First Sorrow: The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)

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Photo by jocelyn.aubert on flickr (cc)

And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.

Meditation

The First Sorrow in our series of Lenten reflections.

Jesus Christ, the Man of Sorrows (Isaiah 53:3), bore the weight of humanity’s grief and transfigured the transgressions of the world. Yet before He could be lifted up upon the Cross, He had to be lifted out of the manger.

As Mary held the Incarnate Word—bone of her bone, flesh of her flesh in His assumed humanity—her heart overflowed with torrents of love for the Christ Child. Yet woven into this joy was the solemn strain of a mourner’s kaddish.

Simeon, the elder and righteous servant of God, took the Divine Infant into his arms and blessed the Lord, declaring Him to be the Light of revelation for the nations and the glory of Israel.

Then, turning to the Holy Virgin, he spoke the words that would never leave her heart:

“Behold, this Child is set for the rise and fall of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be spoken against—yea, a sword shall pierce through thine own soul also.” (Luke 2:34-35)

Did her arms grow heavier as she carried Him home that day? Did she trace her fingers over His forehead, foreseeing the indentation of the crown of thorns? Did she hold Him closer, knowing that each embrace brought her one step nearer to letting Him go?

The Cross, the Tree of Life, would be nourished by the most precious blood of Christ and watered by the tears of the Theotokos.

Like Abraham, she would witness her Son offered upon the altar. But for her, there would be no ram caught in the thicket. No angel’s voice to stay the hand, to still the thud of the hammer.

The Lamb Himself was the sacrifice. And she, the Mother of the Great High Priest, would stand before the cross, her soul pierced, yet unwavering in faith—that out of desolation would emerge a dove

Reflect:

Our Lady of Sorrows, who endured the prophecy of Simeon, help me to accept the challenges and suffering in my life, trusting that even in the most difficult moments, God has a plan for me and my journey.

Little Litany:

For the persecuted Church worldwide, especially in places where Christians suffer imprisonment or martyrdom.

For those facing trials in their faith, especially those tempted to despair.

(Lord Have Mercy) x2

From the Saints:

In the Old Testament a Hebrew virgin (Miriam) led an army through the sea (Ex. 15:21); in the New Testament a king’s daughter (the Virgin Mary) was chosen to be the heavenly entrance to salvation.

— St. Ambrose, Homily

Hatred is not a creative force. Love alone creates. Suffering will not prevail over us, it will only melt us down and strengthen us.

— St. Maximilian Kolbe (Conference, 1941)

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About HJ Sandigo

HJ Sandigo explores the pilgrimage of the heart, drawing from the well of Christian mysticism, venerating the vagabond saints, and evoking the beauty of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in his verse. His travels abroad and life on the road in Scarlet, a camper van turned hermitage, have fueled many of his stories. Like the writers who crossed America in search of her spirit, Sandigo seeks the quiet places where grace and gratitude ambush unsuspecting wayfarers. His poetic reflections, Tears of the Theotokos, delve into themes of sorrow, renewal, and the light that emerges in the darkest nights of the soul. You can read more about the author here.

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Tears of the Theotokos: Meditations for Lent

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