Category: Reflections

Pondering involves deep thought of an item or topic. It is often something heavy on one’s heart at a given time. This process helps to stay centered in faith. Luke 2:19 states “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart”. What joy this event of Jesus’ birth cast upon her, shepherds, wise men, etc. and the knowledge of belief at this time in history.

Throughout her motherhood, there had to be moments where she pondered on how unique and divine deity would come forth for her given Son. He was broadcast as the “Son of Man”. Yet, we know she actively upheld His ambition as signs, miracles, wonders were performed. Boldly, in John 2:5, she showed paramount obedience in Cana. She told the servants, “Whatever he tells you to do, do it.” Imagine your excitement if your son turned water to wine. You would have danced happily and exclaimed, “Yep, that’s my boy!”

Going forward into the tension moment of Jesus before Pontius Pilate and Barabbas being released by the crowd; we see Pilate wrestling with fact that Jesus was not the enemy before him. Deuteronomy 25:3 tells of Jewish Law for receiving lashes as punishment. Matthew 27:26 depicts the occurrence of Jesus being scourged by Romans as granted by Pilate to eliminate any further escalation of angst. What was Mary’s heart pondering at this time—for we do not know? As a mother, one has to relate to the tenderness of pain deep within, a heart screaming to halt this process and spiraling, frantic emotions of helplessness. Hence, today our culture relates Isaiah 53:5 “By His Stripes We Are Healed,” as the deletion of disease from ones body, though the Bible itself does not specifically note this as fact.

And upon His return before them, they chanted “Crucify Him” Matthew 27:22-23, Luke 23:21, and John 19:6. Pilate, being in total disbelief, washed his hands of Jesus’ blood and this punishment in Matthew 27:24. Jesus proceeds forward through Via Dolorosa carrying His Cross to Golgotha/Calvary as crucifixion was upheld on Good Friday.

For this moment, let’s put our woman, motherly hearts with Mary at the foot of the cross. Would her thoughts be of evil, unforeseen anguish, stabbing pain or some other measures to cope with this reality? Post your comments below… I often cry at this scene in the movie ’The Passion of the Christ’. I have some knowledge of her grief and loss. I too have experienced a loss of son. Yet, it was not in this particular manner but in awe shocking form.