I have always been intrigued by Simeon's prophetic word to Mary at Jesus' Presentation in the Temple. Not many people even acknowledge or pay attention to this part of Scripture and yet we know that the Bible is inspired by God. Some of the newer Bibles quote it this way:
"...and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." Lk. 2:35
I prefer the older version- "And a sword will pierce your own heart so the thoughts of many may be laid bare." Interesting statement made by Simeon, it never fails to fascinate me. The first part is easy to understand for Mary's heart was pierced by many sorrows. To watch your son being crucified is the ultimate sorrow a mother could bear. Mary lived in the Divine Will and once again, just as she gave her "Fiat" at The Annunciation so we see her do this once again beneath the Cross as she again accepts the will of the Father. The Hearts of Jesus and Mary were united in the Divine Will. It's the second part of the prophecy that I often find myself pondering on - "so that the thoughts of many may be laid bare." In this prophetic word we see the power that God bestows on Mother Mary. Through her sorrow hearts will be laid bare. What powerful words! What an amazing mother and intercessor we have in Mary! She helps lay our hearts bare before the Lord! No wonder so many people have a devotion to her. Me included. She has helped me bare my heart before the Lord through her intercession and continues to do so. Gently and lovingly my spiritual mother is raising me just as she brought up Jesus. I am her child. Jesus gave her to us on the Cross, "Behold your mother." Everything in Scripture is divinely inspired and certainly every word spoken by Jesus on the Cross echoed into eternity. Who could doubt this?
I happen to believe that this prophetic word spoken by Simeon has an even greater significance. Over the years many saints and prophets have spoken about an "enlightenment of conscience" or a "mini-judgment". I believe that this will happen and is a grace obtained by Mary. A fulfillment of the prophetic word, "...so that the thoughts of many may be laid bare."
Just a thought :)
Thank you Mary for sharing and all your support and encouragement. I am trying to catch up on my blog reading. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteHi JBR! Thank YOU for sharing your walk with us! I know the Lord is doing something wonderful in your life, the fruits are already showing :) May He continue to lead you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts on this, Mary. I agree that the crucifixion of Jesus certainly must have pierced his mother's heart with sorrow, such a terrible thing to bear! I hadn't thought before about what the rest of that scripture meant and appreciate your thoughtful post!
ReplyDeleteConnie,
ReplyDeleteThere has to be a reason for this prophetic word by Simeon. I prayed about this often over the years and the Holy Spirit always leads me to this thought concerning Mary. I dig in the Old Testament a lot too. There are many prophetic words and pre-figurations of Mary there.