Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Bitter Herb

When my heart is sad or I am hurting in some way, I know I can always turn to Our Lady for help. From childhood I have had a close bond with Mother Mary, even when I fell away from the Church I still asked for her intercession and help in my life. I have no doubt that she has obtained many, many graces and miracles for me. I trust her. She is my greatest role model, after Jesus. I often find myself meditating on Our Lady and the central role she played in her Son's life.

One of the things I noticed about Mary is the significance of her name. One of the meanings is bitter herb. This fascinated me because according to the Bible, during passover, the Jewish people dressed the passover lamb with bitter herb. During the passion of Christ, the true Lamb of God, Mary intimately shared in the Lamb's bitter passion. One might say: The One true Lamb of God was dressed with bitter herb [Mary] as, hearts united, they suffered together. As Simeon prophesied, her own heart was pierced by a sword, spiritually, as Jesus' heart was pierced, physically, by a soldier. How immense her interior suffering must have been!  Her name was not a coincidence. No way.

Thank you,  Mother Mary, for loving us so much. You withheld nothing from God and lived totally in His Will. Intercede for us, that we may also become utterly His. Amen