A Woman for Others

Mary was truly a woman for others. First, she traveled to help her cousin Elizabeth, who was also pregnant and much older, to prepare for her baby’s birth. She stayed for three months, probably making baby clothes and decorating a room for the child. 

Then she helped Joseph with furnishing their new home, perhaps with drapes and rugs, while he made tables and chairs. I’m sure she delighted in preparing a room for Jesus, not knowing that he would be born in a stable in Bethlehem. 

When Mary heard there was no room in the inn, she was content to make a bed of straw in the stable. I’m sure she must have welcomed the shepherds and let the children kiss the new-born Baby Jesus. She even let the sheep keep Jesus warm with their breath and wooly coats.
 
As she watched Jesus preaching and healing, Mary fought away her fears and probably brought people to hear his words and experience his touch. She wanted people to know her Son and to have their lives changed for the better. 

After Jesus was condemned to death, Mary wept and consoled those who wept with her. She stood at the cross until Jesus expired, then lovingly held his body before he was taken away. She looked with compassion on the soldiers, who were only carrying out orders. 

As Mary Magdalen and the other women went to the grave on Easter morning, Mary supported them in their grief and rejoiced with them when they found the empty grave. I’m sure she believed immediately and told the apostles that they must continue the work her Son had begun. Mary, make us people for others too.


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