Ponder in Your Heart Like Mary

Colleen Mallette reflects on what we can learn from the way Mother Mary pondered in her heart the key events of Jesus' childhood.

The Advent season culminated with the celebration of Christmas and the Epiphany. We have heard the stories of Joseph, Mary, and Joseph recited in the readings about the beginning of Jesus’ life. Soon we will turn to the season of Lent and hearing about the end of His life on earth. The one constant through all of these Gospel stories is Mother Mary. She was a part of Jesus’ life at the very beginning, and stayed close and part of His life right up to the very end.

As moms, that is our desire as well: to be an integral part of our children’s lives from their conception on. We get the privilege of carrying their growing bodies inside of us for nine months and being the avenue for welcoming them into this world and caring for them for the next twenty years or so. We usually know our children better than anyone else and can predict their reactions, likes, and even possible careers.

Our children are the focus of our days and preoccupy our thoughts throughout their lives, no matter their age. Their worries become our worries, we feel their aches and hurts as much as they do, and their joys warm our hearts.

Jesus’ Mother Mary also had His every joy and pain sear her heart. She knew Him better than anyone else, even if she didn’t understand what parenting the Messiah would entail.

Three times in his Gospel, Luke mentions that Mary didn’t say much but kept the things that happened forever in her heart. She never forgot these situations and probably tried her whole life to make meaning of them in light of the revelation of the angel Gabriel. She remembered these both for the good and the bad that occurred.

First, at the Annunciation:

But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. (Luke 1:29)

When Mary found out she would have a major role in bringing the long-awaited Messiah to being she knew it was incredible, but the circumstances of not being married made it controversial. It had to be an overwhelming concept at her young age that caused her to reflect all nine months about.

For us too, finding out about an unexpected pregnancy, a new job offer, or other dramatic change in our lives can be overwhelming. We need to do as Mary did and surrender to God’s will and pray for guidance, strength and wisdom.

Second, after Jesus’ birth and the visit from the shepherds:

Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)

Jesus’ birth was wonderful, but the conditions of His birth were extremely humble and less than ideal. Holding a beautiful newborn baby is such a heartwarming, natural thing. But then to have strange, filthy men come visit and say that they heard about His birth from singing angels would be a bit much to take in.

Likewise, the uncertainty of a new situation that wasn’t what we anticipated can be difficult to accept. But seeking things we can still find comfort in and loosen our expectations can help. Trusting in God and letting go of our pride are essential in some circumstances, as Mary showed.

Then after Mary and Joseph found the teenaged Jesus in the Temple:

He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. (Luke 2:51)

The fact that Jesus was preaching in the Temple at 12 years old was amazing, but not knowing where He was for three days was excruciating for His parents. Then when Jesus replied that she should have known He would be in His Father’s house and she should’ve known to look there, well, what could she say to that?

Our children will do and say many challenging things to us, especially as teenagers. Yet we can do as Mary did; she disciplined her child but listened respectfully to His side of the story.

Ponder over all the events in our lives, both good and bad. For God has a lesson for us to learn in all of them. #CatholicMom

These emotional events would certainly be difficult to forget, but Mary didn’t just remember them, she pondered about them. This is a beautiful example for us, as well: to ponder over all the events in our lives, both good and bad. For God has a lesson for us to learn in all of them. Just brushing them off and not reflecting about them can be lost opportunities to grow in faith and trust in God. It shows we need to appreciate the value of each moment God gives us.

Tough situations can be difficult to let linger in our minds and hearts, but they can be healing opportunities. Find the good and blessings in every circumstance. Trust your children to the Father, Who loves them more than we ever could. Follow Mary’s example to allow all events to sink in and ponder over them.

Copyright 2023 Colleen Mallette
Images: Gregorini Demetrio, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Ori~, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons; Jeangagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons