February 25 | The Burden of Mary | Witness | Barry Rodriguez

Although lauded in much of the Church for her character, wisdom, and holiness, Mary is not as often recognized for the tremendous burden she carried in being the mother of Jesus. Faced with confounding experiences of a son whose relationship with God went beyond her comprehension and bearing the grief of knowing her little boy was destined to suffer, Mary’s experience of the person of Jesus was wholly unique, as was her steadfast loyalty and love. In his book, The Lord, Romano Guardini says of Mary, “Not understanding, never was she to lose heart, never to fall behind. Inwardly she accompanied the incomprehensible figure of her son every step of his journey, however dark. Perseverance in faith even on Calvary—this was Mary’s inimitable greatness.” What can we learn from a woman who willingly sacrificed it all in her faith for the Messiah she once held in her arms?