Whoever shall do the will of My Father in
Heaven, he is My brother, and sister, and
Mother (St. Matt. xii. 5O)
When our Lord left the cottage at Nazareth
and went forth to enter on His public ministry,
what an aching void must have been left in Mary's
heart. How her heart must have yearned to be
with Him! Earth was indeed for her a barren
waste, as long as He was away. Have we anything of this love of the company of Jesus? any
desire to seek Him that we may enjoy sweet intercourse with Him?
Yet Mary murmured not. She was willing to
sacrifice for the good of others even the solace of
Jesus' presence. She knew that by her obedience
she would be united to Him in bonds far more
intimate than the bonds of the closest earthly
union. Therefore in joy and sorrow, in consolation and desolation, whether Christ were with her
or far away, her only desire was to submit to the
holy will of God.
Mary, by her prayers and tears and intercession, took part in our Lord's work. He had
decreed that His Mother thus should help Him
in His public ministry. Though He could do all,
He left something for her to do, as He does for
all the Saints. What a happiness and privilege is
this! I, too, can take my part in the redemption
of mankind!
Queen of Sorrows, guide and guard me,
Let me to thine arms repair;
In thy tender bosom hide me,
Mary, take me to thy care!