Jesus and His Beloved Mother

The Blessed Virgin Mary is the disciple of Jesus par excellence. As the Mother of Jesus, she was closer to Him than any other human being. She knew, more than anyone, the significance of Jesus’ words:

"Give and gifts will be given to you: a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap."

Can you hear Jesus saying these words to His mother?

Mary, your yes to the Father gave Me life.

You nourished My body.

You gave Me a home.

Thank you.

And Mary ponders in her heart the gifts she has received.

Jesus reminds her . . . .

You received me into your life.

You received Saint Joseph’s guidance, a good measure of miles traveled together.

You received the curious shepherds packed together in the stable.

You received the gold, frankincense, and myrrh shaken down from the long journey of the Magi.

You received the the glory of My hour when the wine was overflowing at the wedding at Cana.

And after I gave My life on the cross, you received My body, poured into your lap.

Can you hear Mary remembering these words of Jesus as she holds His dead body?

Mary, remember to give and gifts will be given to you: a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap.

Beaten. Bloody. Bruised. Rigid. Cold. Lifeless.

Her Son. Her Savior. Her Love.

And Mary prays with the Psalmist, I will give thanks to you forever.

Like the star over the stable in Bethlehem, a peaceful star of hope must have shone deep in the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the darkness of that painful moment at the foot of the cross. But as Jesus promised: give and gifts will be given.

A good measure of three days in the tomb.

Disciples packed together in the upper room, waiting.

Thomas’ doubts shaken down as he placed his hands in Jesus’ wounds.

Joy overflowing with the Good News of the Resurrection.

Blood and water from the pierced Heart of Jesus, poured out to save you and me.

Today, what will you give?

Today, what gifts will be given?

Today, what will you give?Click to tweet

Be generous. Be attentive to the gifts the Father pours into your lap. Keep receiving His goodness, sisters!

Rose Coleman is a contemplative in action who delights in all things beautiful. Her adventurous heart has traveled many places—from circumnavigating the globe on a ship during college to some years in the convent as a religious sister. Exuberant from her childhood, she is an elementary school teacher who learns so much from her students. You can find out more about her here.