Bible Verse: John 19:25

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, showed incredible strength and courage throughout her life, especially during tough times. From the start, when the angel Gabriel told her she would have a baby by the Holy Spirit, she accepted God’s plan with trust, even though it could have caused her serious problems. She showed resilience during the long journey to Bethlehem, where she gave birth in a stable, and again when she and Joseph fled to Egypt to keep Jesus safe from King Herod. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, Mary supported Him, standing by His side even when what He said and did stirred controversy.

Mary’s courage shone most brightly at the crucifixion, where she stood by the cross, watching her son suffer and die, yet never wavering in her love and faith. After Jesus rose from the dead, she remained a key part of the early Christian community, praying with the disciples and being present at Pentecost. Throughout her life, Mary’s strength and courage came from her deep faith in God and her commitment to His plan, making her a powerful example of resilience and devotion.

The Lesson: Mary’s life teaches us a profound lesson about facing the loss of a loved one with strength and faith. When Mary stood at the foot of the cross, witnessing the unimaginable suffering and death of her son, she didn’t turn away but faced the pain head-on, sustained by her deep trust in God’s plan. Her experience reminds us that in times of loss, it’s natural to feel sorrow, but we can also find strength in our faith and the belief that our loved ones are in God’s hands. Just as Mary continued to live out her faith after Jesus’ death, staying connected with others and trusting in God’s purpose, we too can find solace and courage by leaning on our faith, surrounding ourselves with supportive community, and believing that even in our deepest pain, God’s love and plan remain with us.