Swaddled & Slain

Today, on the Feast of the Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary, I want to share a few thoughts... first, lover of poetry that I am, I want to share a meditation that was published in the Magnificat for today's feast; a poem by Rita A. Simmonds:

The Infant Mary

"After centuries of weight, the waters break and flow.

The desert leaps with fruit. How can this be so? -

A temple made of flesh without the strain of Eve, 

a full and promised moon, a servant and a queen.

A womb within a womb, cocooned in swaddled silk 

or morning glory blue, the scent of myrrh and milk.

The prophet would foretell the piercing of her soul

that Eden's flaming sword had wounded long ago

when bitterness was named for a sweetness made to last

though newborn memory is a star too far to grasp.

The spread of sea is calm. The infant Mary sleeps.

The firmament reflects its sparkling, faultless queen."

What a beautiful reflection we have in Simmonds' poetic genius! There so much we can take away from this reflection... but what stands out to me most is in being reminded that Mary, swaddled in perfection, infant queen, with a pure and sinless soul, will later have in her heart a wound from a sword; 'when bitterness was named for a sweetness made to last'. Out of Mary's pure yes, deep grief, and triumphant virtue, comes pure freedom, deep peace, and triumph over death through her Son, Jesus Christ. Out of the greatest bitterness of this life comes the greatest sweetness that could possibly be had. It is a good reminder for us, that whatever bitterness we experience in our own lives, God will bring greater sweetness out of it. It is also a good reminder for us that Mary understands our bitterness and pain when our lives seem to dish out more than we can bear. We are not alone, she is with us and consoling us, and will help us in our suffering while helping us keep our hope in Jesus.

Today as we celebrate the birthday of Mary, we celebrate the coming into the world of the woman who not only gave us her Son, but also gave us herself. We celebrate the birthday of the Mother of our Savior, who as she gave up Jesus, Jesus gave her us. And how lovingly she cherishes us! Place yourself in the company of the angels and saints today in a moment of silence and reflection. Surround yourself with the angels and the saints who over 2000 years ago rejoiced in Heaven on this day. Reflect on the beauty, the holiness, the reverence, awe, and silent wonder at the hope granted on this day - the beginning of the age of salvation. 

*Photo Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/490822059363370930/