HARSH TREATMENT

 

Mariam was treated harshly. She wept bitterly.

Rabbi Jesus told her gently, "There is no crown without first the thorns."

Holiness is not won by faint heart. Each of us has a personal cross of suffering during this lifetime. The bravest "kiss the cross daily when they pick it up." 

Life's difficulties and heartaches - which may serve to purify us of self-interest and sin when accepted with the right spirit - are not always easy for us to accept. 

Yet, even if we wish to flee the cross of life's suffering, we will never succeed. Let us then be strong in following Jesus. 

Jesus told us: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me." (Luke 9:23)

To take up our cross daily means our absolute surrender to following Jesus Christ - including acceptance of the sorrows and difficulties such a life of discipleship may entail.

INJUSTICE

 

An injustice was about to occur. Mariam was experiencing peer pressure to remain silent about the impending event. Mariam felt scared.

She told the Master, "I don't want to get involved."

Rabbi Jesus replied, "By not getting involved, you are involved."

All it takes for evil to flourish in the world is for good people to remain silent.

However, sometimes to speak out robustly may bring harm to self or others. In such instances, both wisdom and prudence is required. Prayer will light the way, as will seeking advice from a counsellor known for integrity and appropriate discretion. Something can always be done. Sometimes it needs to be done with caution and diplomacy.

LYING

 

Someone Mariam loved invited her to join in telling a lie under oath. Mariam wrestled with her conscience until she eventually declined. She was sad at being placed in such a quandary.

Mariam told the Rabbi, "I can't call on God to bear witness to a lie, otherwise it would mean that ..."

Rabbi Jesus said, "... the love of man supercedes your love of God."

Don't commit perjury. At our judgement we will be called to answer before God for such a deed.

WEAKNESS

 

Mariam was chosen to carry out a great task, for which she felt woefully unequipped.

She told the Master, "I am the weakest of the weak."

Rabbi Jesus confidently answered her, "You are the strongest of the strong."

Alone, we can do nothing. With God, we can do everything. 

"I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." (Phillipians 4:13)