Pondering in Our Hearts

When Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple, they asked Him why He had run off and did what He had done. Jesus was seemingly puzzled and asked why they were worried and explained that of course He’d be in His Father’s house. We are told that Jesus followed His parents back home and was obedient to them, while Mary pondered and kept all that had happened in her heart.

Mary must have been afraid, hoping nothing bad had happened to Jesus, and when she found Him, He seemed indifferent. How hurt Mary’s heart must have been, but she kept it in her heart. Perhaps she did not understand then, but she soon came to see that whatever Her Son ended up doing would be the Father’s will. In Jesus’ mind, the Father’s will always came first, and Mary understood that because she too said “yes” years ago. There will be times in our lives when we get upset or angry or frustrated because of what someone may say or do. Sometimes those whom we love will do things that will cause us pain. Yet, our love for them never goes away. They never truly intend to hurt us, but it happens. We feel pain and hurt because there is love! To ponder in our hearts is to love. When pain and hurt come our way, may we imitate Mary and ponder those things in our hearts, marveling at the great love that is there, and allow that love to bring us to an even deeper love.