“Like the Church, Mary too had to live her motherhood amid suffering: ‘This child is set … for a sign that is spoken against – and a sword will pierce through your own soul also – that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed’ (Lk 2:34-35). The words which Simeon addresses to Mary at the very beginning of the Saviour’s earthly life sum up and prefigure the rejection of Jesus, and with him of Mary, a rejection which will reach its culmination on Calvary.
‘Standing by the cross of Jesus’ (Jn 19:25), Mary shares in the gift which the Son makes of himself: she offers Jesus, gives him over, and begets him to the end for our sake.
The ‘yes’ spoken on the day of the Annunciation reaches full maturity on the day of the Cross, when the time comes for Mary to receive and beget as her children all those who become disciples, pouring out upon them the saving love of her Son: ‘When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, Woman, behold, your son!’ (Jn 19:26).” Evangelium Vitae, #103
Mary was called in a special way and her heart was pierced in a way that we can never fathom. Among women, only she had a heart anointed, for her mission to love all as her children.
But don’t you also feel a sword pierce your heart when you look upon these innocent children who are aborted? Don’t you sense Christ calling you to love these little ones in a special way?
Note: First Eve was called ‘Woman’ (Gen 2:23 and also in Chapter 3). John the Evangelist records Jesus calling His mother by the title ‘Woman’ two times: during the marriage feast at Cana (Jn 2:4) and during His crucifixion (Jn 19:26). John also refers to Mary by the title ‘Woman’ (the ‘Second Eve’ as the Fathers of the Church also called her) many times in Chapter 12 of the Book of Revelations.
P.S. I obtained the bumper sticker featured above from Kara Vereault when I was at the March for Life January 22, 2008. She and Kim Achorn of Shepherd’s Path had the bumper stickers made up.
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UNBORN WORD of the day 
THis is the most AWESOME bumper sticker i’ve EVER seen for our pro-life message. PLEASE let me know how i can get one. Do you have to buy in bulk? Do they come in “vinyl cling” type material? How can i get this for my van, as i’ve never been so touched as this precious picture along with that statment that i just love so much. Please reply. My other e-mails must have failed reaching you……..THANK-YOU……ginny
Comment by Ginny Bursa February 4, 2009 @ 8:19 pmDear Ginny,
Kera Vereault gave me this bumper sticker when I was at the March for Life 2008. I think you might be able to get it from this website: http://www.shepherdspath.com/ You will probably have to contact them and ask them if they sell it. Michele
Comment by unbornwordoftheday February 4, 2009 @ 8:35 pm