Week One - Simeon's Prophecy

Week One - Simeon's Prophecy

Simeon's Prophecy:
Our Lady came to the Temple to pray and to do her duty as to being "purified" as an act of humility on her part since she was "full of grace" (Gabriel Angel confirmed that she was always full of grace during the Annunciation). So, Mary did not need to be purified after the birth of her son. She performed all rituals of the Jewish rite as an act of humility! 
So, Mary goes to the Temple and Simeon asks to hold baby Jesus - it is like he recognizes the baby as God's son! Simeon's prophecy is this: "And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted;" 
Mary now writes or tells us.. from Your Sorrow is my Sorrow book:
"For awhile Simeon's words just hung their in the temple. I was stunned not believing what I heard. Then the devastating news came home to me. My son was going to be harmed. "Oh no," I thought, "this cannot be." All joy drained out as fear and trepidition rose...What did this mean? 
Then Anna at the temple came by and she held Jesus in her arms. "As I began to ease, Anna also spoke highly of Jesus and how she would help others. She too, promised Jesus would make a great difference in people's lives." 
OK, back to me the editor writing...so Mary is also surprised about Jesus' possibly suffering in the future. Her first sorrow of her first sword in her heart starts. She will have six more throughout the life of Jesus and esp. at his death. 
We will be covering most of these sorrows this Lent. We hope you will walk with us! 
Another short story the book mentions (Your Sorrow is my sorrow) is the diagnosis of a baby being Down Syndrome. 
The parents were not expecting this - so it is like the surprise or sorrow of Mary - however, after the baby is born the parents realize how much a blessing of a Down syndrome child can give to them. That they are indeed blessed to share the love these children can only seem to give to the family. 
Book writing:  I am gathering stories of bereavement, surprise stories (like above) or anything like this such as miscarriage, stillbirth or even a loved one gone - to be shared in a bereavement book honoring Our Lady of Sorrows. If you have something you wish to share with us please email avemariadoula@gmail.com and send us your story to share - this week we are looking for any stories that would go with the theme of Simeon's prophecy. 
Another type of prophecy would be a diagnosis that means the fetus/baby inside the mother would not survive. (Like a stillbirth or later miscarriage). 
We also have an optional Facebook group you may join if you need extra help in your journey this Lent at here: ​

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