The Mount Grace Priory in North Yorkshire is one of England’s best-preserved medieval monasteries. For hundreds of years, Carthusian monks lived there in solitude, devoting themselves to prayer. The priory’s ruins are impressive, but a more modern monument caught my attention on a recent visit to the site.
At the center of the priory church stands a sculpture called the Madonna of the Cross. Crafted by Malcolm Brocklesby in 1996, it depicts Jesus’ mother Mary lifting her newborn Son to heaven. There are many striking aspects to the sculpture—like Mary’s posture (determined rather than distraught), and her expression (serene rather than anguished). But perhaps the most striking feature is that she stands in the form of a cross. As Brocklesby notes in an inscription: “The figure of the Madonna is integral with that of the cross, the stark and terrible symbol at the heart of Christianity, which is an inescapable part of her existence.”
Mary knew her calling would be painful. As Simeon told her, “a sword will pierce your very soul” (Luke 2:35). That prophecy was fulfilled in John 19. Mary stands looking at her Son—now lifted up on a cross (Luke 2:25). He’s suffering. She loves Him beyond words. Even now He’s concerned for her well-being (Luke 2:26-27). The sword has pierced her soul.
But there’s a reason why the sculptor depicts Mary as looking serene. “She is looking beyond Calvary to the resurrection,” he says (see Luke 20:1-18).
As I reflect on today’s verses and Brocklesby’s sculpture, I ask myself: Will I, like Mary, accept the suffering inherent in my own divine calling? And will I look beyond that pain to God’s promised victory?
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 21:8-21
More:
What does Paul reveal in 2 Timothy 1:8 about our calling in Christ?
Next:
How else did Mary suffer for being the mother of Jesus? In what ways might you suffer for Him today?
gillian on January 12, 2014 at 9:04 am
I must have read the John passage countless times but reading it anew it really struck me the circumstances, that from the cross in immense pain, Jesus thought of his mother and her needs. It is interesting that given that we know Jesus had brothers and sisters, that he entrusted his mother to John’s care. What an incredible witness to all those who were present at the crucifixion and what an example for us today to be so selfless in our actions and think of the practical needs of others. Thank you very much Sheridan for this insight.
sheridan voysey on January 15, 2014 at 3:31 am
Thanks Gillian. Your insight about Mary being put into John’s care when there were other siblings around is something I hadn’t noted before. No doubt they helped look after Mary later too, but John was given a special commission. Astounding, yes, that Jesus arranges this in the midst of his crucifixion. Just astounding.
stewart672 on January 12, 2014 at 6:12 pm
Sadly as a young RC we were taught by our priests that Mary the Mothjer of God is COREDEMPTRIX of the world. I thank God that Christian neighbours told me the truth through John 3:16
sheridan voysey on January 15, 2014 at 3:36 am
Yes, there is only one mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5), not two! I think the artist has done a masterful job of depicting Mary participating in Jesus’ crucifixion via shared suffering rather than anything further. We are to ‘experience’ Jesus’ cross in a similar way by sharing in his mission (Matthew 16:24-26).
gillian on January 16, 2014 at 3:22 am
Sheridan, I am greatly encouraged that you too had never picked up the significance of Jesus’ words and action from the cross, concerning the ongoing care of his mother, Mary. My husband and I always share these devotions together and he had never thought of this point either.
It is interesting the next verse where it says:
“Jesus knew that his mission was now completed…” (NLT)
” Later, knowing that everything had been finished…” (NIV)
“Jesus knew that by now everything had been completed… ” (GNB)
(John 19:28)
It seems from this verse that with the final act of entrusting Mary to the care of John, that Jesus felt satisfied that all the loose ends of his earthly life were now tied up.
Isn’t it great that however many times we read a passage, there is often so much to learn when we read it again? Makes Bible reading really exciting.
sheridan voysey on January 16, 2014 at 3:27 am
How true, Gillian – how true! Find me another text in history that can be unpacked in greater measure over a lifetime of reflection on it. Just one reason why I love the Bible.
Thanks for these insights!
daisymarygoldr on January 19, 2014 at 1:53 pm
Good thoughts on Mary looking beyond Calvary to the resurrection! However, your interpretation of “a sword will pierce your very soul” is not correct. John 19: 26-27 does not say the sword pierced Mary’s soul when she saw Jesus’ concern for her well-being even in His suffering. We need to consider Simeon’s prophecy in its context to know the right meaning.
The sword piercing the soul has nothing to do with suffering but with salvation. The purpose of the sword is not to kill but to reveal the deepest thoughts of the heart (Luke 2:35). And the sword that pierces through the innermost parts to expose the thoughts and desires of the heart is the word of God (Hebrews 4:12).
The Word of God became flesh and revealed the thoughts of many who responded with pride or humility to either receive or reject Him. The sword also pierced Mary’s soul to expose her true sinful state that needs to be saved. At the cross Mary recognized that this Jesus whom she had conceived and given birth to—was God her Savior (Luke 1:47).
When God’s word is conceived in us He exposes the sinful condition of the heart and awakens our need/desire for salvation. The question therefore, that is to be asked is: what is our response to God’s word? Will we react with anger to turn away from God and reject Him? Or humbly turn away from our sins and receive Him as Lord and Savior—just like Mary did?
sheridan voysey on January 19, 2014 at 2:10 pm
I’ve taken a look at the verses you’ve quoted, daisymarygoldr, and have to disagree with your interpretation (as do the Bible commentaries on my shelf). There is nothing in the context in Luke to link the ‘sword’ to the ‘Word’, as Hebrews does. Mary’s heart would be pierced in suffering watching her Son suffer his sacrificial death – that’s the most straightforward understanding of the verse.
Your conclusion is still one to ponder though: what will we do with Jesus ourselves?
daisymarygoldr on January 21, 2014 at 1:10 am
Sheridan Voysey, thanks for looking at the verses! Let us look again at Luke 2: 25-35. What is the theme of Simeon’s prophecy? It is Salvation (v.30). In the context of salvation Mary is told that a sword will pierce through her own soul. This statement is connected to the preceding sentence: “… the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed”.
What is another passage that describes the sword that pierces to reveal our innermost thoughts? It is Hebrews 4:12. So, this is not my interpretation 🙂 Note this, understanding a prophecy or parable is not straightforward especially when it involves imagery. And to know the meaning of a symbol, don’t look into commentaries but search the scriptures.
How can we tell if this is right and other explanations are not? The accuracy of the interpretation is in its application. How is the sword piercing applicable to our lives today? The word of God is a two-edged sword that is active in us and through us in others. And in response to the penetrating power of the living Word people get saved or destroyed (Hebrews 4)
Now let us consider what you said. “He’s suffering. She loves Him beyond words. Even now He’s concerned for her wellbeing (vv.26-27). The sword has pierced her soul.” Where does it say this? It is your assumption. You have taken the statement out of its original context. And what is the application? Does this mean our hearts are pierced in suffering watching Jesus suffer his sacrificial death? Makes no sense does it?
Many have assumed the sword has to do with Mary suffering while watching her Son suffer. This is because to our natural minds the sword is an object that causes pain and suffering. For sound interpretation of scripture, don’t use your natural reasoning. Spiritual things cannot be understood by the natural mind. The same Holy Spirit that inspired the writer back then is also living in us today to guide us into all truth.
Have a blessed week!