“Simeon calls a sword (cf. Lk 2:3s) the word that has the power to test and discern thoughts, that penetrates unto the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow (cf. Heb 4:12).
Indeed every soul, at the moment of the Passion, underwent a kind of doubt, just as the Lord said: “You will all be scandalized because of me” (Mt 26:31). Therefore Simeon prophesies that Mary herself, while standing by the Cross observing what was happening and hearing what was being said, after the witness of Gabriel, after the secret revelation of the divine conception, after the great showing of miracles, would have known some wavering in her soul. Indeed it was necessary that the Lord should taste death for all and that, having become a sacrificial victim for the world, he should justify all by his blood.
Even you [O Mary], who learned about the Lord from above, will be affected by doubt. This is the sword. “That thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed” (Lk 2:35).
This means that, after the scandal caused by the Cross of Christ, the Lord wished a ready remedy to follow, both for the disciples and for Mary, confirming their hearts in faith in him.
Basil of Caesarea ,Letter 260; PG 32, 965 C-068 A
We are all faced by doubts, specially in difficult times. Virgin Mary was not immune to that. God knows our nature, knows that we doubt. While you are doubting His hands are carrying you through this time. Do you see God’s hands.
If you are interested in more quotes on Virgin Mary, you can find them in Mary and the Fathers of the Church on Amazon in both in Kindle and paperback formats.
References:
Gambero, L., 1999. Mary and the Fathers of the Church 1st ed. Translated by Buffer, T., San Francisco: Ignatius Press. p. 145.
