Theme:
The pain and labour of Mary’s body anticipate the broken body of Christ on the Cross. Her suffering is part of the salvation story – as she bore the cost of love.
Opening Prayer
Suffering God,
you chose not comfort, but compassion.
You chose to be carried by a woman,
and born through pain.
As we ponder the cost of love,
open our hearts to honour Mary’s pain,
and to recognise your presence in our own.
May we walk with courage on the path of costly love. Amen.
Scripture Reading
Luke 2:1–7 – The birth of Jesus
John 19:25–27 – Mary at the foot of the Cross
Reflection Starter
Read aloud:
Mary’s “yes” began in wonder, but it did not shield her from pain.
She bore the Son of God not only with joy but with real, physical suffering:
stretching flesh, aching limbs, the labour of childbirth, the rawness of vulnerability. Her body was broken to bring forth the body of Christ.
And that child, whose body she once held and fed, would one day be broken again, on a cross. Mary was the first to suffer for the gospel, not by preaching, but by carrying, birthing, bleeding, weeping.
The cost of love is written into her body – as it is written into the body of Christ.
As Franciscans, we follow the poor and wounded Christ. Francis bore the stigmata– but Mary bore the first wounds of love.
Discussion Questions
- How does it affect your understanding of salvation to reflect on Mary’s physical suffering?
- Why might God have chosen to enter the world through pain?
- What does Mary’s experience teach us about the cost of saying yes to God?
- Are there places in your life where love is costing you something?
- How might Mary’s story give comfort or strength to those who suffer?
- Creative Response (Optional)
Stations of Bearing Love
Create three small spaces in the room, or find 3 photographs representing:
- The womb (mystery and surrender)
- The manger (labour and birth)
- The cross (suffering and loss)
Invite people to move between them in silence or with simple prayer prompts.
They might light a candle or place a symbol (e.g., a stone, flower, or cloth) at each place.
Wondering Questions
- I wonder what Mary felt when she held Jesus for the first time.
- I wonder what she felt when she saw him die.
- I wonder what it means that God chose to be born through pain.
- I wonder if our own pain can be part of something holy.
Closing Prayer
God of total love,
You entered the world through pain
and bore the cost of love in flesh and blood.
As Mary gave her body to bring Christ to birth,
help us to give ourselves in love and service.
When we are wounded, strengthen us.
When we are afraid, comfort us.
When we are called to bear the weight of love,
walk with us.
Amen.
Between Sessions Invitation :
Daily Reflection Prompt
Each day, pray slowly with this line:
“Love bears all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7)
Notice where love is costly in your life
– and where it is also healing.
People may also wish to use our daily Reflection materials.
