This story is in the tradition of Ignatian contemplation and explores the question of how Jesus and Mary might have prayed together after he was grown.
“Where are you going?” Mary asked her Son as she swept the little house.
“I thought I’d take a walk and find a quiet place to pray,” Jesus said. “Would you like to go with me?”
Mary had a thousand chores to do, but she set aside her broom. “I’d love to!” She followed Jesus outside. Birds sang cheerfully as Mother and Son started up a sun-soaked path.
When they reached one of Jesus’ favorite prayer places, the Mother and Son sat down side by side. Mary reached out and held Jesus’ hand. She closed her eyes and began to pray silently. “YHWH, thank you for the privilege I enjoy in mothering your Son—our Son.” Her heart overflowed with joy as they sat for a long time, praying in their own ways.
As she thanked God for her vocation, Mary ran her fingers through the rough grass beside her. The first scents of summer filled the air. “Lord of all, help me continue to support our Son in whatever comes,” she prayed. Time passed in companionable silence.
Jesus squeezed his mother’s hand, and she opened her eyes. “Yes?” she said. He looked at her intently. “Mother, tell me again about my presentation in the temple, and the old man saying that you would be pierced with a sword.” (Luke 2:25–35)
“Why, my dear?” Mary asked.
“Because things are not going to be easy for you. You won’t have a daughter-in-law to care for you.” He looked concerned.
“His name was Simeon,” Mary said with resignation. “He blessed us and said that you were going to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel, and you would be a sign that would be opposed.”
“My Abba has a plan so you won’t be alone,” Jesus said, “but I don’t like the idea of you being pierced by a sword.”
“I don’t think he meant an actual sword,” Mary said. “But I will suffer, as all people do.” She shook her head thoughtfully. “Honestly, I’m not sure what he meant.” Their conversation paused.
Mary suddenly and vividly remembered the angel Gabriel visiting her. “Jesus,” Mary said softly. He looked up. “I told Gabriel that I am God’s maidservant, and I trust God’s will to be done. I still feel that way today. I hope to stay with you throughout your mission. And I believe your Father will see me through anything.”
Jesus put his arm around Mary’s shoulders and said, “Thank you, Mother, for teaching me so well. That reminds me of what I pray each night. It’s from Psalm 31, ‘Into your hands I commit my spirit.’”
They sat for a few more minutes together. Each thought about the days when Mary helped Jesus memorize psalms as a young boy.
After a while, she said, “I’m glad you invited me on your prayer walk today.”
Jesus stood, helped up Mary, and they walked peacefully back home.
