Flowing From the Source
A newborn, struggling to exit the tight channel that was constricting and squeezing his little being, was suddenly thrust into the world. Gasping for a breath never taken before, he let it out in a cry of resistance to the sudden change from the warm, wet, comfort of a young, healthy woman’s womb into moving cool night air, vast and empty. Arms enfolded him, skin against skin, and he nuzzled to nurse, squirming till, finally quiet and, wrapped cozily in linen and lamb’s wool, he slept for a couple of hours till hunger gnawed. Mary’s umbilical cord lay useless, limp and drying in cloths to be burned, no longer able to supply him with nourishment through his navel. Paradoxically, the Lord of Creation, who created life before Mary existed, was given physical sustenance from the fruit of his own creation.
Forty days later, Mary and Joseph, carrying their month-old son, walked steadily along the well-worn trail from Bethlehem to Jerusalem. In the evening they found a place to stay, prepared a meal and slept.
The next morning they purchased a pair of pigeons, presented them to the priest at the entrance to the temple and waited while he made the customary sacrifice.
Simeon, a stranger to the couple approached, peered into the bundle in Mary’s arms and took the infant into his own arms. He pushed aside his straggly, grey beard so as not to tickle the child. Wonder and joy filled his watery eyes as he gazed into the baby’s clear, dark eyes.
“Sovereign Lord, my eyes have seen your salvation!” he proclaimed. Then he looked straight into Mary’s eyes and said, “Many will rise and fall because of this child. The thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul.”
Calm settled on his face. Tension drained from his limbs. He passed the child back to the mother. His mission was accomplished. He was glad to have lived; glad to have held this baby and was ready to depart this life. He knew God was doing a new thing for his nation and all people everywhere. Salvation, peace and goodwill were available for all people. He would die peacefully, satisfied, full of grace and gratitude.
But Simeon’s words had startled Mary and Joseph. What meaning did they have? Were these the ramblings of an old man? No! His words confirmed to Mary and Joseph what the surprising visits from the angel Gabriel and the shepherds had told them; they were also troubling.
The sacrifice complete, Mary prepared for her Mikvah. Joseph held Jesus while Mary prepared for her cleansing. Tingling with anticipation at this turning point in her life, she slowly descended the seven steps into the ritual bath, pausing to pray on each one. Warm, clear water, quietly flowing from a spring, crept up her body and covered her long hair. She allowed the water to wash away experiences of the past few months: seclusion, bleeding, rapid body changes and fluctuating emotions. She rose; dipped again; and again. Each time adjusting to embrace this new phase in her life: of motherhood and consummation of her marriage with Joseph; the joys, responsibilities and pain of life ahead. God would feed her spirit in the same way her son received nourishment from her breasts.
She dressed in the clean clothes she had brought with her, tingling again, but this time from the refreshing, cleansing of body and soul. She smiled up at Joseph, took Jesus in her arms and wept quietly in Joseph’s embrace.
by Andrea Kidd
