Mary at home after the Passover meal.

The room had been prepared well, the lamb delicious, the ritual prayers and ancient story held solemn remembrance of God’s faithfulness. But then the original words over cup and bread by the Host seemed to foreshadow both anxious uncertainty and trust in the divine. Worry was not a foreign emotion for Mary. In the late hours on Passover night before full moon changed to dawn she recalled worrisome memories: Would Joseph understand her pregnancy? What sorrows would pierce her heart? Was the carpenter shop a safe place for Jesus to play? Over the past few years Mary observed the changes in her Son—the physical signs of manhood and emotions that seemed to stretch Jesus beyond their little town of Nazareth. Departure from her was imminent, once again Mary felt, as on the day he set his face toward the sea and gathered disciples with a simple command: “Come, follow me.” Was it Mary’s time to follow Him? Her heart was wrenched with foreboding. Another memory reassured her: “Do whatever He tells you.” His spirit suggested “Stay here. Watch with me.” Whatever was frightening her she knew it portended worse agony for her Son. She prayed that Jesus would not be put to the test, yet “May God’s Will be done.”