Mary-Mary

Therefore the soldiers did these things. But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" From that hour the disciple took her into his own household. John 19:25-27 

Mary must have been a common name during Jesus’ time—and it still is today, although in 2014 it was not in the top 100 female names in the United States, according to the Social Security Administration statistics.  Jesus’ mother was named Mary, as were several other women in the New Testament, including one of Lazarus’ sisters; Mary Magdalene whom Jesus healed from evil spirits and sickness; Mary the wife of Clopas; Mary the mother of John Mark; Mary the mother of James and Joses; and a hardworking woman in Rome. All named Mary. Miriam or Miryam is also a translation for Mary. In the Old Testament we see that name given to the sister of Moses and Aaron. Some other forms of that name are Maria and Marie, with variations on spelling such as Mariee, Mari, Maree, Merry or Meree. No matter how it is spelled, it means wish for child, rebellion or bitter. The name will always be recalled as the name for the mother of Jesus. You can picture her mourning the loss of her son at the cross—and Jesus appointing His friend and disciple, John, to take care of her. Where were Mary’s other children? Did they not care what happened to their Mother?  

RSVP: Jesus cared deeply for His mother. Is your Mother still living? If not, is there some other woman in your life who is like a mother to you? Is Jesus challenging you to take care of her, like John took care of Mary. How will you respond to Jesus’ challenge today? 

Prayer ~ God, You taught us to… Honor our father and our mother, that our days may be prolonged in the land which the You give us. Exodus 20:12. May all that we do and say honor them…and You. You provided me with a mother who deeply loved You and served You by her kindness to others. May I follow in her loving footsteps with kind actions that are pleasing to You.   

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is blueberry season. There is nothing like eating warm fresh blueberries right off the bushes in my own yard. I picked some with my grandchildren, Isaac and Lydia, yesterday. Lydia just stuffs them in her mouth--none in the basket. It is good to pick fresh fruit at places like Bill’s Blueberry Farm in Grandview, Washington—but picking homegrown fruit is extra-special. Hope you can enjoy some blueberries today, fresh and warm, or in a salad, dessert, pancakes, muffins, or a smoothie. 

Fruit Smoothie

For each serving add to a blender one cup fruit of your choice. Wash the fruit well and remove the pits or seeds prior to blending. Creatively include any of the following:

·         Blueberries

·         Blackberries

·         Black currants

·         Banana

·         Cherries

·         Peach

·         Nectarine

·         Apricot

·         Grapes

·         Melons (remove rind)

·         Pineapple

·         Mango

·         Orange or tangerine

Blend with a few ice cubes and about ½ to ¾ cups of liquid such as lemon, lime, apple, orange or pineapple juice or water. You may add yogurt, milk or milk alternative (soy, rice, almond or coconut) for a creamier smoothie. Serve immediately.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.