Sylvia Zitek

Mary, the mother of Jesus, played an intimate role in the life of the Son of God. From the womb to the conquered grave, her experiences must have been at times uplifting and disheartening, enriching and alienating, comforting and challenging, joyful and grievous, reassuring and frightening—the list of contending emotions and experiences can go on indefinitely. In Mary’s Story author Sylvia Zitek portrays the life and experiences of Mary.

How did Mary’s family and community view and treat her when they found out she was with child as an engaged woman? What were her joys and fears as she spent nine months awaiting the baby’s arrival? What were her thoughts and feelings when she had to give birth in a stable? How did she sleep at night knowing there was always someone seeking the life of Jesus?

Later in her life, when Jesus truly began His ministry, how did Mary feel having to let go? Surely it was not something she readily accepted and understood overnight. What was Mary’s journey as she struggled to understand the reality of Jesus’ ministry and destiny against the backdrop of the commonly held views about the Messiah of her day and the teachings of the religious leaders? Did she wrestle with watching Jesus live and minister in ways she probably did not expect?

Put yourself in Mary’s position, and you will find yourself contemplating your own relationship with God and your own understanding of Jesus’ life and death. When Jesus entered the picture, Mary’s life was never the same again, even if it turned out drastically different than she probably ever expected.