30 Years of Shame

She was accused of the most shameful act in her society. Even her fiance’ thought the same as all others. Then he became silent. But the people continued. The gossip in the village was thick.

Whenever something would go wrong or whenever someone would get sick, the neighbors would refer to the home of the “wayward woman.” They never said anything directly to her – only to her children. They would come home and ask her what they said. But Mary kept silent. They wouldn’t understand.

Having a child out of wedlock, would normally incur the wrath of the community. The religious leaders and community leaders would take the initiative to have her stoned to death. But it was her finance’s words that saved her.

Then at her son’s baptism, the heavens opened up and the Spirit of God came down on him like a dove. Then the voice of God said:

“This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased” (Matt 3:17).

Now, the public shame was publicly settled by Jesus’ Father. Settled once and for all, Mary went home in peace.

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