Labor Pains

By Stacy LaMorte

It is believed that our Blessed Mother Mary delivered our Savior without the pains of labor.  Isaiah 66:7 says, “Before she comes to labor, she gives birth. Before the pains come upon her, she safely delivers a male child.”

I can remember thinking of this passage during each of my three pregnancies and reflecting, “It sure would be nice to not have to fear the pain of childbirth,” especially because my husband and I decided our birth plan would be natural childbirth and Lamaze for all our children.

While I was pondering this miracle the other day, I thought about Mary’s fiat and what she was really saying “yes” to.

While she did not experience the pains of labor as Jesus entered the world, her real labor pain happened as Jesus was being ushered into eternal life, not his earthly life. Her excruciating labor pain was watching her son’s torment and crucifixion.

While his life on earth was providential and continues to teach us so much through the Gospels, his passing from this life to “eternal” life was God’s plan all along.

Mary knew it, and she still said yes.

While labor pain is no fun, it is also temporary and bears much fruit. Mary knew that the fruits of her labor pain would mean our eternal salvation.

What a selfless mother we have!