From Jesus’ childhood trip to the temple, to the wedding at Cana, to that tragic time on the cross, over and over again, Mary comes to realize that this gift from God of her son is not hers alone.

Jesus belongs to everyone.

What an enormous sacrifice she made as she shared her son with the world.

It is our sacrifice as well.

Christians cannot abide keeping Jesus to themselves. Even if it means sacrificing traditions we hold dear, even if it calls us to forego what we once thought essential.

If it results in preventing others from the Good News of God’s love then we must dispense with it.

Such courageous action will offend many. They will vent their anger in some particularly virulent ways. But we must have the courage of Mary and share Jesus with others in whatever means or language or symbols it takes.

For far too long, the church that claims to be Christian has sought to exclude people from the gift of Jesus. Our fear has us making sure that those who don’t agree with us or act like us or look like us are not welcomed into church, let alone the Kingdom of Heaven.

Mary calls us to repentance. Just as she gave up her son so that others might know his love, so must we give up our exclusive claim to Christ.

"For God so loved the world...", the Bible says.

Shouldn’t we be finding ways of sharing and not hoarding that love?