Mary was a 'gentle' woman. Her gentleness was the outward expression of the spirituality that rested in her soul and bespoke a life lived solely in conformity to God's will.

Mary was often challenged to live out the will of God. The Angel Gabriel introduced her to the first great challenge that would forever change her life. How could she comprehend the gift and responsibility of mothering the Son of God? But her response was always, "They will be done."

The ultimate challenge to her gentle spirit brought her face-to-face with her dying Son. No greater sadness, no greater hurt would she be asked to endure than to see her Son— arms outstretched— being nailed to the instrument of torture.

It was her love, in whatever the situation, that inspired her gentleness. Her acquiescence to the Divine Will was always the response of Mary, a gentle woman.