The sacrifice was no sooner made than GOD took Mary at her word. Simeon, holding "the Christ of the Lord" in his arms, called Him "the _salvation_ which Thou hast prepared; a light to the revelation of the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel." And while His father and mother were wondering at these things which were spoken concerning Him, Simeon addressed himself to "Mary His Mother," and spoke in no hidden language of the Passion; and the sword pierced her soul, for though she knew it all, it was the first time she had heard it from the lips of another. It was the first of the _Seven Dolours_. She heard that her Child was to be:-- 1. "... _for the fall of many_": that is, the _ruin_ of many. What a lifelong sorrow for the heart of Mary to know that for many her Son's Passion would be in vain--that He was to be the "touchstone," with the result that, in many cases, He would be "rejected of men"! 2. "... _for a sign which shall be contradicted_." War was to be waged against Him in all places, and that to the end of time. This was the treatment He, Who had come to be the Saviour and the Light of the World, was to receive. And then Simeon added: "_Thy own soul a sword shall pierce_." He identified Mary with her Son, and spoke not only of His Passion but of her Compassion. The Queen of Sorrows was now on her throne; there was no longer any doubt about it. GOD had accepted her sacrifice. JESUS was the Victim, and she was His Mother--the Mater Dolorosa. But Simeon's prophecy was not the last word that Mary was to hear before she left the Temple courts, which she loved so well. GOD, Who in His love had permitted the wound, had provided also some balm to be poured into it. A little act of courtesy was waiting for Mary to do before she was free to ponder over all that had happened in the Temple, and especially over the new revelation which had stabbed her to the quick. Well did old Anna, the Prophetess, know the maiden whose happy childhood had been spent in the Temple! How gladly Mary went up to her and renewed her friendship with her! How proud she was to show her little Son to her! Mary was wondering how much Anna knew; but she did not speak, she revealed nothing. Soon she found out that the holy old woman had been rewarded for her fasting and prayers and vigils, by a special revelation, in consequence of which she "confessed to the Lord and spoke of Him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel." And Mary heard, and balm was poured into that first sword-wound. Can I, sweet Mother of Sorrows, pour balm into that terrible wound? I cannot bear to think of thee going home, pressing thy Babe against thy aching heart. Let me accompany thee; I will keep close to thee, and I will speak continually of thy Child. Never will I speak against Him--to me, at least, He shall not be a contradiction, but a resurrection from all from which He has come to save me.