Forty days after his birth, Mary and Joseph presented the child Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem. We read in Luke’s Gospel how they met a holy man called Simeon who praised God and gave thanks that he had laid eyes on the saviour of the nations. But it wasn’t all positive stuff from Simeon. He told Mary “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed, so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too." In other words, get ready Mary, because you are going to suffer! Thanks for that Simeon, sort of dampened the mood there. But it’s a good reminder that even the Mother of God, suffered. But why? Why can’t this life just be sunshine and rainbows and happy stuff? Why does God, who loves us, allow us to suffer so much?