The Son of Mary
It is passing strange that the villagers of Nazareth (in this week’s Gospel Mark 6:1-6) should refer to Jesus as ‘the son of Mary’. Their culture was distictively patriarchal. In Jewish and broader ancient Near Eastern cultures, people were usually identified by their father's name like ‘son of Joseph’. This reflected the societal structure where lineage and inheritance were traced through the male line.
Many great theologians have reflected on this. Their interpretations show a range of theological and scholarly insights, including affirming the incarnation, highlighting the humility of Jesus' earthly life, and illustrating the skepticism and unbelief of those who knew him during his early years.
Another way of interpreting it, is that St Mark was preparing us to accept Mary as our mother. In John 19: 26 we read ‘When Jesus (on the cross) saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold your son’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother’. By this statement he was not only speaking to the disciple but to all of us who are disciples (followers) of Jesus.
In the year 1531, a few days into the month of December, the Virgin Mary appeared to a native indian, a macehual, a poor man of the people; his name was Juan Diego, and he lived in what today is called Mexico city. She greeted him ‘Dear Juan, dearest Juan Diego’. When he reached where she was, he was filled with admiration for the way her perfect grandeur exceeded all imagination. She appeared as what we know today as the Virgin of Guadalupe. (an image of her is included in this post).
She said to him: ‘Listen my son, my youngest son, Juanito,…’ She revealed her precious will; she said to him ‘Know for sure my dearest and youngest son, that I am truly the ever perfect Holy Virgin Mary, who has the honor to be the Mother of the one true God for whom we all live…’
Later, at another meeting with Juan Diego, she spoke these glorious words ‘Am I not here, I who have the honour to be your mother? Are you not in my shadow and under my protection? Am I not the source of your joy? Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Do you need anything more?’
By these words the Virgin Mary was telling us that she is the mother of Jesus and she is also our mother. We are the sons and daughters of Mary!
The Virgin Mary gives us a mother’s love. Do we need anything more? When we are troubled by circumstances we go to her and ask her for her protection. The villagers of Nazareth, in referring to Jesus as "the son of Mary," may have unknowingly foreshadowed a profound spiritual truth.
This title hints at the unique role Mary was to play in the divine plan. In these encounters, Mary’s words resonate deeply, offering her love, protection, and joy to all her children. In the face of life's troubles, turning to her motherly care, we find comfort and assurance.
NOTICE BOARD
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