Ave Maria

MOTHER OF THE CHURCH

And thou shalt say in thy heart:
Who hath begotten these?
I was barren and brought not forth,
led away, and captive:
and who hath brought up these?
I was destitute and alone:
and these, where were they?
Isaiah 49, 21

GIVE praise, O thou barren, that bearest not:
sing forth praise, and make a joyful noise,
thou that didst not travail with child:
for many are the children of the desolate,
more than of her that hath a husband,
saith the Lord.
Isaiah 54, 1

When Jesus had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved,
he saith to his mother: Woman, behold thy son. After that, he saith to the disciple:
Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own.
John 19, 26-27

One of the notable statements in sacred Scripture occurs when Jesus addresses his beloved disciple from the Cross, saying, “Behold your mother.” In this context, the term “mother” carries significant weight, reflecting the biblical concept of motherhood. Jesus’ act of entrusting his mother to the disciple highlights the high regard for motherhood within Israelite society. In Jewish tradition, motherhood transcended mere biological functions; it represented a vital social structure deeply intertwined with their covenantal relationship with God and His promise to Abraham. This underscores the foundational role that motherhood played in the life and faith of God’s chosen people.

In the biblical narrative, Ruth was instructed by her mother-in-law Naomi to approach Boaz, a relative of her deceased husband, and lie at his feet. This action was rooted in the laws of Moses, which mandated that a close relative marry a widow to preserve the family name and assets, such as land (Deut 25:5-10). The significance of this practice lay in the belief that when a man died without a son, it was the duty of a relative to marry the widow so that a son could be born within the family, ensuring the continuation of the family lineage (Lk 20:27-40). At the time of her husband’s death, Ruth was childless. However, after marrying Boaz, they had a son named Obed. This birth was crucial as it allowed Ruth and Boaz to continue their family line and maintain the family property within their lineage.

Ruth’s motherhood transcended her immediate family, reflecting a deep concern for the interests and preservation of her extended family. In Judaic thought, her role as a mother extended even further to encompass all the children of Israel. While Ruth gave birth to Obed, her maternal influence extended to her grandson David, who would later become the King of Israel. Notably, this connection is significant as David is part of the lineage from which the Messiah would come. Additionally, Ruth’s dual role as a mother serves as a prefiguration of the Virgin Mary, who gave birth to Jesus Christ, highlighting the broader implications of her motherhood in both Jewish and Christian traditions.

Leila Leah Bronner introduced the “Metaphorical Mother” concept in her book Stories of Biblical Mothers: Maternal Power in the Hebrew Bible (University Press of America, 2004). This term refers to a woman who symbolically gives birth to and nurtures an entire population of children, even if they are not biologically related to her. For example, Ruth is considered a “Metaphorical Mother” because she is biologically linked to Obed, Jesse, and King David, who went on to rule over Israel. Socially, Ruth contributed to the birth and growth of a blossoming nation and the advancement of its people. Similarly, Sarah gave birth to Isaac, who begets Jacob, who represents Israel (Gen 12:2; 46:3). By giving birth to Isaac, she does, in a sense, give birth to the nation of Israel, redefining her motherhood. However, according to the Divine plan, Sarah’s role as a mother is not limited to national boundaries.

In the Old Testament, God commands Abraham to change his wife’s name from Sarai, which means “my princess,” to Sarah, meaning “princess.” This name change holds significant implications regarding her role as the matriarch of nations and kings (Genesis 17:15). This directive is linked to God’s promises to Abraham, which are primarily fulfilled within the Old Testament narrative, but also carry additional importance in the New Testament. The promises include the assurance that Abraham will have a son and become the father of a great nation (Israel) with numerous descendants. He is also promised a homeland (Canaan) and that through his faith, all families on earth will be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3; 15-19; 21-22). This blessing extends to all families or nations of the world, which includes a remnant of Israel and reaches out to Gentiles as well. After the resurrection of Christ, Gentiles are invited to abandon their pagan practices and reconcile with God, as noted in Acts 3:24-26. This reflects the broader scope of the blessings promised to Abraham and highlights the inclusion of all nations in God’s plan for redemption.

In terms of spiritual lineage, only those who possess faith, defined as a steadfast love for God and trust in His promises, are considered the true descendants of Abraham, encompassing both Jews and Gentiles (Gal 3:7-9). Individuals who are baptized in Christ and embody their faith through adherence to God’s commandments are regarded as children of Abraham. This spiritual family transcends ethnic divisions; there is no distinction between Jew and Greek among these individuals. All faithful followers of God, who strive to live in the light as Christ does, are recognized as children of Abraham, irrespective of their circumcision status (Gal 3:26-29).

The first Jewish converts to Christianity observed a significant connection between Sarah and Mary, highlighted in St. Luke’s comparison of the births of Isaac and Jesus. In the biblical text of Genesis 11, Sarah is introduced as the free wife of Abraham, who miraculously gives birth to Isaac, her only son, despite being barren and beyond the usual age for childbearing (Gen 17:17-18; 18:10). God instructs that the child’s name be Isaac (Gen 17:19). Sarah’s status as the free wife contrasts with that of Hagar, Abraham’s concubine. Although initially barren, Sarah proposes that Abraham have a child with Hagar, leading to the birth of Ishmael. However, as the narrative unfolds, Sarah insists that Ishmael and Hagar be sent away due to Ishmael’s behavior, ensuring that he does not share in Isaac’s inheritance (Gen 21:8-10). Isaac is ultimately destined to father a great nation, Israel, through his son Jacob.

In the Gospel of Luke, Mary is presented as the mother of Jesus, who is recognized as the promised Son and the rightful heir to the kingdom of heaven. She is described as the free spouse of the Holy Spirit, having been granted a fullness of grace, as noted in Luke 1:28. In the Greek text, the angel refrains from calling her by her given name, “Mariam.” Instead, he addresses her as Kecharitomene, meaning, “perfected in lasting grace” due to her election to the divine maternity. Mary’s purity and freedom from sin are highlighted through her ability to magnify or glorify the Lord, as expressed in Luke 1:46. Mary stands at enmity with Satan opposing his influence over humanity, which is depicted in Genesis 3:15. Despite being a virgin, she miraculously conceives and gives birth to Jesus, her only son, as indicated in Luke 1:35. Like Sarah in the Old Testament, she questions how she can ever conceive the Messiah, in her situation, without having sexual relations, asking, “How shall this be, seeing I know not (a) man” (Lk 1:34). Nonetheless, she is destined to give birth to a son named Jesus, as commanded by God (Lk 1:31). Jesus is foretold to rule all nations from the throne of his ancestor David, with his kingdom being everlasting (Lk 1:32-33). Just as Isaac was instrumental in the founding of Israel (Jacob), Jesus is seen as the one who will establish the Church and reign over the descendants of Jacob.

The concept of the Free Woman of Promise is a prominent theme throughout the Bible, appearing in passages from Genesis to Revelation. One key figure in this theme is Sarah, who plays a vital role as the matriarch of the Israelites. She is recognized not only as the biological mother of Isaac and the maternal head of her extended family but also as a significant figure in the Covenant. Sarah’s calling involved active collaboration with God to give rise to a nation destined to produce the Messiah, who would reconcile humanity with God. In addition to Sarah, other matriarchs of the Hebrews also contributed to the unfolding narrative of salvation. These women worked alongside God in faithful partnership, helping to liberate the Israelites from bondage and protect them from threats posed by enemies and captors. Through their efforts, they played an essential role in the preservation and deliverance of God’s chosen people.

Three women in the Judaic tradition are highly praised. They are Esther, Jael, and Judith. These women and Sarah symbolize the Virgin Mary’s maternal role in the salvation story. Their courageous actions are fulfilled in Mary’s association with her divine Son in his redemptive work. Jael and Judith both strike heroic blows for Israel by cutting off the heads of their enemies’ chieftains, Sisera and Holofernes, under God’s guidance. These women are praised and considered blessed above all women because of their saving acts in union with God. All generations of Jews will follow suit and praise them (Jdgs 5:24-27; Jdt 13:18-20; 15:9-10).

Mary collaborates with God to crush the head of the serpent, which is Satan. She does this by humbly and faithfully consenting to be the mother of the divine Messiah and suffering at the foot of the Cross in union with her Son’s afflictions. Her suffering helps to give temporal satisfaction to God for the sins of alienated humanity and to liberate it from the slavery of sin and the power of the hostile enemy (Lk 1:38; 2:35). Through her Fiat, she brings the living Font of redemptive grace into the world, and by His merits, all people shall be reconciled to God and restored to friendship with Him. God fulfills His promise to Abraham of regenerating mankind in Christ and delivering all souls from eternal spiritual death and separation from the Beatific Vision of God through Mary’s womb. Elizabeth recognizes Mary’s faith, charity, and grace. She is pronounced blessed above all women (Lk 1:42). All generations of the Christian faithful shall also bless Mary because of the great things God has done for her in their collaboration (Lk 1:48-49).

In the biblical narrative, Esther and her community are captured and enslaved by King Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes. The king, drawn to Esther’s exceptional beauty, selects her to become his wife and queen of Persia, despite her initial reluctance. According to the Talmud, Esther is portrayed as a righteous woman who follows the Torah and is already married to Mordechai. This complicates her situation, as she is deeply troubled by the prospect of being married to a Gentile king who has oppressed her people. Despite her discomfort, Esther is compelled to comply with the king’s demands, which include attending to him intimately. Concurrently, the Hebrew captives face dire threats, as Haman the Agagite—who serves as the king’s highest official—plots their extermination, except Esther, who is shielded by her position as queen. Through a fervent prayer to God, as detailed in the book of Esther (Chapter 4, verses 12-30, NAB), Queen Esther courageously decides to confront Haman’s conspiracy. Utilizing her influence and risking her own safety, she successfully thwarts his plan, ultimately saving her people from execution. In response to Esther’s revelation of Haman’s treachery, King Ahasuerus orders Haman to be hanged (Est 7:6-10).

Mary is often viewed as the counterpart to Esther in biblical tradition, representing purity and divine grace. According to theological interpretation, she is unique in that she is exempt from the corruption of physical death and the spiritual consequences associated with original sin, which is traditionally attributed to the temptation of the devil as described in Genesis 3:14. This belief holds that God preserved Mary from the stain of original sin, thus not subjecting her to the law of sin and death. This exceptional grace enables Mary to be the most worthy mother of Jesus Christ and to play a significant role in combating evil. Through her strong and faithful acceptance of God’s plan, often referred to as her Fiat, she is believed to facilitate the ultimate triumph of Jesus over Satan, the primary adversary of humanity, thereby leading people away from sin and towards salvation. Now regarded in Heaven, Mary is celebrated as Queen alongside Christ the King (Lk 1:31-33; Mk 10:40), and the faithful honor her as they engage in their spiritual battles against evil, as indicated in Revelation 12:17. Her selection by God is acknowledged in the Gospel of Luke, where she is described as perfectly graced and the most blessed among women (1:28, 42).

BEHOLD THY SON – BEHOLD THY MOTHER

In the context of Jesus’ crucifixion, his address to his mother, Mary, is noteworthy. He referred to her as “Woman” rather than using the typical term “Imah” (Mother), which Jewish men in ancient Palestine would commonly use to honor their mothers under Mosaic law. This choice of words implies that Jesus viewed Mary not just as his biological mother but also as a spiritual figure. When he said to the Disciple, “Behold your mother,” he emphasized her role as a mother to all believers. This reference highlights Mary’s significance in a biblical sense; she is viewed as the Free Woman of Promise, prophesied in Genesis 3:15, who would ultimately triumph over evil through her faith and love, thereby contributing to the spiritual well-being of humanity. This interpretation is further supported by passages such as Luke 11:27-28, which highlight her blessed role in the narrative of salvation.

The text highlights the theological significance of Mary as the ultimate fulfillment of the Hebrew Matriarchs, starting with figures like Sarah, who played key roles in God’s promises to Abraham. This connection underscores Mary’s importance in the salvation plan leading up to the Incarnation of Christ. While Jesus is crucified and his blood is shed for the forgiveness of sins, he designates Mary as the Matriarch of the New and Everlasting Covenant, positioning her as the spiritual mother or “second Eve” for humanity that has been redeemed.

Through the Cross, our Lord redefines Mary’s role not just as the mother of Jesus, but as the universal Mother of all Nations. In this capacity, she nourishes a fallen humanity with the redemptive fruit of her womb—the body and blood of her divine Son, Jesus Christ. Mary embodies the essence of maternal care, acting as the spiritual caregiver of all souls. She continually feeds and nurtures her spiritual offspring with the true manna that has come down from heaven, offering them the sustenance of faith and grace, as described in the Gospel of John (Jn 6:35, 51, 58).

The Cross remains ever-present before her, a symbol of her enduring commitment to humanity’s salvation. In his final moments, Jesus affirms and ratifies Mary’s maternal saving office when he entrusts her to the beloved Disciple, saying, “Woman, behold your son,” and to the Disciple, “Behold your mother.” This poignant moment highlights not only Mary’s role as the Mother of Jesus but also extends her motherhood to all believers, inviting them into a profound relationship with her as their spiritual mother. Through her intercession, she continues to guide and strengthen the faithful, nurturing their journey toward eternal life.

The Church traces its origins to Calvary, where Mary’s significant role in salvation was established and continues to endure throughout history. As the Mother of the Church, Mary plays a vital part in nurturing and encouraging all of Christ’s followers by providing them with the teachings they need and the graces made available through her Son’s redemptive work. The relationship Jesus fostered between his mother and his disciples is intrinsically linked to his Messianic mission and the accomplishments he achieved for humanity. His statements to Mary and the Disciple highlight essential events such as his resurrection, ascension into heaven, and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, as described in Acts 2:1-4.

The couplet “Behold your son – Behold your mother” carries profound significance, particularly in the context of the end times. When Jesus addresses the Disciple with “Behold your mother,” his intention extends beyond a mere request for a friend to look after his mother after his departure. While Jesus does express concern for her well-being, the more profound implications of this statement challenge the notion that it serves as a practical or straightforward last will and testament. It is essential to recognize that every word spoken by Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels, holds soteriological significance, either explicitly or implicitly.

In the Gospel of John, a significant event is highlighted during the final moments of Jesus on the cross, where he entrusts the care of his mother to his beloved disciple, John. This moment is conveyed through a carefully constructed couplet that underscores the seriousness of the situation. It is portrayed not merely as a dying man’s request to a friend, but as an act of divine providence that is central to the plan of salvation. Jesus expresses deep love for his mother and shows concern for her well-being, while also acknowledging her vital role in the overarching narrative of redemption. By assigning her care to John, he redefines her position not just as a mother but as a figure of perseverance in faith. This act serves as a poignant reminder that all individuals are called to embrace their own challenges and follow Christ, even amidst the most trying circumstances.

Mount Moriah holds significant historical and theological importance in the context of faith and parenthood. In the Book of Genesis (22:16-18), it is described how Abraham’s faith was profoundly tested by God, fundamentally reshaping his understanding of fatherhood as he prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. This theme of transformation continues on the same mount, known as Golgotha, where Jesus, God incarnate, redefined Mary’s role as a mother from the Cross. Her faith, demonstrated through acts of charity and grace, allowed her to participate morally in His redemptive work. Mary’s spiritual motherhood of the redeemed is intimately connected to her co-redemptive role, which originated during the Annunciation, when she accepted the divine message and agreed to bear the Son of God.

The phrase “Woman, behold your son – Behold your mother” is delivered with an authoritative tone, signifying a Divine decree. In this moment of suffering for humanity’s sins, Jesus addresses his mother, Mary, standing at the foot of the Cross, using the term “Woman.” This choice of words serves to redefine Mary’s role as a mother within the Divine plan of salvation. The Evangelist focuses less on Mary’s immediate circumstances and more on her significance as the woman prophesied by God to defeat evil through her faith and collaboration with Him. Following this, the narrative shifts to the Disciple, highlighting the implications of Jesus calling Mary “Woman” rather than “Mother” (Imah), and how this relates to the broader community of the faithful in the context of grace.  This use of language is an example of constructive or synthetic parallelism, a literary device often analyzed in modern biblical exegesis.

The significance of Mary’s relationship with the Disciple transcends her physical motherhood of Jesus. After Jesus completes his mission, her role as his mother becomes less central. Instead, her title reflects a new spiritual bond with the Disciple. Though she does not formally become the Disciple’s mother upon moving into his home, this transition occurs at the foot of the Cross, where she stands alongside him. In this moment, Mary assumes a maternal role for the Disciple, engaging in a profound intercessory capacity linked to her Son’s redemptive work. This transformation allows her to intercede for the temporal remission of sin.

During the crucifixion, Jesus entrusted Mary to John, designating her as the mother of his true disciples. This significant moment is illustrated by John’s presence at the foot of the cross, which is particularly notable because the other disciples had deserted Jesus, believing him to be dead, despite his previous prophecies about his resurrection.  Among all of Jesus’ disciples, only John dared to stand beneath the cross. As a result of his deep faith, John is often regarded as a spiritual son to Mary, thereby establishing a unique maternal bond between them. Thus, John’s presence at the crucifixion carries symbolic meaning, underscoring his role as a faithful follower.

For I heard a cry as of a woman in labor,
anguish as of one bringing forth her first child,
the cry of daughter Zion gasping for breath,
stretching out her hands,
“Woe is me! I am fainting before killers!”
Jeremiah 4, 31

The scene at the Cross is rich with imagery from the Old Testament, particularly themes related to prophecy and Jewish traditions. Key passages from Isaiah—specifically 49:21, 54:1-3, and 66:7-11—highlight the sorrow of Mother Zion as she mourns the loss of her children. However, this sorrow is juxtaposed with the promise of a new and larger family, restored through God’s grace, which leads to joyful celebration, as indicated in Luke 1:46-55 and Zephaniah 3:14-17.

Catholic theologian Raymond E. Brown (The Gospel According to John, Garden City: Double Day & Co., 1966) notes that the scene at the foot of the Cross symbolizes the birth pangs through which the Spirit of salvation is brought forth (as referenced in Isaiah 26:17-18) and ultimately fulfilled (John 19:30). In this context, Mary embodies the role of Mother Zion, symbolically becoming the mother of the beloved disciple—that is, the Christian—after experiencing the intense sorrow akin to birth pangs. This new birth results in the emergence of a joyful new people. Mary’s experience of desolation beneath the Cross can be compared to the joyful return of exiles filling her towns and cities, reflecting the imagery of Mother Zion. The returnees from Babylonian exile serve as a foreshadowing of all believers in Christ, who find liberation from the bondage of sin and the threat of eternal death.

In his commentary on the book of Isaiah, Paul D. Hanson discusses the theme of Zion’s suffering and eventual restoration. He emphasizes that although Zion has endured significant grief due to the loss of her Son, this state of mourning will not last indefinitely. Hanson predicts that Zion will see the return of her people from exile, leading to a revival of activity in her towns and cities. The passage includes three references to children, symbolizing the repopulation of Zion by those returning from exile (Isaiah 40-66: A Bible Commentary, Westminster John Knox Press, 1995). This imagery serves as a foreshadowing of the broader redemption experienced by all believers in Christ, achieved at the cost of great sorrow for His mother, who stood at the foot of the cross, as noted in Revelation 12:4.

Enlarge the place of thy tent,
and stretch out the skins of thy tabernacles,
spare not: lengthen thy cords,
and strengthen thy stakes.
For thou shalt pass on to the right hand, and to the left:
and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles,
and shall inhabit the desolate cities.
Isaiah 54, 2-3

The particle “Behold” (Greek: Idou, Hebrew: Hinneh) plays a crucial role in both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. It often signifies existence or draws attention to something for clarification and emphasis. In particular, hinneh clauses underscore the immediacy and significance of a situation, frequently introducing a fact or reality upon which subsequent statements or commands depend. Most hinneh clauses appear in direct discourse, which further highlights their function and invites careful examination by readers and interpreters. For example, in Genesis 30:3, Rachel declares, “Behold (here is) Bilhah, my servant. Sleep with her so that she can bear children for me, and that I too can have a family through her.” In this instance, the use of “hinneh” emphasizes Bilhah’s role and accessibility as a servant, reinforcing Rachel’s desire to fulfill her familial aspirations through a culturally accepted surrogate arrangement. Bilhah is instructed to sleep with Rachel’s husband, Jacob, in the capacity of a “wife” to bear sons for her mistress, who is unable to have children. Bilhah gives birth to Dan and Naphtali, who will become two of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Similarly, in the New Testament, when Jesus utters the words, “Here is your mother” to the Disciple John during the crucifixion scene, it signifies more than a mere introduction; he conveys a profound relational bond, indicating that Mary is to be regarded as a mother figure to John, much like Bilhah fulfills her purpose as a servant for Rachel. Mary’s proclamation in the Annunciation narrative, “Behold, I am (here is) the handmaid of the Lord” (Luke 1:38), exemplifies her immediate acceptance of God’s will. The phrase emphasizes her willingness to become a vessel for divine purpose, showcasing the active participation of women in the biblical narrative as they respond to God’s call with readiness and devotion.

The passage from Isaiah 54:2-3 was written in a post-exilic context, addressing the people of Israel after their return from the Babylonian captivity. It speaks of hope, restoration, and expansion, offering a message of encouragement to those who may feel desolate or abandoned. The metaphor of enlarging the tent reflects the idea that God’s promise to His people includes a flourishing future, where they will not only recover but thrive, embracing a wider community. In this context, the term “Daughter Zion” is often used in the Hebrew Scriptures to symbolize Jerusalem and, by extension, the people of Israel. Daughter Zion represents the collective identity of God’s people who are invited to rejoice in their restoration. This imagery aligns with Isaiah’s call for expansion and hope, suggesting that the community will grow and be blessed by God once more.

The connection to Mary at the cross, as presented in the New Testament, can be viewed through the lens of both sorrow and hope. At the crucifixion of Jesus, Mary, as the mother of Christ, embodies both the suffering of Daughter Zion and the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. While the moment is filled with grief and despair, it also marks a pivotal point in humanity’s narrative of redemption. Just as Isaiah’s message encourages the people to look forward to a time of restoration, Mary’s presence at the cross can be seen as a link to the belief in new life and hope through resurrection.

Moreover, the notion of inheritance mentioned in Isaiah, where the seed shall inherit the Gentiles, may find its fulfillment in the message of the Gospel, which extends beyond Israel to all nations. Mary, in her role as the mother of Jesus, thus not only represents the heart of Israel but also exemplifies the invitation for all people to be part of God’s promise. The historical context of Isaiah speaks to a community yearning for renewal after hardship. At the same time, the figure of Mary at the cross embodies both the pain of loss and the potential for new beginnings, encapsulating the essence of hope that transcends time and culture.

Your sun will never set again,
and your moon will wane no more;
the LORD will be your everlasting light,
and your days of sorrow will end.
Then all your people will be righteous
and they will possess the land forever.
They are the shoot I have planted,
the work of my hands,
for the display of my splendor.
Isaiah 60, 20-21

Isaiah 60, particularly verses 20-21, originates from a period of significant hope and restoration for the people of Israel, likely after the Babylonian exile. This chapter is part of the broader prophetic literature that envisions a future where God’s presence will be a source of everlasting light for His people, contrasting with their past experiences of darkness and despair. The imagery of the sun and moon no longer setting emphasizes a time of unbroken divine favor, signaling the culmination of God’s promises.

In the context of “Daughter Zion,” a term often used in biblical texts to personify Jerusalem or the people of Israel, these verses resonate with themes of revival and vindication. Daughter Zion experiences both the sorrow of exile and the joy of restoration, embodying the collective hopes and struggles of the Jewish people. The promise that “all your people will be righteous” suggests a transformative future where the community reflects God’s holiness and righteousness, fulfilling the divine intention for creation. Connecting this to Mary at the Cross, one can draw parallels between Daughter Zion’s suffering and Mary’s experience of grief as she witnesses Jesus’ crucifixion. Mary, often seen as a representation of Israel or Zion, embodies the deep sorrow of the Jewish people, particularly in the context of their longing for salvation and deliverance. Just as Daughter Zion endures suffering before experiencing restoration, Mary stands at the foot of the Cross, experiencing profound loss yet ultimately participating in the redemptive work of God through Christ.

The intersection of these themes emphasizes a continuity between the prophecies of Isaiah and the New Testament narratives. Both contexts speak to a God who promises redemption and restoration, highlighting the steadfastness of divine love and light in overcoming darkness and sorrow. In essence, while Daughter Zion represents the collective hope of Israel, Mary signifies the personal reality of that hope amidst suffering, culminating in the resurrection—the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah’s vision of lasting light for God’s people.

The books of Matthew and Mark contain the statement, “Behold your mother,” which echoes the theological theme found in John 19:25-27. These passages highlight the concept of being a “brother of Jesus” and emphasize that obedience to God’s will holds greater significance than mere biological relationships. While Jesus does not dismiss or disrespect his connection with his mother, he places a higher priority on a spiritual kinship that extends beyond physical ties. In this context, Jesus recognizes Mary as his true mother due to her faith in God, which is regarded as a significant blessing (Luke 11:27-28). When Jesus is informed that his mother and relatives are outside, he reflects on both the Annunciation and the Crucifixion, events that symbolize the broadening of boundaries and the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Dispensation of grace. This notion underscores that the family of our heavenly Father was intended to encompass more than just Israel and the Jewish people.

The Kingdom of Heaven emphasizes a profound commitment from its disciples, which can sometimes take precedence over traditional family ties and ethnic connections. According to Jesus, he regards his mother as particularly significant due to her faith. This faith was essential not only for her role as his natural mother in the context of his incarnation but also for her ability to nurture his disciples within the spiritual family of God. Mary is recognized as a disciple alongside figures such as John and the other apostles, making her the foremost disciple and a spiritual mother to them. After Jesus’ ascension, she collaborates with the Holy Spirit to guide and support the apostles in their mission.

The two verses discussed introduce the idea of a new family that goes beyond the national ties of the listeners surrounding Jesus, incorporating an eschatological dimension. These passages set the stage for Jesus’s intentions when he speaks to his mother and the disciple from the Cross. By using the hinneh clause, he emphasizes that his mother, Mary, fulfills a proper maternal role within the framework of salvation, thereby clarifying any potential misunderstandings. Rather than serving merely as a mother-like figure to the Disciple, she is designated as his actual mother from that moment onward in the Kingdom of Heaven, with him being her son in a spiritual sense, much like Jesus is her physical son. While the Church is often referred to as our mother in a figurative manner, Mary is recognized as a personal mother who conceived and gave birth to Jesus, who is our Lord and our brother (Rom 8:29).

During his ministry, Jesus redefined the concept of Israel, envisioning it through the figure of Mother Zion, which he connected to his own mother, Mary. His goal was to establish a family of faith that transcended national borders and birthright, basing their identity on faith instead. This new interpretation of Zion finds its ultimate expression in the New Zion, or the Church, which welcomes Gentiles into God’s family kingdom. This perspective on Zion is significant, as it also finds a secondary fulfillment in the figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady of Sorrows and Mother of the Church. Through Mary, all the faithful can develop a personal relationship with their spiritual mother, paralleling their connection with her son, Jesus Christ, in their prayers and devotion. Together, they constitute members of His Mystical Body.

“For if Mary, as those declare who with sound mind extol her, had no other son but
Jesus, and yet Jesus says to His mother, Woman, behold thy son,’ and not Behold
you have this son also,’ then He virtually said to her, Lo, this is Jesus, whom thou
didst bear.’ Is it not the case that everyone who is perfect lives himself no longer,
but Christ lives in him; and if Christ lives in him, then it is said of him to Mary,
Behold thy son Christ.’”
Origen, Commentary on John, I:6 (A.D. 232)

So, the ransomed of the LORD shall return,
and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isaiah 51,11

AVE MARIA