The Catholic Church calls the famous passage of Genesis 3:15 the Protoevangelium (which means "first Gospel"), for it is "the first prophetic announcement of the Messiah and Redeemer" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 410). Unfortunately, most Biblical scholars today…
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Knowing Mary Through the Bible
Catholics sometimes come across slightly defensive, almost embarrassed, about Mary. When asked by our protestant friends why Catholics worship Mary, we may quickly reply, "We don’t worship her; we honor her." When asked why we pray to Mary, we might…
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Knowing Mary Through the Bible
In our last reflection, we saw how the woman figure in Revelation 12 should be identified as Mary. Now we are prepared to explore how Revelation 12 reveals Mary as having three beautiful roles in salvation history. She is the…
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Knowing Mary Through the Bible
Who Is the Woman in Revelation 12? Decoding the woman in 12 is not an easy task. [1] Although a strong Catholic tradition sees Mary in this woman who appears in heaven "clothed with the sun, with the moon under…
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Knowing Mary Through the Bible
One crucial theme in John’s Gospel can shed much light on Mary’s unique role in salvation history. This theme is so foundational that it will help us see how Mary becomes the "New Eve" and the spiritual mother of all…
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Knowing Mary Through the Bible
At first glance, one might conclude that Mary is not an important figure in the Gospel of John. After all, she only appears in two scenes (at Cana and the Cross) and she only speaks twice in the entire Gospel…
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Knowing Mary Through the Bible
Mary’s command to the servants at Cana-"Do whatever he tells you" (Jn. 2:5)- represents her last recorded words in the Bible. And they serve as much more than an exhortation to obedience. They echo the Old Testament spousal covenant of…
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Knowing Mary Through the Bible
To run out of refreshments at a party or to not have enough hamburgers for a summer cookout might be an embarrassing moment for a modern-day host. However, to run short of wine at an ancient Jewish wedding feast would…
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Knowing Mary Through the Bible
What was Mary’s life like before the angel Gabriel appeared to her? Mary’s early years are shrouded in mystery. The Bible doesn’t tell us much about her existence before the Annunciation. However, the few details that the Gospel of Luke…
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Knowing Mary Through the Bible
"And he came to her and said, ‘Hail, full of grace. The Lord is with you!’" —Luke 1:28 The angel Gabriel greeted Mary with a powerful opening line— but one that may escape the attention of many modern readers. For…
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Knowing Mary Through the Bible
Mary has only one question for the angel Gabriel. And it’s a question that provides a beautiful window into Our Lady’s unique spiritual life, but one we might overlook if we don’t read the Annunciation account carefully: Mary says to…
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Knowing Mary Through the Bible
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