Mary mentioned in the Bible

[KMC]

Hi. I am Catholic and I love Mary. I know how important she is and it hurts when people disrespect her. One argument that I hear against her that “she’s not important because she’s not mentioned that much in the Bible” how do I argue that? she’s mentioned I think about 12 times by name in the New Testament. Many thanks.
J.M.J A.M.D.G B.V.M T.T

A couple of quick points:

1. How could Mary NOT be important? She is the only human to bear God. It was her “yes” that allowed the incarnation…otherwise, God has to find a “plan B”. Thus, she truly is “The Mother of God”.
2. If Mary is not important because because of the number of times her name is mentioned, then what should we say about the word “Bible,” which is not mentioned at all? “Scriptures” refers to the Old Testament. Thus, nowhere in the Bible is the word “Bible.” Is that because its “not important?”

 

[JGD]

Something just dawned on me as I read your last post - where you noted how Mary travelled. Is it your understanding that when Jesus went to live in Capernaum He brought Mary along to live with Him? If so, sure wiish you’d have stated it more clearly. I thought you were saying Jesus never left Nazareth to go and live in Capernaum for His last 3 years on earth. Apologies.

 

[po18guy]

I often do not state things clearly for others. Putting thought to screen loses something in the keyboard. To clarify, my issue here is that some apparently believe that Jesus left His mother during his three year ministry.

There is no scriptural evidence that He did that, and no moral warrant for it - quite the opposite. Rather, Saint Joseph is last mentioned when our Lord was 12, and was surely deceased by the time our Lord reached 30.

Inasmuch as widows were reduced to begging, would our Lord impose that manner of life on the mother which He created to bear Him? I think not at all, since He not only held to the commandments, He personifies the commandments, placing them in proper perspective, being the Lord of the Sabbath.

 

[KMC]

Inasmuch as widows were reduced to begging, would our Lord impose that manner of life on the mother which He created to bear Him? I think not at all, since He not only held to the commandments, He personifies the commandments, placing them in proper perspective, being the Lord of the Sabbath.

This is a great answer. We do know that Jesus took the Pharisees to task over “Korban,” the policy where Pharisees allowed Jews to donate to the temple instead of using that money to take care of their parents. He called them hypocrites over that. Jesus followed the law, He fulfilled the law. Part of the law was to “Honor your mother and father.” You are absolutely insightful and correct to say that Jesus would have taken care of His mother.

 

[po18guy]

You are very kind. But, I have had years to ponder this! In any event, the incident with the prophet Elijah and the widow gathering sticks during the drought (1 Kings 17) is informative, as that widow is a “type” of the Blessed Virgin. She and her son had only enough for one last meal before death. Elijah was sent to her by the Lord - that she would feed him. He asked for water and bread even though by all appearances she would then starve herself and her son.

The prophet told her that neither oil nor meal (necessary for making bread) would fail until the end of the drought. During his stay, the widow’s son became ill and either died or was near death. Elijah carried him to the"upper room" where he was staying and revived him, presenting him to his mother alive.

Compare this to the passion narrative itself, where the Blessed Virgin was present as her only Son died and the people said that Jesus was calling on Elijah. But also compare this to Luke 7:11 and following in the story of the widow of Nain whose only son had died - she was then destitute and would be reduced to begging.

So many parallels. The Lord has great compassion on widows.

 

[KMC]

You are very kind. But, I have had years to ponder this! In any event, the incident with the prophet Elijah and the widow gathering sticks during the drought (1 Kings 17) is informative, as that widow is a “type” of the Blessed Virgin. She and her son had only enough for one last meal before death. Elijah was sent to her by the Lord - that she would feed him. He asked for water and bread even though by all appearances she would then starve herself and her son.

The prophet told her that neither oil nor meal (necessary for making bread) would fail until the end of the drought. During his stay, the widow’s son became ill and either died or was near death. Elijah carried him to the"upper room" where he was staying and revived him, presenting him to his mother alive.

Compare this to the passion narrative itself, where the Blessed Virgin was present as her only Son died and the people said that Jesus was calling on Elijah. But also compare this to Luke 7:11 and following in the story of the widow of Nain whose only son had died - she was then destitute and would be reduced to begging.

So many parallels. The Lord has great compassion on widows.

Gold.

Just finishing up my class on the N.T…the discussion on Matthew was all about Davidic Kingdom typology. I was blown away by all of the links.

Thank you for today’s lesson, professor!

 

[TMC]

While I agree with a lot of the responses about the importance of Mary, I think some are a little hard on OP @Shinywooper. This is a legitimate question, after all. The importance of Mary in today’s Church seems a little out of balance with the amount of material about Mary in Scripture. I don’t think Paul ever mentions Mary at all. Mark and John mention Mary, but do not give her the attention that Luke and Matthew do. I think it fair to wonder why, and to discuss how various people and movements in the Church may have looked at Mary’s role.

Not to detract from the many good explanations, but let’s not suggest this was a dumb or anti-Catholic question.

 

[po18guy]

Ah, but scripture is neither complete, nor is it the basis of the faith! Christ is, and He created a mother to bring him to flesh. Even though Jesus is God made man, Mary is that strong, silent woman standing behind the Man. Combine this with the numerous approved apparitions and her importance as intercessor at Christ’s right hand cannot be downplayed.

A single example: John 2. The wedding feast. What did Mary “know”? “Do whatever He tells you.” Do we suppose that Jesus was intended to make a quick trip to buy some wine? No! She would have asked Him that.

Rather, she had some knowledge, some illumination as to His power; His potential, both of which are attributes of God. She somehow knew that He was the answer to the lack of wine. But, making wine from water was humanly impossible - especially so on the spot! Wine takes grapes, a wine press, wine skins, and time.

To do what Mary asked Him required supernatural action; creative power - again the hallmarks of God. This was not about wine - this was about revealing the God-Man to the world. The wine played only a bit part. Mary did know how he would solve this problem, only that He could solve it.

There is so much typology in this single chapter that books could be written - indeed, they have been written.

We are to look to her and through her so as to see Christ.

 

[KMC]

Certainly not a dumb or anti-Catholic question…but a very interesting question.

In addition to what @po18guy wrote, I would also add that the Matthew spends a lot of time in his Gospel highlighting how the New Covenant is the fulfillment of the Davidic Kingdom Covenant. A part of that typology is the concept of the Queen Mother. In the Davidic Kingdom, the queen was the mother of the King. In 1 Kings, the Queen Mother was exalted…she had the ear of the king. So as Jesus is the fulfillment of the God’s promise to David that his son would be king (Note the genealogy in Matthew calling Jesus “son of David”), then also His mother would be the queen. My point underscores the idea that there is quite a bit about Mary in the Bible that is implicit. (I would also recommend looking up all of the references to “woman” to find much more).

Blessings,

KMC

 

[JGD]

Does anyone know of Catholic written resources that support or back up the idea that Mary moved to Capernaum.? If so, please name the source or post links. I just have not been able to find a single reference anywhere. Without that, my thinking is that Mary remained in Nazareth until some point after Jesus’ crucifixion.
(I’m a cradle Catholic, 12 yrs Catholic school with good nuns and the Baltimore Catechism, a deep love of Scripture and the writings & teachings of our Catholic Church. And this is the first time the I’ve ever come across the proposal that Jesus took Mary to Capernaum to live.)

Here are the thoughts that raise doubts for me about Mary moving to Capernaum.

1. The house in Nazareth is where Mary lived most of her life; it’s the house where Joseph lived with Mary and Jesus; it’s the house Jesus lived in for all but 3 years of His life. The house was/is holy - so holy God had it miraculously moved when it was threatened in the 13th century by Muslims. If Mary moved to Capernaum with Jesus, was the house sold, or left abandoned, or??? (This was 3 years before Jesus’ death, so 3+ years before it would be recognized, valued and guarded as a shrine or holy place.)
2. I’ve been unable to find any record or tradition of a house owned by Jesus in Capernaum. It’s thought He eventually dwelt at Peter’s house when He would be in Capernaum, but I could find no mention of Mary ever living there.
   John 2:12 tells us that Jesus, His mother and relatives, and the disciples went to Capernaum after the wedding at Cana, but they stayed only a few days. Jesus then apparently went on to Jerusalem (vs 13).
3. Later, Jesus had some very harsh words for Capernaum. Matthew 11:23 “You shall be brought down to Hades”.
4. When Jesus left Nazareth, He became an itinerant preacher. There’s no indication He continued to practice a trade, earning income to support Himself and Mary. Not every widow was necessarily reduced to poverty and begging. (The woman of Zarephath’s extreme poverty was most likely caused more by the famine due to a 3 1/2 year drought rather than her widowhood. Luke 4:25 )
   In Nazareth, Mary had a home, no doubt a garden, and very probably had friends & relatives (eg. brothers & sisters of Jesus) living in Nazareth or nearby (Cana is less than 4 miles away). They would have been able to help if and when need might arise.

 

[po18guy]

Interesting theory, but why even go there? Look at the precedent in the scriptures - both the widow and Elijah as well as the widow of Nain. THere is rather specific prefiguring there. We cannot write them off as somehow meaningless or unrelated to the Messiah.

As well, there is zero historical evidence, and runs counter to Him honoring His mother. It runs counter to Mary’s vow to be the handmaid of her son! We know she was in Jerusalem, that she was present at the crucifixion, and we know that she met with the Apostles in the upper room (in the Essene section of Jerusalem). She was present at the Pentecost.

Again, why are you thinking along this line?

 

[JGD]

Look at the precedent in the scriptures - both the widow and Elijah as well as the widow of Nain. THere is rather specific prefiguring there.

Precedent for what??? Neither had anything to do with a son moving and taking his mother along with him or the son leaving and abandoning his mother or the son leaving and the mother going along after him to care for him?? We don’t even know if the sons were adults or children!

I do have a tender spot for the widow of Naim gospel passage – just personal thoughts I’ve had. Did Jesus think of His mother Mary, soon to be a widow losing her only son?? Because of His love for His mother, I think of the compassion the scene may have roused in His heart for the widow, perhaps prompting His miraculous raising of the widow’s son.

(I totally miss how Elijah relates at all to Jesus’ bringing Mary with Him to Capernaum.)

As well, there is zero historical evidence,

Since Scripture does speak of Mary living and being in Nazareth, but never living in Capernaum, I think the burden of proof lies with you. I’ve asked you for some. I would have no problem admitting error if you could provide any.

and runs counter to Him honoring His mother.

I fail to understand why you think allowing Mary to stay in her home (of many years) near friends and relatives, while He would be travelling and preaching would show dishonor. Why would uprooting her and taking her to a new place to live with someone she had perhaps never met before show her more honor.
Neither does it mean He would be abandoning her. Don’t you think He could come back to see her in Nazareth whenever He desired?

It runs counter to Mary’s vow to be the handmaid of her son! We know she was in Jerusalem, that she was present at the crucifixion, and we know that she met with the Apostles in the upper room (in the Essene section of Jerusalem). She was present at the Pentecost.

Why do you think she couldn’t be the Lord’s handmaid in Nazareth? I think the greatest way Mary served Our Lord during His public ministry was probably with PRAYER - and perhaps providing a quiet home for Him to return to when He desired to get away from the crowds.

As you noted above and in previous posts, Mary was no stranger to travel. She sometimes went to where Jesus would be in His ministry.

Again, why are you thinking along this line?

Because from Scripture we know that Jesus & Mary lived in Nazareth at the time Jesus decided to move to Capernaum. The Scripture says nothing about His mother accompanying Him. Neither am I aware of any Catholic tradition that Mary moved to Capernaum.
Jesus was still alive and could provide for any needs that might arise for Mary. He provided food for 5000 after all. He did not need to be present to know what was happening elsewhere. (eg. John 11) When Jesus was dying on the cross, and Mary would be left alone without His presence, He did make provision for her.

 

[po18guy]

No need to be defensive - unless you have something to be defensive about. Once again, your opinion against zero historical, scriptural or traditional evidence.

The entire idea just strikes me as very odd. This was the 1st Century Israel, not 21st century USA or anywhere else.

Maybe others can chime in, but I’ve explained my views.

 

[JGD]

No need to be defensive - unless you have something to be defensive about.

??? It was late when I was posting. If I sounded defensive, it was certainly unintentional - especially when I see no need for it.
We just reason differently.

When you get some historical records that show Mary dwelt in Capernaum, please do post it, or PM me.
BTW, do you know of any shrine or Church built to hallow the spot where Jesus and Mary would have lived in Capernaum?

Maybe others can chime in, but I’ve explained my views.

Agreed.

P.S. edit: We both love and reverence Mary very much, and that is what is most important.
Thank you Jesus for giving us Your Mother to be our Mother also.

 

[steph03]

Just ask your friends two questions…

1- do you believe that the sacrifice of Christ’s body and blood was for your sins?

(The obvious answer is yes)

2- Where do you think he got his body and blood from?

(Mary)

 

[EndTimes]

Hi. I am Catholic and I love Mary. I know how important she is and it hurts when people disrespect her. One argument that I hear against her that “she’s not important because she’s not mentioned that much in the Bible” how do I argue that?

Why argue anyway…

There’s plenty of autre-biblical Catholic Teachings re: Mary

 

[PaxChristi]

Catholicism teaches both Scripture and Tradition.
Because she’s not in scripture, she has such a more important role in tradition. Same with Jospeh, and others. Mary is venerated more than anyone other, she has the biggest part in tradition.

 

[hope]

The house was/is holy - so holy God had it miraculously moved when it was threatened in the 13th century by Muslims

When we visited Nazareth we were taken to a Church built over the house of Mary. We were told that part of the house had been moved by “angels”. Our pastor told us that the men who moved it were named angles hence the story of the miraculous move was started. However are pastor did not dismiss that it was miraculous only there was an explanation.
My question to you is what scripture is there that tells us where Mary was if not with Jesus? Every time Mary is mentioned she is with Jesus. The lack of scripture is not sufficient to say she was or wasn’t

 

[JGD]

When we visited Nazareth we were taken to a Church built over the house of Mary. We were told that part of the house had been moved by “angels”. Our pastor told us that the men who moved it were named angles hence the story of the miraculous move was started. However are pastor did not dismiss that it was miraculous only there was an explanation.

I’ve also read scholars who say Jesus never multiplied the fish and loaves, He just got the people who brought food to share. I’m glad your pastor didn’t rule out the miraculous. I think you might enjoy this entry on the House of Loretto in the online Catholic Encyclopedia.

My question to you is what scripture is there that tells us where Mary was if not with Jesus? Every time Mary is mentioned she is with Jesus. The lack of scripture is not sufficient to say she was or wasn’t

Well, we do of course have Scripture showing Mary lived in Nazareth while there is no Scripture showing she ever lived in Capharnaum - or that she left Nazareth.
I agree there’s no Scripture saying specifically where she lived after Jesus left - but it does say “He went…”(Mt. 4:13) - not, “He and His mother”, or “taking His mother, they went”. It’s that lack of Scripture saying she went with Jesus that I think has more weight. I’ve read a lot of Scripture commentaries and articles over the years, but I’ve never read anything about Mary living in Capernaum.
There are very few times I’m aware of that Scripture records Mary’s presence where Jesus is preaching. The following verses (Mt. 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21) may be referring to a single incident - and she is always with Jesus’ brethren who are from Nazareth. My thought is that Mary traveled from Nazareth with them. Later, at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion she will travel to Jerusalem.

Jesus was travelling almost all the time once He began His public ministry. (If you scroll about halfway down, you’ll get to “The public life of Jesus: His journeys” )

Jesus would never “abandon” Mary. If He wanted to visit Mary at times when He wasn’t preaching near Nazareth, that wouldn’t have been a problem for Him. - eg. John 6:21. If He could get a boat full of disciples somewhere immediately, He could certainly “immediately” transport Himself wherever He wished to go.

There’s no record of Jesus ever owning a home in Capharnaum. If he had, a church would have been built over it long ago!!
In Mt. 8:20/Luke 9:58 Jesus said, “…the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

 

[hope]

I agree there’s no Scripture that says whether or not she went with Jesus. It’s the lack of Scripture saying she went with Jesus that has more weight. T

Interesting, I think of the old saying the lack of evidence is not proof of evidence.