Mary question

[Katie1723]

Last evening at Novena, the priest giving the honily said that Mary was @ 14 when she had Jesus. I was just wondering how this was determined? I was a bit surprised.

              Thanks,
               ~ Kathy ~

 

[sententia]

I think that’s generally what people believe. I think they arrive at it more through looking at the culture and times than anything else .

 

[WhatMeWorry]

In those days, once a young girl reached 13 or 14 and started her monthly cycle, then she was considered to be an adult and ready for marriage. Seems awfully young compared to today’s standards, but on the other hand, they didn’t live nearly as long. If you made it to 40, you were lucky.

There’s more info about it here:
womenintheancientworld.com/women%20and%20the%20law%20in%20ancient%20israel.htm

 

[Madia]

Have you ever heard of the book “Mystical City of God”? It might be of some interest to you:
geocities.com/Athens/Ithaca/7194/contents.html

 

[plato3]

Katie1723:

Last evening at Novena, the priest giving the honily said that Mary was @ 14 when she had Jesus. I was just wondering how this was determined? I was a bit surprised.

              Thanks,
               ~ Kathy ~

The reasons that others gave are valid. When I give classes to inmates in prison, I show religious videos that from time to time will have Mary in them. I point out the that actress that they use to play the part of Mary is way too old. Also Joseph is usually depicted as an old bearded man, but there is no proof that he was that old.

Deacon Tony

 

[HappyCatholic01]

I always thought they just looked at Jesus’ birth certificate…

 

[LSK]

HappyCatholic01:

I always thought they just looked at Jesus’ birth certificate…

And Mary’s Driver’s License

 

[puzzleannie]

LSK:

And Mary’s Driver’s License

they let 14 year old’s drive in Galilee?

 

[otm]

puzzleannie:

they let 14 year old’s drive in Galilee?

Only on the trails…