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A theologian from the University of Dayton's
Institute for Mariological Research, Fr. Bertrand Buby, speaks to the
significance of this passage from Matthew and helps us appreciate Matthew's
presentation of Mary.
Matthew's image is that of the Mother of the
Messiah who is also a virgin espoused to Joseph of the house of David.
She brings to a conclusion the long expectation for a Davidic Messiah
as is seen in Matthew's use of Isaiah 7:14, but more than that, she
embraces the non-Jewish member of the community to whom Matthew speaks
his Gospel for she is also a daughter in the line of Abraham her ancestor
in faith. She is virgin in chapter one, mother in chapter two. She is
Jewish in the lineage of Jesus and Davidic through the reverence and
acceptance Joseph has for her and the child to be born. She represents
a promise to the Gentiles, the Nations, because she, too, like Abraham,
is among those who believe in the God's promise of salvation.
[7]
In a great amount of Christian art, images of
Mary and Jesus (either as a baby or a child) are represented. These visuals
seem to bring to life the word pictures presented to us about the
significance of Mary in the gospel of Matthew. What is more significant
theologically than just pictures is that Mary is presented here as
intricately involved with the life and mission of her Son.
I think it is important to understand the
biblical tradition about Mary if we are to appreciate the devotion of so
many people who have these artistic pieces in their homes, or encounter them
in their churches. It is here that I consider the criticisms often made by
Protestants are made about these images. They claim that Catholics are
engaging in idolatry. However, cherishing these images whether statues,
paintings or sculptures, is not idolatry, but an expression of personal or
communal faith. Rather than trying to offer an explanation to them, which
often expresses personal piety and misunderstood as theology, it seems
better to connect them to this biblical presentation and foundational
statements for Christian faith. Mary is the mother of the Messiah,
privileged by God to be so and with her Son is the fulfillment of hopes of
believers. Through her salvation is realized not accomplished. As testified
in Romans 5 justification comes only through the Christ.
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