Advent Readings: Luke 8

Luke 8

The chapter is full of women. First, we with a list of women who accompanied Jesus. In the middle of the chapter, we see mother of Jesus. She comes with the brothers of the Messiah (if the believe in a literal sense of the Biblical text – the perpetual virginity of St. Mary goes through the window). Then the chapter ends with a double story. The main plot develops around the resurrection of Jairus’ daughter. Sandwiched within the story there is a healing of a woman who touched a fringe of His garment – the fulfillment of the prophecy from Zechariah 8:23. All of these “women environment” is an important part of Christ’ ministry. Mary raised Him, some of them were near to support and provide for the disciples. Many were healed or even raised… from the dead.

All of this leads to an important observation – having God the Father and the Son, there should be a global “mother” figure in the life of a Christian. For some believers this place is occupied by Mother Mary. I don’t think this is a good theology. Don’t take me wrong – all nations should call Mother Mary blessed (Lk. 1:48). But the greater figure is the Church. Church is where we are born of the water and the Spirit, Church is where we are raised in faith and godliness, being fed by the Word and Sacrament. Church will sing after our departure a song, glorifying the One Who brought us into His marvelous light.