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Explanation for:
Matthew
12
:
49
And stretching forth his hand towards his disciples, he said: Behold my mother and my brethren.
13
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Those are my mother, who continually brings forth new life in the hearts of believers; those are my brothers, who carry out the works of my Father. He did not deny His mother, as some like Marcion and Manichaeus have claimed to suggest that He was born from an imaginary source. Rather, He simply placed the apostles above His kin, encouraging us to prioritize the spiritual over the physical in our love. \\"Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to speak to You.\\" Some scholars interpret the brothers of the Lord as the sons of Joseph from his second marriage, influenced by the tales from obscure texts and speculating about a certain woman named Melchus or Elka. However, as we articulate in our writing against Helvidius, we believe that the brothers of the Lord are not the sons of Joseph, but rather the cousins of the Savior—Mary’s children, His mother’s sister's sons. This Mary is said to be the mother of James the Less, Joseph, and Judas, who are referred to as the brothers of the Lord in another Gospel. The notion that cousins from the maternal side are designated as brothers is substantiated by the entirety of sacred Scripture. \\n\\nLet us interpret this passage in a different manner. The Lord addresses the crowd; He is within the house, imparting His teachings to the people. His mother and brothers, representing the synagogue and the people of Judea, are positioned outside and seek to enter, yet are deemed unworthy of His message. Even though they inquired, sought, and sent a messenger, their response indicated that they were free to enter if they truly believed. Nonetheless, they could not gain entry except by the request of others."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"When the adversary realized that Christ was convincing the masses of His identity as the Son of God, declaring, “And here is greater than Jonah, and here is greater than Solomon” (Luke 11:31-32), he became concerned that the one perceived merely as a man might be acknowledged as the Son of God, leading to his own abandonment. In response, he cunningly brought forth Christ's earthly parents, attempting to use them to obscure His divine essence. This prompted a certain individual to act as if he were voicing the devil's sentiments, proclaiming, “Behold, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with you” (Matthew 12:47). The implication was clear: “Why do you claim, Jesus, that you descended from heaven, when your origins are earthly? Here are your mother and brothers. One born of men cannot be the Son of God; you cannot mask what nature has revealed.” In response, Jesus glanced at the man, knowing the devil had spoken through him, and asked, “Who is my mother? And who are my brothers?” (Matthew 12:48). I do not acknowledge earthly parents because I was the creator of this world before it came into being. I know nothing of fleshly beginnings, as it was already established that I existed at the start with God. What you perceive in me as human is merely my exterior, not my true essence. Then, gesturing toward His disciples, He said, “Behold my mother and my brothers.” This response was not a dismissal of physical birth or an embarrassment regarding humanity but rather an affirmation that spiritual relationship surpasses earthly ties."},{"author-name":"Augustine of Hippo","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88950a5c988a4fc06c7ae_Augustine%20of%20Hippo.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Behold my mother and my brethren. Did not the Virgin Mary accomplish the Father’s purpose, placing her faith in Him and conceiving through that faith? She was chosen so that salvation could come to us through her among humanity, having been fashioned by Christ even before He was formed within her. Holy Mary truly fulfilled the will of the Father, and thus it was of greater significance and honor for her to be a disciple of Christ than merely to be His Mother. Consequently, Mary is blessed because she bore the Master in her womb before her obedience. St. Mary, blessed Mary, yet the Church surpasses the Virgin Mary. Why is this the case? Because Mary is a segment of the Church—a sacred segment, an extraordinary one, a significant part, but still only a segment of the entire body. If she is a part of the whole, then naturally the whole body holds greater importance than its parts. The head is Christ, and the entirety of Christ comprises both the head and the body. What more can I say? We have a divine Head, with God Himself as our Head."},{"author-name":"Gregory the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c2b032f5f6e5effaa54_Gregory%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"The Gospel passage we reflect on today, dear brothers and sisters, may be short, yet it is rich with profound mysteries. Jesus, our Creator and Savior, appears to dismiss His Mother and defines who His true family is—not through earthly relationships but through spiritual kinship, asking, “Who is My mother, and who are My brethren?” By these words, He invites us to realize that He is gathering followers from among the Gentiles, while turning away from Judea, His birthplace in the flesh. His Mother is portrayed as standing outside, symbolizing how the synagogue has been cast aside by its very Founder, who, in adhering strictly to the law, failed to grasp its deeper spiritual meaning and ended up remaining on the outskirts. It is not surprising that those who fulfill the will of the Father are called brothers and sisters of the Lord, as both men and women are equally called into faith. What is astonishing, however, is how such individuals are also referred to as mothers. The faithful disciples were honored by Jesus with the title of brethren, as we see in His words, “Go, declare to my brethren.” Thus, upon embracing faith, one may become a brother or sister of the Lord, but how is it possible for one to be called His mother? A believer is made a brother or sister of Christ through faith, and a mother through the act of sharing the Gospel. The one who preaches gives spiritual birth to the Lord by instilling Him in the hearts of those who hear, becoming a mother when their preaching cultivates a love for the Lord in others.\\n\\nSaint Philicitas, whom we honor today in her martyrdom, exemplifies this truth: a servant of Christ by her faith, she became a mother of Christ through her teachings. As her most authentic biographies recount, she was greatly troubled at the thought of leaving her seven sons alive, much like earthly parents fear the loss of their children. While undergoing intense persecution, she fortified her children's hearts in love for the eternal Fatherland through her preaching. In spirit, she gave rebirth to those she bore in the flesh, regenerating them for God rather than for the world. Reflect, dear brethren, on this courageous heart within a woman's body. She confronted death without fear, only concerned that her children might not retain the light of truth should they survive. How can we not call her a Martyr? She is indeed more than a Martyr. The Lord asked regarding John, “Why did you go out into the wilderness to see a prophet? I tell you, she is not a prophet,” and John himself confessed, “I am not a prophet.” He who understood himself to be more than a prophet rightly stated that he was not one. He is referred to as more than a prophet because a prophet’s role is to foretell the future, whereas John pointed directly to the one he proclaimed.\\n\\nConsequently, I regard this woman not simply as a Martyr but as one greater than a Martyr. She sent seven sons as pledges to the Kingdom of Heaven, experiencing multiple deaths before her own. She was the first to endure martyrdom, but her final death came last. This tormented mother faced her children's demise with courage; the comfort of hope alleviated her natural sorrow. She feared for the living while rejoicing for the dying. She wished none to survive her, so that the remaining child would not miss the chance to share in her bliss. Thus, beloved brethren, do not think that her heart, burdened by the loss of her children, lacked natural compassion. She could not help but feel sorrow at their deaths, as they were her own flesh; yet her inner strength of love triumphed over her fleshly sorrow. Similarly, concerning Peter, it is written: “When thou art old, thou shalt put forth thy hands, and another shall see and lead thee, even as thou wilt not.” Peter could not have suffered for Christ if he had not desired to do so; he embraced martyrdom, empowered by his spirit, which outweighed the feebleness of his body. Shaking with the fears of the flesh, he rose in spirit to glory, even willing behind his own wish to accept the Cross of martyrdom.\\n\\nLikewise, we often seek healing, tolerating bitter medicines. Though the bitterness may be unpleasant, the restored health it brings is sweet. Philicitas loved her children in the flesh, but out of love for her eternal homeland, she preferred them to leave this world before her. She underwent their torments and led them into heaven with her own wounds. Thus, I rightly call her greater than a Martyr, for she died many times in her heart for her children, and having endured various torments herself, she surpassed even the highest honor of martyrdom. The ancients had a tradition: the first consul received glory in accordance with his rank; yet if someone achieved the consulship multiple times, they garnered greater honor. Thus, Saint Philicitas surpasses the Martyrs because she endured multiple losses of her sons, dying repeatedly for Christ; her love required nothing less than her own death.\\n\\nLet us consider this remarkable woman, dear brethren. We, who are men in body, should ponder what we truly mean in comparison. We often intend to do good, yet a mere whisper of mockery can deter us, leading us to abandon our efforts out of shame. Words often sway us from our good intentions, whereas Philicitas remained steadfast even amid torments. We falter in the face of slander, but she passed through adversity towards the kingdom, dismissing all hindrances. While we hesitate to give even our surplus to the needy, she surrendered not only herself but laid down her very flesh for God. When faced with the loss of her children, we grieve without comfort; she would have shed tears for them like the dead, wishing only to prepare them for death. Thus, when the righteous Judge arrives at the Last Judgment, what will we say when confronted with the glory of this woman? Will there be an excuse for our feebleness when this wife, who overcame both worldly challenges and her own gender, is highlighted?\\n\\nBeloved brethren, let us walk together on the Redeemer's arduous path, which has been made smoother by the perseverance of the ascetics so that all may tread it. Let us renounce all that is transient, for worldly possessions are inconsequential. It is unwise to cherish that which is destined to fade away. Let not our affection for earthly goods consume us; let not pride puff us up; let not anger disturb us; let not luxury stain our souls; let not envy eat away at us. For love moved our Redeemer to give His life; let us, in turn, learn to conquer ourselves for His sake. If we succeed in this endeavor, we will not only avoid the punishments that threaten us but will also be honored alongside the Martyrs. Though there may be no persecution in our day, the spirit of martyrdom still exists; even if we do not physically yield to the sword, we must, through the spiritual sword of our Savior, conquer worldly desires within our hearts. All glory, honor, and worship belong to Him, along with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto ages of ages. Amen."},{"author-name":"Photios of Constantinople","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89714cf3e65c36024d2b8_Photios%20of%20Constantinople.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":9,"exegesis-text":"What does the expression “Who is my mother, and who are my brethren?” signify? Many have stumbled over this statement. It is not surprising if someone with wavering beliefs falters where salvation shines for the many. What is remarkable, however, is that the enlightening truth does not refrain from revealing itself even to those who willingly remain blind, nor does it fail to lead them to understand reality. Our Lord and Savior, who was seen as a stumbling block and a corner stone that was rejected, did not embody this rejection Himself but appeared so to those who were lost. Here, too, He asks, “Who is My Mother?” This should not be interpreted as a denial of His Mother, as the wicked might suggest, nor did the Savior intend to diminish her importance. After all, did He not, even in His youth, observe the natural order and show respect and loyalty to His Mother? Would He, when reaching adulthood, show her any less honor? This statement, therefore, does not signify a rejection of His Mother but rather conveys a deeper message—would it make sense for Him to disregard the one through whom He came into the world in flesh and from whom He took on humanity and blood? If He intended to reject her, why would He have chosen to be born of her in the first place? Yet such accusations arise, and they can be countered through various lines of reasoning.\\n\\nSome may argue that the Savior spoke these words not to detract from His Mother’s honor or to deny the love and kinship they shared, but rather to emphasize that, while He honors her as His parent, He prioritizes the salvation of humanity and the teachings that lead to that salvation above all. For the sake of humanity, He embraced both His Mother and the humility of His incarnation, His life among us, His voluntary crucifixion, His death alongside transgressors, and ultimately His burial and resurrection. This perspective could be further supported by recognizing that Jesus did not advocate placing father, mother, or wife above His teachings and commitment. He stated that anyone who does not forsake father or mother is “not worthy of Me” (Matt. 10:37). This implies that those who favor His saving instructions over familial ties receive the abundant blessings and joys reserved for those who prioritize His divine love and laws.\\n\\nThe Savior, fully aware of the weight of this command, was the first to embody it, placing His teaching ahead of His affection for His Mother. He effectively says, “While I am concerned with your salvation, I put the care for My Mother second to this mission, and so you must also prioritize your salvation and adherence to My teachings over all earthly bonds.” This is exemplified when He declined to permit a request to attend to a burial (see Matt. 8:21-22; Luke 9:59-60). His refusal was not a dismissal of His father or a rejection of familial love but an ongoing call to prioritize the soul’s salvation over earthly attachments.\\n\\nThus, one might contend that these words do not strip His Mother of her deserved honor but rather articulate her importance while highlighting how comparisons can unintentionally lessen the perceived value of what is being compared. It should also be noted that some esteemed Fathers, despite their wisdom, have subscribed to a view implying that because Mary, as a human, may have harbored pride in her son, Christ’s words served as a correction. However, a close examination reveals that Mary did not act in any ambitious or proud manner; she did not intrude upon His teaching, nor did she use her status to draw attention to herself. Instead, she respectfully awaited outside, signaling her presence without interruption.\\n\\nIs this the behavior of someone seeking honor or recognition? A servant would act in a similar fashion when compelled by necessity. Consequently, the words Jesus directed toward His mother were neither admonishments nor corrections but rather responses to the derision of the wicked. The Jewish leaders often mocked Him, questioning His origins and belittling His family. In response to their slander, the Savior affirmed, “I am not ashamed of My Mother and brethren. I hold them in esteem, but I also extend that esteem to all who listen to My sacred teachings and do the will of the Father.” He presented a profound statement meant to reinforce the honor of His mother while establishing the spiritual kinship of those who heed His message, regardless of natural ties.\\n\\nHis words indicated no contempt for her, but rather exalted her as He emphasized the dignity of those who fulfill the will of God. How could it be that He, who promised the inheritance of the kingdom, would reject or diminish the very relationships He honored? Thus, when He spoke of “Who is My mother?” it was not an expression of ingratitude but a proclamation of divine recognition of those who follow Him faithfully.\\n\\nIn a similar vein, consider the words, “What does this have to do with Me and You, O Woman? My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4). A thoughtful investigation reveals that these words offer more honor to His Mother than any disdain, for in performing miracles, the divine power is what enacts change—not human nature. The distinction He points out serves only to elevate the honor He bestows upon her. By responding to her request for a miracle, He demonstrates that His regard for her transcends even the traditional boundaries of time and nature. In these instances, His expression does not diminish His Mother’s honor; rather, it amplifies it, highlighting that His love for her and her glory surpasses the confines of ordinary expectations."},{"author-name":"Symeon the New Theologian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c897eec143c131d21207b3_Symeon%20the%20New%20Theologian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":10,"exegesis-text":"Blessed is the individual who recognizes that Christ, the Light of the world, is envisioned within them, for they will be regarded as the mother of Christ, carrying Him within as the fruit of the womb, fulfilling His most steadfast promise, saying, “My mother and my brothers and my friends are these - those who hear the word of God and do it” (Mt. 12:48-50). Therefore, those who choose not to observe God’s commandments willingly forfeit such grace, a situation that has existed, exists, and will continue to exist for those who uphold the commandments of the Lord."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"He referred to them as mothers, recognizing the teaching of the faith within the understanding of the soul and bringing it to fruition at the right moment; and as brothers, meaning those who have been embraced by the heavenly Father through their belief in Christ, and have become joint heirs of His kingdom. He then elaborates on this statement."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Gesturing towards his disciples, indicating all who recognized him as their Teacher and themselves as his followers, he declared, \\"This is my mother and my brothers.\\""},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Indicating His followers, the Lord did not refer solely to the twelve apostles or everyone present, but rather to all those who recognized Him as their Teacher and themselves as learners. The statement \\"This is my mother\\" reflects the deep affection He held for His Mother. Even in the midst of His suffering on the Cross, He placed her in the care of His most cherished disciple (John 19:25-27). While familial bonds are strong, the connections formed through faith are equally profound. The moral and spiritual relationship with Christ is defined by these spiritual connections rather than mere earthly ones."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Because her desire to speak with Him was conveyed while He was still addressing the crowd, He declined her request. \\"Who is My Mother? And who are My brothers?\\" - As explained by Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow, Christ asked, “Why seek to divert Me from fulfilling the will of My Father in Heaven by the will of My earthly Mother? When these two desires pull in opposite directions, I am aware and will promptly show you which path you should pursue with conviction. Who are My Mother and My brothers? They are those who fulfill the will of My Father in heaven, for they are My brothers, sisters, and mother.\\" When Christ sent the Apostles to preach, He stated, “Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37). He even prevented one disciple from attending to his father’s burial, demonstrating through His actions how His followers should adhere to His teachings. Thus, at the first opportunity that arose, He illustrated that obedience to His heavenly Father took precedence over His earthly mother’s wishes. Nevertheless, these words do not indicate Jesus’ rejection of His Mother or any lack of care for Her; His love for Her was evident on the Cross, where He entrusted her care to His cherished disciple. This is all we know about the events in the life of Jesus during the Apostles’ mission to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:6). Our understanding of this period is limited because the Apostles were not present with Him at that time, and they were the most credible witnesses whose accounts formed the foundation of our Gospels. The absence of details in the Evangelists' accounts supports the authenticity of their writings; they refrain from mentioning what they did not witness firsthand or could not reliably obtain from those who did. This gap in the narratives spans a significant period. While the Apostles, sent out two by two, divided the regions of Palestine inhabited by Jews among themselves, it would have taken time for them to cover even one-sixth of those locations without haste. However, the duration of their preaching remains unknown to us; we only know they returned before the Passover (John 6:4), the third since Jesus’ baptism."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Had He acquiesced to the desires of His relatives, the mission of God would have suffered detriment, not only due to the untimely cessation of His message but also because His adversaries could manipulate the situation to propagate accusations of His madness. Yet, Christ asserted His identity by stating that He was ‘not only the son of His mother, but also the Lord’ (St. John Chrysostom), as if to declare: ‘Why attempt to divert Me from fulfilling the will of My Father in Heaven through the inclinations of My earthly mother? Who is My mother? And who are My brethren?’ He then gestured towards His disciples, affirming, ‘This is My mother and My brethren; for whoever does the will of My Father who is in Heaven, he is My brother, and sister, and mother,’ or as articulated by Luke the Evangelist, ‘My mother and My brethren are those who hear the word of God and do it’ (8:21). In this declaration, the Lord did not distance His earthly mother from the joy of receiving and obeying God's word, for she had not only heard it but had done so with greater fervor than many. Rather, in harmony with His mother’s own humility in seeking to evade human praise, He elevated all who listen to and act upon God's word. As Blessed Theophylact explains, without dismissing the natural bond, He enriched it with a kinship grounded in virtue."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The arrival of Christ's mother and brothers occurred under the conditions described in the accounts of Hebrews, Matthew, and Mark. Before the news of their approach reached Him, it circulated among the crowd, spoken from person to person. When it finally reached an emotional and yearning woman, perhaps childless or troubled by her own children, she instinctively exclaimed, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!” This outburst followed Jesus’ condemnation of the Pharisees, who accused Him of casting out demons by Beelzebub’s power (as shown in Luke 11:27-28). After this, Christ addressed those who sought a sign from Him, heard of His mother and brothers’ arrival, and in response pointed to His faithful disciples, acknowledging them as His true mother and brothers, emphasizing their spiritual connection over that of His earthly family, provided they were also His devoted followers."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"When the Lord had laid bare the machinations of the Pharisees and made evident the wickedness in their hearts, they informed Him that His mother and brothers were eager to see Him, yet could not approach due to the large crowd. The Pharisees declared to them that He appeared to be beside Himself (Mk. 3:21). Wishing to avoid harsher accusations and seeking to use His family, which included some who still did not believe, as a means to illustrate their own views on Jesus as the Messiah, they purposefully directed them to the place where He was residing. The blessed Virgin came moved by her maternal affection for her Son, particularly after a period of separation. Her siblings accompanied her in order to bring Him back home. However, the Lord thwarted this cunning plot of His adversaries. What relevance do mother and brothers have to Me? The Son of Man has a mother and brothers. For the Messiah, those who hear and accept the word of life and carry it within them are His true mother and brothers."}]}
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