Episode 1602: The Fourth Sword of Sorrow - Mary meets Jesus as He carries His Cross to Calvary

Episode 1602 The Fourth Sword of Sorrow - Mary meets Jesus as He carries His Cross to Calvary

Matthew 27:55-56
“And many women were there beholding afar off, which had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedees children”.

This passage is seen as a description of the faithful women who remained devoted to Jesus even in the midst of His crucifixion. Here are some key points of interpretation from a traditional Catholic perspective:

Witnesses of the Crucifixion: The women mentioned in this passage are regarded as witnesses to the crucifixion of Jesus. They are portrayed as standing at a distance, showing their courage and fidelity even in the face of such a sorrowful and difficult event.
The witnesses of the crucifixion are individuals who were present at the site of Jesus' crucifixion on Mount Calvary (Golgotha). They observed the events surrounding His crucifixion and, in some cases, played significant roles in the narrative. These witnesses are mentioned in the New Testament Gospels, particularly in the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Here are some of the key witnesses:

Mary, the Mother of Jesus:

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is traditionally understood to have been present at the crucifixion. This is based on John 19:25-27, where Jesus entrusts her care to the disciple John. Her presence underscores her unwavering love and devotion to her Son.
Mary Magdalene:

Mary Magdalene is a prominent figure among Jesus' female followers. She is often remembered as one of the first witnesses to the empty tomb and the risen Jesus. She is mentioned as being present at the crucifixion in Matthew 27:55-56.
Mary, the Mother of James and Joses:

This Mary is mentioned in Matthew 27:55-56 and is traditionally believed to be either a sister or close relative of the Virgin Mary. Some interpretations suggest that she might be the wife of Clopas mentioned in John 19:25.
Salome:

Salome is believed to be the mother of the apostles James and John. She is mentioned in Mark 15:40 as one of the women who were present at the crucifixion. She is also mentioned in connection with the events at the tomb in Mark 16:1.
The Beloved Disciple (Traditionally Identified as John):

In John's Gospel (John 19:25-27), it is mentioned that Jesus entrusted His mother's care to the beloved disciple, often identified as the apostle John. This indicates John's presence at the crucifixion.
Other Women Disciples:

The Gospels mention other women who were present at the crucifixion, such as Joanna, the wife of Chuza (a steward of Herod), and many others. They are noted for their faithfulness and service to Jesus (Luke 8:1-3).
Roman Soldiers and Onlookers:

The Roman soldiers and onlookers who were present at the crucifixion are also considered witnesses. They witnessed the events and some of them later acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 27:54).
These witnesses play a significant role in the Gospel accounts, as their presence emphasizes the reality of the crucifixion and the impact it had on those who observed it. Their testimonies also become important in the proclamation of the Resurrection and the early spread of Christianity.
Ministering to Jesus: The passage states that these women had followed Jesus from Galilee and were ministering to Him. This is understood to mean that they had been providing for Jesus' needs and caring for Him in various ways during His ministry.
The idea of ministering to Jesus is an important aspect of the Gospel narratives. It refers to the act of providing care, support, and service to Jesus during His earthly ministry. This concept is particularly emphasized in the New Testament, where various individuals, both men and women, are described as ministering to Jesus. Here are some key aspects of ministering to Jesus:

Meeting Physical Needs:

Ministering to Jesus often involved meeting His physical needs. This could include providing food, water, shelter, and other basic necessities. For example, in Matthew 4:11, after Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, angels came and ministered to Him.

Providing Hospitality:
Some individuals opened their homes to Jesus and His disciples, offering them a place to stay and rest. A notable example is Martha and Mary of Bethany, who welcomed Jesus into their home (Luke 10:38-42).
Offering Financial Support:
Some individuals, like Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, are mentioned as providing financial support for Jesus' ministry and His disciples (Luke 8:3).
Acts of Compassion and Care:
Ministering to Jesus also involved acts of compassion and care. This could include tending to His physical well-being, offering comfort in times of sorrow, or showing empathy for His teachings and mission.

Acts of Devotion and Worship:
Ministering to Jesus extended beyond physical care to include acts of devotion and worship. This could involve prayer, anointing with oil, or acts of reverence and adoration.

Serving His Disciples:
Ministering to Jesus often included serving His disciples as well. Jesus emphasized the importance of service and humility, and those who ministered to Him were often involved in serving His followers.
Women Disciples as Ministers:
Women played a significant role in ministering to Jesus and His disciples. They are mentioned as providing both practical and spiritual support. For example, Mary Magdalene is often remembered for her devoted service to Jesus.

Spiritual Encouragement:
Ministering to Jesus also involved providing spiritual support, such as offering words of encouragement, praying for Him, and affirming His mission.
Acts of Love and Gratitude:
Ministering to Jesus was often motivated by love and gratitude for His teachings, compassion, and the miracles He performed.
Overall, ministering to Jesus reflects a deep sense of devotion, love, and service towards Him. It was a way for individuals to express their faith and commitment to His mission, and it continues to be an important aspect of Christian discipleship and service in the modern context.
Notable Women Mentioned:
Mary Magdalene: She is a prominent figure in the Gospels and is often associated with profound love and devotion to Jesus. She is traditionally seen as one of the first witnesses to the Resurrection.
Mary, Mother of James and Joses: This Mary is the Virgin Mary and the Mother of James and Joses is Mary's sister, making her Jesus' aunt.
Mother of Zebedee's Sons: This refers to Salome, who was the mother of the apostles James and John. According to tradition, she was also a faithful follower of Jesus.
Exemplars of Faithfulness and Service: These women are revered in the Catholic tradition for their steadfastness and dedication to Jesus. They serve as examples of faithfulness, even in the darkest moments of Christ's Passion.
The exemplars of faithfulness and service, as seen in the witnesses of the crucifixion and those who ministered to Jesus, serve as powerful examples for Christians. Their actions demonstrate key principles of faithfulness and service that continue to inspire believers today. Here are some additional insights on this topic:
Selfless Sacrifice:
The witnesses of the crucifixion and those who ministered to Jesus exemplified selfless sacrifice. They put aside their own concerns and desires to care for Jesus and support His mission, even in the face of great adversity.
Unwavering Loyalty:
These individuals demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Jesus. They stood by Him during His most difficult moments, showing that their commitment to Him was steadfast and unshakable.
Courage in the Face of Danger:
Being associated with Jesus, especially during His crucifixion, was not without risk. The witnesses and ministers displayed great courage by openly identifying themselves with Jesus, even when doing so could have led to personal danger or persecution.
Recognition of Jesus' Dignity and Kingship:
Through their actions, these individuals recognized and affirmed Jesus' dignity, authority, and kingship. They treated Him with the honor and reverence that they believed He deserved.
Compassion and Empathy:
The witnesses and ministers showed deep compassion and empathy towards Jesus. They recognized His suffering and sought to alleviate His pain, both physically and emotionally.
Acts of Devotion and Worship:

Their actions were not merely practical in nature; they were also deeply spiritual. These individuals engaged in acts of devotion and worship, acknowledging Jesus' divine nature and significance.
Service to Others as an Extension of Service to Jesus:
Ministering to Jesus often extended to serving His disciples and followers. This reflects the broader Christian principle that serving others is a way of serving Christ Himself (Matthew 25:40).
Perseverance in Faith:
The witnesses and ministers demonstrated perseverance in their faith. They did not waver in their dedication to Jesus, even when faced with the overwhelming challenges of His crucifixion.
Inspiration for Christian Service:
These examples serve as a source of inspiration for Christians to engage in acts of service and faithfulness in their own lives. They show that small, sincere acts of service can have a profound impact.
Legacy of Faithfulness:
The faithfulness and service of these individuals left a lasting legacy. Their actions are remembered and celebrated within the Christian tradition, serving as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and service.
Overall, the witnesses of the crucifixion and those who ministered to Jesus exemplify a high standard of faithfulness and service that continues to guide and inspire Christians in their own journeys of discipleship and service to others.
Foreshadowing of the Role of Women in the Church: The presence of these women at the crucifixion and their service to Jesus is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the important roles that women would play in the early Christian community.
The presence and active roles of women in the narratives surrounding Jesus' ministry, crucifixion, and early Christian community are often seen as foreshadowing the significant contributions of women in the early Church and beyond. Here are some insights into how these events foreshadowed the role of women in the Church:

Witnesses to the Resurrection:
Women, including Mary Magdalene and others, were the first to witness the empty tomb and encounter the risen Jesus. They were entrusted with the crucial task of bearing witness to the central event of the Christian faith, signaling the foundational role of women in proclaiming the Resurrection.
Faithful Followers and Supporters:
Throughout Jesus' ministry, women like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and others are mentioned as providing financial support and practical care for Jesus and His disciples (Luke 8:1-3). This highlights the important role of women in supporting the material needs of the ministry.
Active Participants in Jesus' Teaching:
Women were not merely passive observers, but active participants in Jesus' teaching. Martha and Mary of Bethany, for example, engaged with Jesus in meaningful conversations, demonstrating their intellectual and spiritual engagement (Luke 10:38-42).
Ministers of Hospitality:
Women like Martha and Mary opened their homes to Jesus, providing a place of hospitality and welcome. This emphasizes the crucial role of women in creating spaces for worship, fellowship, and community.
Examples of Faith and Devotion:
Women like the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, and others exemplified deep faith, devotion, and unwavering loyalty to Jesus. Their commitment serves as a model for all believers, highlighting the importance of faithfulness in following Christ.
Leaders in the Early Christian Community:
Women played significant roles in the early Christian communities. Phoebe, for example, is referred to as a deacon in Romans 16:1. Priscilla is acknowledged as a teacher and co-worker in the Gospel alongside her husband Aquila (Acts 18).
Proclaimers of the Gospel:
Women like Priscilla and Phoebe were actively involved in the spread of the Gospel, demonstrating that women were not limited to passive roles but were instrumental in sharing the Good News.
Examples of Courage and Perseverance:

The women who stood at the foot of the cross demonstrated tremendous courage in the face of great suffering. Their steadfastness in the midst of Jesus' crucifixion foreshadowed the resilience and fortitude of women in the early Church.
Paul's Acknowledgment of Women's Contributions:

In Paul's letters, he often acknowledges and commends the work of women in the service of the Gospel. Phoebe, Junia, Priscilla, and others are mentioned as fellow workers in Christ (Romans 16).
Overall, the presence and active involvement of women in Jesus' ministry and early Christian community set a powerful precedent for their continued and expanded roles in the life of the Church. This serves as a reminder that women have always played a vital and valued role in the spread of the Gospel and the development of Christian communities.

Overall, in traditional Catholic interpretation, Matthew 27:55-56 emphasizes the faithfulness, love, and service of these women, highlighting their special place in the story of Jesus' Passion and underscoring the value of such qualities in the Christian life.