MORE THAN JUST A WOMAN
The manner by which Jesus addressed our Blessed Mother in today’s Gospel poses some problem as to how we are to understand the way Jesus sees and relates with His mother. Exegetes agree that the meaning and context of the word Gunai, the word Jesus used to address His mother in today’s Gospel, is not captured in the simple English word, Woman.
To say that Jesus called His mother “Woman,” as how we would use the word now to address or call a person of the feminine gender, would simply be rough or even rude. And so considering that it was the same word that Jesus used on the cross as He entrusted His mother to John, there must be something more to the word than simply being an aloof and distant address.
William Barclay traces the word Gunai in history: In Homer, it is the title by which Odysseus addresses Penelope, his well-loved wife. It is the title by which Augustus, the Roman Emperor, addressed Cleopatra, the famous Egyptian queen. So, far from being a rough and discourteous address, it was a title of respect.
Hence, the most accepted translation of it is Lady (according to Ben Cric) — a term that connotes politeness, courtesy and even chivalry. Jesus regarded His mother with such courtesy that He addressed her as Gunai.
Now this graciousness of Jesus towards His mother was evidently reciprocated by Mary with her thoughtful confidence in His Son. So, no matter how we understand the manner by which Jesus spoke to His mother, this cannot erase the fact that she had utmost confidence in her Son as she said, “Do as He tells you.” It’s like saying she’s unquestionably sure that her Son will perform the miracle that she beseeches. Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes
REFLECTION QUESTION: How is your relationship with Mary, the mother of Jesus?
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us Mary to be our mother. Thank You, Mama Mary, for being our intercessor to the Father.
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