We conclude our look at the women who stood by the cross and came to the tomb by meeting Mary, the mother of James and Joseph (Joses). The Gospel of Matthew tells us that at the crucifixion Many women were also there, looking on from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee and had provided for him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee…. After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. (Matthew 27:55-56, Matthew 28:1)
This Mary is also mentioned in Mark 15:10, 15:47, 16:1 and
Luke 24:10. Mary, or Miriam, was a common name for Jewish girls. The
name recalls the famous Miriam who was Moses’ sister. She spoke to Pharoah’s
daughter and saved his life (Exodus 2:1-10). Later, after crossing the Red Sea,
she dances with the other women. (Exodus 15:20-21)
We don’t know a lot about “Mary, mother of James and Joseph.”
Some scholars identify her as the “other Mary” mentioned in Matthew 27:61.
Others think perhaps she was the wife of Cleopas or Alphaeus. Tradition says
that her son James became known as “James the Less” to distinguish from the
other apostle James in the New Testament. According to Wikipedia her relics are
in France at the Church of the Saintes Maries de la Mer, and in Italy.
This painting by MikoĊaj Haberschrack (c. 1470) shows her
with Mary Magdalene and Mary of Clopas as one of the “Three Marys.”
What can we learn from a woman about whom so little is known? Her life was faithful but she is not famous. I think that many (most) of us live lives of deep faith but little fame. We may think we don't make any sort of difference to the world. There are a lot of problems confronting us every day in the news. It's enough to make anyone get discouraged. Maybe this first century Mary felt the same way. Her son was overshadowed by the more famous James. She is barely mentioned and confused with the several other Marys in the Gospels. Perhaps she felt that she was not very useful.
BUT--she is remembered for her faithfulness, her steadfastness, her support of the other women at the cross and tomb. She may have thought it wasn't really a big deal. Every time we hold the hand of a friend who is having a difficult time, or call someone just to say 'hi', or send a card or even offer a smile, we are showing the love of God.
Jesus told his followers, if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward. (Matthew 10:42) It is the little flames of love the each of us bear throughout the world that light the way for souls that may be troubled, floundering, afraid, or lonely. Mary’s presence in the Bible assures us that we don’t have to be rich, famous, or even noticed to be important. Mary, with the other women stood at the cross. Mary and her friends went to the tomb. The quietly serving women heard the amazing announcement about the Resurrection before the men.
It can be the quiet servants among us who have the deepest impact.
Who in your life has had an impact on your faith or upheld you during a
difficult time? Can you thank them?
In what way can you be a little light by something small you do?
