Mary, Did You Know? Of Course, She Did
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How much did the Blessed Virgin Mary know about Jesus? Dr. Sri reflects on a popular Christmas song that challenges us to think about whether Mary knew that Jesus was the Savior of the world. Dr. Sri explains how Mary's familiarity with Scripture prepared her to understand that Jesus was the fulfillment of all the prophecies of the old testament.
Snippet from the Show
Mary's mind was so deeply immersed in Scripture that she was able to identify the incarnation of Christ as the great crescendo of the story of salvation.
This week the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a wonderful feast day that honors the Blessed Mother. During this time of Advent, it is fitting to ponder how much Mary actually knew about her son, Jesus. There is a popular Christmas song called Mary, Did You Know?, that assumes Mary did not know that Jesus would be the Savior of the world. If we look at Scripture though, it is clear that Mary knew that Jesus was the Messiah, the Anointed One, the Holy One of Israel who would fulfill all the prophecies of the old testament.
- Mary was a first-century Jew who was fully immersed the Scriptures. She filled her mind with the Scriptures by hearing them in the synagogue every week and pondering the great stories of salvation history.
- When Mary heard the words spoken by the angel Gabriel, the shepherds, her cousin Elizabeth, and Simeon, she most likely was able to connect their words to the the old testament prophecies that foreshadowed the coming of Jesus. Mary was so familiar with the Scriptures that she was able to make connections and realize that her son was the Son of God.
- The old testament prophecies, particularly those in Isaiah (Isaiah 40 and Isaiah 35) vividly foretold the miracles of Jesus and the divinity of Jesus. Therefore, Mary knew that Jesus would deliver the world, rule the nations, be a light of the revelation of the nations, and establish an everlasting kingdom.
- The Annunciation directly connects to the promises God made to King David in 2 Samuel 7.
- When Jesus was born, Mary was already delivered from sin. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception signifies that God who is outside of time and space, applied the graces of death and resurrection of Christ to Mary when she was conceived. Mary received the graces of Calvary before Calvary even happened so that she could welcome Christ into her heart.
- It’s important for us to ponder the scriptures more and fill our minds with God’s Word. Advent is the perfect time to ponder the birth and infancy of Jesus, as well as the old testament prophecies so that we can be ready to welcome the King of Kings into our lives.
- Learn more about Mary with Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother by Dr. Sri
Resources
- Visit Dr. Sri’s website at www.edwardsri.com and to book online events with Dr. Sri email events.edwardsri@gmail.com
- Find more of Dr. Sri’s episodes at www.ascensionpress.com/allthingscatholic
- Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to www.ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings