My brothers in Christ, in order to understand today’s short and startling Gospel account from Luke, we must first put it into its proper context with the help of Mark’s Gospel. We know from St. Mark that Jesus was in the midst of His Galilean ministry at a house in Capernaum that was absolutely packed with people flocking to see this miracle worker for Nazareth. Mark recounts how Jesus’ family thought he was mad, so they went to “seize him” – this is the same Greek word used when Herod “arrested” John the Baptist. So the stage was set for some major drama!
Not being able to enter the house because of the crowd, they relayed a message to Jesus that they wanted to “see Him”. Jesus responded with this cutting message: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”
Imagine the response of the crowd! They must have laughed at his family. What humiliation they must have experienced.
Although we know by faith Jesus was NOT insulting his mother because she had fulfilled Jesus’ command perfectly her entire life, exemplified at the Annunciation when she said, “Let it be done to me according to thy word”, still the reality of this situation must have been humiliating.
Imagine how some of Jesus’ relatives must have told Mary that her Son has disowned her and she is all alone. And the devil must have attacked Mary by twisting this statement and feeding her lies about her relationship with her Son.
By reflecting upon this humiliation of our Blessed Mother, Mary teaches us two great lessons about the virtue of humility.
First, by patiently enduring humiliations her entire life, our Lady of Sorrows teaches us that humiliations are an important way to reach humility.
- The Carmelites say that just as studying is the way to acquire knowledge, so humiliations are the way to acquire humility.
- St. Therese of Lisieux has a prayer that we should all hold deep in our hearts: Dear Jesus, please send me a humiliation every time I try to set myself above others.
And second, our Blessed Mother reveals that humility is the most attractive virtue for God’s heart.
- In the depth of her humility, I think that Mary completely forgot about herself and any humiliation she would undergo and went with Jesus’ relatives who had the malicious intent in order that she could console her son.
- St. Teresa of Avila wrote that it was humility alone that drew God down from heaven into her virginal womb & it is humility that attracts God’s graces the most.
So my brothers in Christ, in imitation of our Lady of Sorrows, let us peacefully accept all humiliations that come our way today, for humility is the fastest way to receive graces from God’s heart.
Prodigal Catholic 
Luke 8:19-21 NIV
[19] Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. [20] Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” [21] He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”
If the crowd say his brothers are outside, and he responds “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice”, one can only logically deduce that the brothers the crowd refer to are biological (half) brothers – children of Mary and Joseph.
How does one square that with the idea of Mary remaining virgin to death?
In responding to the question regarding Luke 8:19-21 and the implications for Mary’s perpetual virginity, it’s essential to consider the broader context of biblical language and early Church teachings. Here are some points that can help clarify the Catholic position on this matter:
1. Understanding “Brothers” in Biblical Terms
The term “brothers” in the Bible does not necessarily mean biological siblings. The Greek word “adelphoi” can refer to not only biological brothers but also to cousins, close relatives, or even spiritual brethren. This broader use of the term is consistent with Hebrew and Aramaic linguistic traditions, where there is no specific word for “cousin” or other close relations, and “brother” is used more generically.
2. Church Tradition and Early Church Fathers
The early Church Fathers, who were closer to the apostolic age and had a deeper understanding of early Christian traditions, consistently taught and affirmed the perpetual virginity of Mary. This teaching is reflected in the writings of Church Fathers such as St. Jerome, St. Augustine, and others who defended the belief against early heresies.
3. Mary’s Unique Role and Vocation
Mary’s role as the Mother of God (Theotokos) is unique in salvation history. Her perpetual virginity is seen as a sign of her total dedication to God and her singular mission in bearing and nurturing Jesus Christ. This special vocation is highlighted in Church teachings and liturgical traditions.
4. Scriptural Support for Perpetual Virginity
While Scripture does mention the “brothers” of Jesus, there are also passages that support the idea of Mary’s continued virginity. For instance, the Gospel of John presents Mary at the foot of the Cross, where Jesus entrusts her to the care of the Apostle John (John 19:26-27). This action would be unusual if Mary had other biological children to care for her.
While at first glance, the mention of Jesus’ “brothers” might seem to imply biological siblings, a closer examination of biblical language, early Church teachings, and the context of Mary’s unique vocation all support the Catholic understanding of her perpetual virginity. This belief is deeply rooted in tradition and affirmed by the consistent teachings of the Church Fathers and doctrinal statements throughout Christian history.
Thank you for such a detailed response. I especially like the reference that you provided regarding Jesus’ statement to John when He asked John to take care of His mother. It definitely nailed it!