WOMAN
Jesus addressed his mother, Mary, as “woman” during two key moments in the Gospels: at the wedding feast at Cana (Jn 2:4) and while on the cross, entrusting her to the Apostle John (Jn 19:26). Though it may seem abrupt to modern readers, this term carried significant cultural and symbolic meaning.
Cultural Significance
In the context of Jesus’ time, addressing someone as “woman” was a respectful and formal manner of speaking, similar to “ma’am” today. Jesus’ use of this term towards Mary was not disrespectful; rather, it emphasized his independence and divine mission. It was a way to signal the shift from his private life to his public ministry, underlining his commitment to fulfilling his divine purpose.
Symbolic Significance
The term “woman” also carries deep symbolic weight. In Genesis 3:15, God speaks of enmity between the serpent and the “woman,” a passage seen as foreshadowing Mary’s role as the New Eve. Unlike Eve, whose disobedience led to sin, Mary’s obedience and cooperation with God’s plan played a vital role in the redemption brought by Jesus. Both Jesus and Mary, like Adam and Eve, were without original sin, but they responded to God’s will with perfect obedience, bringing spiritual restoration.
The Wedding at Cana
At the wedding feast at Cana, Mary’s intercession led to Jesus performing his first miracle, turning water into wine. When Mary informed Jesus of the shortage of wine, his response, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come” (Jn 2:4), was not a rebuke but an indication of his divine timetable. Mary’s request, however, prompted Jesus to act, thus beginning his public ministry.
The Crucifixion
During the crucifixion, Jesus addressed Mary as “woman” again, entrusting her to John’s care. “Woman, behold your son” (Jn 19:26) marked the fulfillment of Jesus’ mission. Mary’s presence at the cross symbolized her continued role in the salvation history as the New Eve, cooperating fully with Jesus’ redemptive work.
REFLECTION
The instances of Jesus addressing Mary as “woman” carry profound messages for Christians. They highlight the importance of obedience to God’s will and underscore Mary’s intercessory role. Mary’s support of Jesus in his mission calls us to support one another in our faith journeys. We are reminded to embrace our crosses with faith, seeking Mary’s intercession in our prayers and struggles.
In conclusion, Jesus’ use of the term “woman” when addressing Mary was a respectful and symbolically rich choice, underscoring her role as the New Eve and her cooperation in the work of salvation. This reflection calls us to deeper obedience to God’s will and to value the power of intercessory prayer in our lives.