Mark,
Another excellent work on a very complex subject.
One observation: those who believe in “only the Bible” are doomed to an almost “superficial” appreciation of these matters, for they have nothing else to work from.
Regarding the Book of Revelation: When Jesus appeared to St. John, wouldn't John likely have inquired about the status of their mother, Mary? Something in the order of, “And how is mom doing?”
Wouldn't Jesus have very likely shared the knowledge of her exalted state with St. John, at that time, too? It would have been uncharacteristically rude of Jesus to “stick only to the business at hand.” Hence, the reference to Mary in Revelation 11 & 12.
I suspect (exegetically, of course) that much of our Traditional understanding of Mary, Christ's first, best, and most constant disciple, was passed on to us by this “last apostle,” the one who Jesus also loved (and trusted) in a very special way.
I can't imagine Jesus not engaging in a little personal repartee with St. John at that time.
I'm sure that little “nugget” would surely make some Protestant's day!
Keep up the good work.
My personal prayer for you: May the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit bless you and keep you, and grant you peace. May the Blessed Virgin, all the angels, and all the saints never fail to intercede for you. May the grace of God lead you, and all those whom you love, to heavenly glory!
Larry Douglas
Just Another Faithful Catholic
Larry:
Thanks very much for your kind note. I'm not sure I concur with your take on Revelation. John's reaction to Jesus is to fall at his feet as one dead. One doesn't get the impression that the vision was one where chattiness had a lot of room. But I do agree that a great deal of our Marian teaching has its source in John.
Thanks very much for your prayers! I need 'em! My book on Mary is in the home stretch!
May God bless you and yours through Jesus Christ!
Mark Shea
Senior Content Editor
Catholic Exchange
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