Mary and the Other Body of Christ The room was pretty full. It was warm but a gentle breeze was blowing—that would change.
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Pentecost was approaching. Pentecost means “the 50th day.” Fiftieth day from what? From the Passover. Almost fifty days ago the Passover lambs had been slain, and so had THE Passover Lamb.
Then there was the forty mystery days when Jesus was gone but not gone—with them but not with them, at least not like before. And he kept just appearing and then disappearing. He taught them a lot in those forty days, He had breathed on them, gave them power to forgive and retain sins, fed them loaves and fish, appointed Peter as his shepherd, commanded them to go out from Jerusalem to the world. He explained to them much about the Kingdom of God and their tasks as His emissaries.
The last meeting was the most unusual of all. He answered a few questions, gave a few instructions and without even a formal Good-bye He started going up—and continued going up until all they saw was the bottom of his sandals as he disappeared into a cloud. Daniel 7:13-14 says he went back to the glory of heaven. They looked at each other with obvious concern on their faces—they were fearful.
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We are specifically told that there were about 120 people in the room. Actually the word is “names” not people. How strange. Can you imagine me saying, “About 120 names came on our pilgrimage to the Holy Land”? This made me curious so I looked up 120 in early Jewish literature and law. Sure enough, my research paid off. In Israel is a group of Jews desiring to leave the big city and start their own new community they needed a minimum of 120 names on a list. What was happening here in the Upper Room? A new community was being started.
The word “church” in the New Testament is ecclesia which means “a group of people called out.” Even today the Knessett (lawmaking body in Israel) is made up of 120 representatives. A new government was being formed, not just an amorphous fellowship of like-minded Christians but a Church, a family, a governmental body.
Mary is listed among the believers in that Upper Room. It was important that she is listed among the names with others. She is the mother of Jesus. She gave birth to him in Bethlehem as was, in a sense, giving birth to him again on Pentecost. What is our affectionate term for Pentecost? Can you sing “Happy Birthday, to you…”? Yes, it is the Birthday of the Church.
What is being born? The Mystical Body of Christ. Who is there for the birth? The mother of course. Mothers have to be present when their child is born. Mary is the mother of Jesus the God-Man and Mary is the Mother of the Church, the Body of Christ (Rev. 12:7). She was necessarily present at both births.
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The gentle breeze became a rushing wind but it was warm and After nine days of praying the Holy Spirit fell in fire on the tenth day—which was the 50th day from the death of the Passover Lamb Jesus on the cross.
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We learn that 3,000 people were added to the Church that day—all in keeping with the tremendous symbolism and deeper meaning to all these events. And with these deep mysteries and truths we are just scratching the surface.
Come to the Holy Land with us, get out your Bibles and study books (or Verbum Catholic Bible Study software) and dig deeper. “There is gold in them there hills” for those with eyes to see and ears to hear and hearts and minds to learn.
This Post Has 3 Comments
Hi Steve,
I always look forward to your writings because I always learn something new from you about our glorious faith. My husband and I will be joining you in your September pilgrimage, and we can’t wait. Your knowledge and passion for Our Lord and Our Lady makes your pilgrimages one of a kind! God Bless you for all you do!
See you in September.
JoAnne
Great insights. Thank you!!
Hi Steve: This is a reply to JoAnne. Hi JoAnne: This is David Bobe and I feel the same toward Steve. I read his books, listen to his CD’s, watch his movies and take a look at Catholic Convert on a daily basis. You are going to be pleseanley surprise at all the information and experience that Steve will share with you. They are going to be the ten fastest days of yourlife. As soon as the bus engine start Steve grab the midrophone and start sharing his knowledge. For me it was the best thing I have done and your faith will grow stronger. I don’t know how he do it, but he put together the best travel companions you can have. Will love to do “El Camino” with him. Enjoy your trip.
Respectfully,
…David Bobe
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