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Patriarchy In The Gospel Of Mary

Decent Essays

In order to assess Mary’s life, it’s important to first examine the Jewish society she was raised in. Mary is first introduced in the gospel of Luke living in Nazareth, betrothed to Joseph. Unfortunately, during this time period, the patriarchal structure was the dominant framework of society. A patriarchal society is one in which the father or patriarchy is the dominant figure and exercises upmost authority. According to Merriam Webster, a patriarchy is a “social organization marked by the supremacy of the father in the clan or family, the legal dependence of wives and children, and the reckoning of descent and inheritance in the male line.” This construction acclaims the male embodiment and creates a hierarchical structure with the male figure …show more content…

Mary’s covenant with God is a prime example that shows her rejection of the patriarchal values of the time. Although Mary accepted the will of God, she ultimately submitted to God’s will on her own resolve. In the gospel of Luke, the angel Gabriel who was sent by God greets Mary and discloses God’s intentions. Angel Gabriel tells Mary that she has found favor with God and explains that she will conceive a son. Surprised by the idea of bearing a son as a virgin, the angel informs her that “the Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35). At the end of the discussion, Mary answered, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). This dialogue between the angel and Mary is inevitably a conversation between Mary and God speaking through the angel. God does not dominate the conversation and command Mary to accept anything. On the contrary, both Mary and God acknowledge each other and respect what each other have to say. This conversation also illustrates God’s high regard for Mary. Furthermore, Mary’s concluding remark shows her trust and faith in the words of God. Fastiggi writes, “Mary’s intimate union with God is a result of pure grace, but through her response of faith Mary exercises her free will” (342). For this union does not impede Mary from exercising her

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