Humility & Faith

John 1:19 - 2:12

Jesus presents himself as he intends, not as we want him to be. This is evident in John’s account of Christ’s baptism. John the Baptist admits he did not know what Jesus looked like, yet John the Baptist fulfilled God’s call on his life anyway. The Baptist says, “I did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel” (Jn. 1:31).

John the Baptist’s belief is rooted in humility. He says, “He who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie” (Jn. 1:27). Yet, Christ is baptized by this man—a man who wears camel hair as his wardrobe and sustains himself on a steady diet of locusts and honey.

Then we move to the Wedding at Cana, where Mary is introduced first. In John’s Gospel, Mary is mentioned only twice: here at the Wedding and the Crucifixion. Both times, John never uses her actual name; she is described as “the mother of Jesus.”

Once again, we see Christ’s example of humility. It was not his plan to begin his ministry at this wedding, nor does it seem he intended his first miracle to be turning water into wine. But just as our prayers have a causal effect that does not derail God’s plan but rather participates in it, Mary demonstrates this ministry in reality for us.

Here, we see a clear picture of how humanity relates to God through Jesus by Mary’s intercession. The couple is unaware that the Son of God is in their midst. They are also unaware that the wine is running out. It is Mary who intercedes on their behalf. She does not demand that Jesus perform a miracle; she humbly states, “They have no wine.” Yet, she commands the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” How are we to understand this dynamic?

A Painting and My Knee

Mary is praying for you, whether you believe it or not. There is ample evidence of this in Church history, but I also know this from my own life. Above my fireplace hangs a painting of Mary holding Jesus in her arms, riding a donkey through a field, with Joseph in the background, his face not visible.

As a child, this painting hung in our basement, where I played most days. My mother loved it, but many Protestants in her life thought it was too Catholic, so she moved it to the basement, where I spent most of my time.

Years later, my wife volunteered to take this painting. I didn’t want it. We were Anglican at the time, and I was still uncertain about Mariology. When we brought it home, I, too, kept it out of sight from our guests.

Fast forward again, and my wife and I are now Catholic. The painting is one of my favorites. It hangs above the fireplace for everyone to see. During one visit, my mother remarked, “Well, it’s fitting that you should have this painting. You almost put your knee through it.” Sure enough, she walked me over to the painting and pointed out where my knee had cracked the canvas.

Jesus is our brother, and he has reconciled us to God, our heavenly Father. Likewise, as our brother, he gives us Mary as our heavenly mother. She is not God, but she is holy, immaculate—the crowning achievement of God’s creation. She intercedes for Catholics and Protestants alike, despite the sorrow we sinners cause her when we reject her Son’s grace and turn away from her embrace.

That crack in the painting reminds me of all the times I rejected Mary. I wanted nothing to do with her. Once, my wife was gifted a rosary. I told her to throw it away. “It’s idolatry,” I said. Now, the rosary is a cherished part of my spiritual life.

Books were sent by a faithful Catholic friend whose impact on our lives, though infrequent, is immeasurable. I threw those away, too. “Why does she keep pushing this Mary stuff on us?” I snapped bitterly.

Now, I have a deep devotion to Mary. I recognize that she is essential to understanding the Gospel. Without humility, who can be saved? Christ and Mary both demonstrate the mystery of their humility to God, but also to each other. Christ becomes a babe and submits to his mother, yet his mother does not demand or pressure him to do what she wants.

Too often, we want Christianity to conform to our image. But Christianity is about faithful submission, not just faith. Without humility, we cannot be faithful. Now, I understand Mary’s importance. She keeps us humble, just as John the Baptist was humble. When we ask Mary to pray for us, we acknowledge the holiness of Christ. Christ is the mediator between God and man; Mary is the mediator between the God-Man and mankind.

Mary, Mother of God, pray for us, and especially for the Protestants.

— DR