. . . because I couldn't find a decent cilice in my size.
Friday, December 26, 2008
It Occurred to Me . . .
Looking at the Nativity at St. Joseph Church, why is it that they always seem to display the Virgin Mary kneeling reverently before the Baby Jesus? If I had just given birth, I think I would be more apt to recline reverently.
Well, Mary was exempt from labor pains, since she didn't have Original Sin :), No pain, one would be able to kneel I'd presume. It's great, since the Bible does us one better ;)
Well. I have heard Joe's point before, and it may be true. I've never looked up Church teaching on the subject.
However, at risk of sounding like a feminist battle-axe, I am inclined to think that a simpler explanation is that most Nativity scenes have been designed by men, who don't think about how one feels after giving birth. :-p
Incidentally - and this is just what I wonder - if Joe's correct, then why does the woman in Revelation (who is supposed to be the Blessed Mother) have labor pains?
5 comments:
Well, Mary was exempt from labor pains, since she didn't have Original Sin :), No pain, one would be able to kneel I'd presume. It's great, since the Bible does us one better ;)
Well. I have heard Joe's point before, and it may be true. I've never looked up Church teaching on the subject.
However, at risk of sounding like a feminist battle-axe, I am inclined to think that a simpler explanation is that most Nativity scenes have been designed by men, who don't think about how one feels after giving birth. :-p
Incidentally - and this is just what I wonder - if Joe's correct, then why does the woman in Revelation (who is supposed to be the Blessed Mother) have labor pains?
It's probably "nature's little gest" that many women start getting hot flashes around the time their children begin to learn to drive.
But it's funny you should mention this, as I too had the same thought this Christmas eve as I was looking at the creche in church.
I guess "they" thought it was tacky if the Blessed mother was prone with Jesus suckling at her breast whilst Mary has a glass of wine in one hand.
Make that "Jest." It's early.
there are some reclining Virgin paintings.
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