Otherwise, the fundamental question that arises in the history of the Gospel—regarding the origins of our divine Savior—would remain clouded in confusion.
Moreover, the account of Christ’s infancy outlines the initial designs of Providence, marking the commencement of God’s great work through the Son. It illustrates the first individuals who were blessed with participation in this divine mission, the preparations that equipped them, and the foundations of the confidence that underpinned their actions in support of Jesus. Highlighting these foundational truths is crucial for deepening our understanding of Jesus’ ministry. These narratives echo the spirit of the Old Testament church, reflecting its preparatory role in the hearts of the faithful in magnificent ways. The entirety of Jesus Christ’s life does not showcase figures of such high standing among the teachers of the law as those depicted within this brief history of His infancy.
These accounts also serve to assuage the doubts raised by Jewish disbelief, particularly in light of whether it was worthwhile to invest so much effort into the house of Israel, given their poor understanding of their calling. The infancy narrative predominantly centers around the close kin of the illustrious royal lineage, to which all the Jewish people’s hopes were tied, specifically through Joseph, a descendant of David. During the time of Christ, the Davidic line included Joseph, his wife Mary, her sister Mary (likely referred to as Cleopas), and their children. Additionally, there existed a connection to the esteemed priest Zechariah, as Mary and Elizabeth, his wife, were related.
The House of David, which has two genealogical lines leading to Jesus—one through Solomon and the other through Nathan—appears at this time in an outwardly humble state, while internally, it often reflects the form that the Messiah would have desired. At the end of both genealogical records provided by the evangelists stands Joseph, the husband of Mary, who is regarded as the supposed father of Jesus. He was exceedingly poor, making a living as a carpenter in the insignificant Galilean town of Nazareth. Tradition suggests that he was already advanced in age when he was called to serve the Messiah. As much as the sacred narrative reveals of him, he was a man of exceptional virtue. St. Chrysostom observes in him a pure intention, wanting to discreetly distance Mary from the stigma of a crime which could lead to her death, revealing actions that transcended the law and instead adorned her with virtues of a high order. Joseph was so filled with goodness that he preferred to doubt his own perceptions rather than the purity of another. His submission to God's will was absolute, and he recognized the gravity of his role, not daring to act without divine guidance.
Such composed reverence is typically cultivated through many years of inner struggle; Joseph's character might have reached a state of full development during these years—steadfast regardless of lowly status and unimpressed by high distinctions. The tranquil majesty of a descendant of renowned kings radiated from his countenance, even when he had never envisioned himself as anything more than a carpenter. This regal dignity was further highlighted by his unique appointment as the protector and mentor of the one whom kings and patriarchs had long wished to see.
Another significant figure in the Gospel story from the line of David is the Virgin Mary, whose early spirituality exhibited a depth that echoed in her heart far exceeding that of the elderly Joseph. Mirroring his humility and obedience to divine commands, her goodness radiated even more brightly, rooted deeply in her soul and infused with the purity characteristic of her virginity. Such was the young virgin, whose years promised to further enhance her unique grace. Providence selects certain individuals, imparting to them a fuller measure of strength with a swift progression for sacred purposes. Yet, never has the gift of moral sensitivity been granted to the human soul in such abundance or unfolded so rapidly as it was in young Mary. Her responsibility, perhaps, was not solely to bear the God-Man but also to foster the growth and maturation of the human attributes of her divine Son, which would develop gradually and often in unconventional manners.
It is regrettable that we lack detailed insights into the early life of the Blessed Virgin, as the evangelists, preoccupied with Christ’s narrative alone, have provided little about His mother. Although some legends, collected by individuals distanced from her time, offer glimpses into her original life, they often intertwine truths with fictions, leading to contradictions. Ignoring some Gnostic texts, we may mention two primary sources of legends concerning Mary, which St. Gregory of Nyssa appears to reference in his work on the Nativity: the First Gospel of James and a book attributed to the heretic Seleucus in the name of Matthew. If St. Gregory did not consult other accounts of Mary’s life, it is evident that he approached these sources with discernment.
The account of the Virgin Mary’s early life outlines her father as a wealthy man who, after years of barrenness, had been blessed by God with a daughter whom he dedicated to the temple. The priests raised her there, and upon reaching adulthood, they deliberated her future, ultimately deciding to betroth her to an elderly husband to safeguard her virginity. Joseph was chosen from this same lineage and pledged to her. This narrative appears much simpler and more feasible than those found in other hagiographies, yet all agree that Mary was conceived through the prayers of her barren parents, aligning with numerous examples throughout sacred history, where divine purposes are evident; that she was nurtured in the temple, a common practice in antiquity; and that she committed herself to lifelong virginity despite prevailing cultural views.
These details outline the character of the Blessed Virgin and the unfolding of her divine mission, presenting her as a uniquely heavenly figure, without exaggeration. Mary’s sister, also named Mary and likely referred to as Cleopas, was the mother of the four disciples known in the Gospel: James the Less, Joseph, Simon, and Judas, as well as potentially several daughters. Among them, James is particularly known for his virtuous life before being called by Jesus. As a Nazarene, he earned respect for his ascetic practices and commitment to prayer; Eusebius recounts his diligent life while Jerome notes his vow of virginity. James’ epistle is a testament to the profound spirituality he possessed, influenced by his Christian understanding. Although the details concerning his siblings are less documented, it is reasonable to assume they shared similar ascetic values. Judas also joined the apostles alongside James, while Simon succeeded him as the bishop of Jerusalem.
THEOSIS