While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, desiring to speak with him.
Read Chapter 12
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
His mother and his brethren; i.e. his mother and relations. (Witham)
See verse 55 of the next chapter. (Challoner) _ Ver. 40. In ventre Ceti, tou ketous. By Cete, is signified, any very large fish, and so it is said in the prophet Jonas to have been, piscem grandem.
That which I was lately saying, that when virtue is wanting all things are vain, this is now also pointed out very abundantly. For I indeed was saying, that age and nature, and to dwell in the wilderness, and all such things, are alike unprofitable, where there is not a good mind; but today we learn in addition another thing, that even to have borne Christ in the womb, and to have brought forth that marvellous birth, has no profit, if there be not virtue.
Subject to a certain human foible, His mother wanted to show that she had authority over her child, for she did not yet comprehend His greatness. This is why, while He was still speaking, she wished to summon Him to herself, seeking to draw attention to her son’s obedience to her. What does Christ do? He knew her intentions; hear what He says:
