[dangus]

I would add that when Jesus calls Mary "Woman," he is using the same play on words Genesis recorded: "Eve" meaning "Woman." Hence, the assertion that Mary is the New Eve is recalled not only in her perfect submission to God (as noted in the Lucan infancy narrative), but also in the manner Jesus himself addresses her:

"Woman, why do you trouble me with this?"
"Woman, behold your son."

Also, note that the same Johannine bible passage depicts Jesus transforming water into wine at the request of his mother. Keep in mind the symbolism: Water, representing cleansing from sin by subtraction (judgment), is transformed into wine, the Blood of Christ, through which we receive mercy and are saved. So note: God the Son first revealed his mercy to mankind at the direction of his mother!

(Does this constitute worship of Mary? Certainly not: She instructs the waiters (priests) simply to "do as he tells you to." To worship is to place oneself in the service of another. It is Christ's will which we obey; her will is in union with his.)

[topcat54]

I would add that when Jesus calls Mary "Woman," he is using the same play on words Genesis recorded: "Eve" meaning "Woman."

However, Jesus did not use the phrase exclusively with respect to Mary. E.g.,

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. (Matt. 15:28)

John used the same construct for Jesus' conversation with the woman at the well.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. (John 4:21)

And the woman taken in adultery.

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? (John 8:10)

Jesus spoke to Mary no differently than He spoke to Samaritans and adulterers. Your reference proves nothing, except that Jesus liked that phrase.

[William Terrell]

Near where I live, there is a statute of Mary in a grassy field. From time to time people kneel before that statute and pray. Afterward they put money in a box surrounded with wire mesh.