Some schismatics have a hard time understanding Matthew 1:25. Many misinterpret that passage to elevate their own denominations while undermining The Only Church Jesus Founded and Her great devotion to The Blessed Mother.
Schismatics claim Mary had many children. They insist that James, and others, were actual “brothers” of Jesus. The Only Church Jesus Founded teaches the Perpetual Virginity of The Blessed Mother.
We must help those who stray realize that this confusion was provided to give vain people the opportunity to delude themselves that they could get into Heaven while moving away from The Church. Many souls are lost, not on this issue, but because they allow it to become a wedge that splits them from The Only Church Jesus Founded and justifies their move into some schism or another. So, it is a key part of almost every schism’s marketing plans. Mary, Queen of Heaven, provides tests of faith.
St. John Chrystotum writes on this issue in the early days of The Church. (From Homily 5 on the Gospel of Matthew 1:23 & 25, Nicene and Post Nicene Fathers):
“And when he had taken (married) her, “he knew her not, till she had brought forth her first-born Son.”
He hath here used the word “till,” not that thou shouldest suspect that afterwards he did know her, but to inform thee that before the birth the Virgin was wholly untouched by man. But why then, it may be said, hath he used the word, “till”? Because it is usual in Scripture often to do this, and to use this expression without reference to limited times. For so with respect to the ark likewise, it is said, “The raven returned not till the earth was dried up.” And yet it did not return even after that time. And when discoursing also of God, the Scripture saith, “From age until age Thou art,” not as fixing limits in this case. And again when it is preaching the Gospel beforehand, and saying, “In his days shall righteousness flourish, and abundance of peace, till the moon be taken away,” it doth not set a limit to this fair part of creation. So then here likewise, it uses the word “till,” to make certain what was before the birth, but as to what follows, it leaves thee to make the inference. Thus, what it was necessary for thee to learn of Him, this He Himself hath said; that the Virgin was untouched by man until the birth; but that which both was seen to be a consequence of the former statement, and was acknowledged, this in its turn he leaves for thee to perceive; namely, that not even after this, she having so become a mother, and having been counted worthy of a new sort of travail, and a child-bearing so strange, could that righteous man ever have endured to know her. For if he had known her, and had kept her in the place of a wife, how is it that our Lord commits her, as unprotected, and having no one, to His disciple, and commands him to take her to his own home?
How then, one may say, are James and the others called His brethren? In the same kind of way as Joseph himself was supposed to be husband of Mary. For many were the veils provided, that the birth, being such as it was, might be for a time screened. Wherefore even John so called them, saying, “For neither did His brethren believe in Him.”
St. John Chrystotum was exiled for his faith. He died in loneliness, away from family and friends. He lived defending the truths that had been passed to him by holy men and women. Those who do not believe that such martyrs are truthful are free to do so.
Why does this ambiguity exist? Many in schism forget that there are many tests of faith. This test is one that the vain may not pass. If we ask, The Blessed Mother will intercede on our behalf, asking that we be given greater understanding.
Mary, Queen of Heaven, provides tests of faith. Those who most need Her Powerful Intercession refuse to ask for it. They would rather burn. Many do.
