brothers of Jesus?

Yesterday we encountered Jesus surrounded by many.  His mother and his brothers arrived to speak to him.  

Side note: The Church teaches that Mary is ever virgin.  She did not have any other children but Jesus.  Scripture seems to speculate otherwise.  

As we read yesterday: "The mother of JEsus and his brothers arrived at the house...A crowd seated around him told him, "Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you."

The greek word 'adelphos' (brother) is used for many relational realities.  It can be used to describe those who are blood brothers from the same mother, but it is also used more frequently in scripture to describe relationship of kin whether from the same family, such as cousins, or same area of land, such as countrymen. 

When scripture reads "your brothers and sisters are outside" (Mark 3:31-25), it is not as clear as we think.  The words speak of some relational reality in general but not in particular. 

Also, If Mary had other children, especially sons,  then why would Jesus give her to the beloved disciple while on the cross.  In the gospel of John, Jesus speaks to Mary and the beloved disciple in these words, "Woman behold your son, behold your mother. And from then on he took her into his home."

Mary would not need someone to take care of her if there were other sons to take care of her, yet Jesus asks the beloved disciple to take her in.  

Many protestants will use the above scripture verse Mark 3:31-35 to attack the Catholic faith and its teachings.  Shame on them for not learning to properly read scripture; shame on them for allowing their presumptions to cloud truth; shame on them for not truly respecting the virginal integrity of Jesus' mother, Mary.  

We are left with the question, "Does Jesus have any brothers or sisters?"

As Jesus points out in yesterday's gospel, "And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers.  For whomever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother."  

Should we not let Jesus, the Word made flesh, the son of God, teach us how to interpret scripture.  Jesus uses the word brother in a very general way outside of blood relation.  He is the one that interprets scripture properly; let us allow him to show us the way and the truth. 

Yes, Jesus does have brothers and sisters.  Those who seek the will of God and live it daily are true family members.  Jesus establishes his universal, catholic, church family rooted in the will of God.