Jim Van Vurst, OFM

One of the most striking aspects of the gospel accounts is the role of Jesus’ life and his ministry. Of course, we are aware of the unique role of Mary, Jesus’ mother, in giving birth to the savior of the world. From the very beginning of our Christian tradition, Mary is the pre-eminent person in Jesus’ life, and she is the supreme example of what a disciple, a true believer, should be. But the gospel is full of others who, though lesser in stature, still played important roles in New Testament accounts.