This Is The Biblical Reason Why We See Mary On The Left And Joseph On The Right Of The Altar

Introduction

Many Catholic churches around the world display statues or images of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Joseph, his earthly father, around the altar. A common arrangement places Mary on the left side and Joseph on the right. Have you ever wondered why that is? The practice isn’t just random; it’s rooted in biblical symbolism and tradition. Let’s dig into this fascinating topic to understand the significance of their positions.

Biblical Foundations

Mary on the Left

When we look at the position of Mary in the church, it’s important to consider her role in the story of salvation. The Bible refers to Mary as the “Mother of God” (“Theotokos” in Greek), as stated in the Council of Ephesus in AD 431. It’s crucial to note that Mary is considered the “New Eve,” playing a pivotal role in God’s plan of salvation just as Eve did in the story of the Fall.

The left side, historically, has been seen as a place of honor. This comes from the custom of seating the queen to the left of the king in some ancient courts. In a sense, Mary is the Queen Mother of the Kingdom of Heaven. In the Book of Revelation, she is symbolized as a woman “clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Revelation 12:1).

Joseph on the Right

In biblical times, the right hand was traditionally seen as a symbol of authority and power. Joseph, as the earthly father of Jesus, holds a special role in the Holy Family. His role is often characterized as protective and guiding, symbolized through his position on the right side of the altar. Joseph was called by God to serve as the guardian of Jesus and Mary, an earthly reflection of God the Father’s divine care.

“Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21).

Church Teachings

Catechism on Mary and Joseph

The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes Mary as “ever-virgin” and the “Mother of God” (Catechism, 499, 509). Mary’s position on the left reflects these teachings, as it highlights her unique role in the plan of salvation.

Likewise, the Catechism praises Joseph as an “upright man” who “took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son” (Matthew 1:24-25). The Church honors him as the “patron of the universal Church” (Catechism, 1014). His position on the right affirms his place as protector and guide.

Universal Teaching vs. Theological Opinion

The teachings about Mary as the Mother of God and Joseph as the earthly father of Jesus are universal teachings of the Church. However, the practice of placing Mary on the left and Joseph on the right is more of a liturgical custom rather than a dogmatic teaching. While rooted in biblical symbolism, it can be considered a theological opinion or tradition, but not a requirement.

Symbolism and Tradition

Heavenly Court

In the heavenly court, as depicted in various parts of the Bible, there is an order and structure. Mary and Joseph’s positions can be seen as reflecting this heavenly reality. The Book of Kings, for instance, talks about the Queen Mother sitting at the left hand of her son, King Solomon (1 Kings 2:19).

Devotion and Prayer

The placement also serves a practical role in liturgy and devotion. In many Catholic churches, there is a votive stand for candles near the statue of Mary for those who wish to seek her intercession. Joseph’s side often serves a similar purpose, enabling the faithful to light candles and seek his powerful intercession as the Patron of the Universal Church.

Conclusion

While it might not be a universal rule or a formal teaching of the Church to place Mary on the left and Joseph on the right, this longstanding tradition is steeped in biblical symbolism and rich in meaning. These positions illuminate the unique roles that Mary and Joseph play in the Christian story and in our own spiritual lives. Their placement around the altar serves to remind us of their integral parts in the story of salvation and invites us into a deeper understanding of the mysteries of faith.

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Note: While content aims to align with Catholic teachings, any inconsistencies or errors are unintended. For precise understanding, always refer to authoritative sources like the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Always double-check any quotes for word-for-word accuracy with the Bible or the Catechism of the Catholic Church.