RACHEL The microphones of Emisoras Latinas are still here in the Basilica of the Annunciation, in Nazareth of Galilee, as we continue with our special coverage of the second coming of Jesus Christ, born and bred right here, as he himself has told us. And I want to tell you, Jesus, that we have received many calls from people who heard our last report on your family and who were … just as surprised as I was. They’ve been constantly asking me to interview you further on this thorny subject.

JESUS Well, I don’t know what’s so thorny about it … Anyway, Rachel, just ask me anything you wish.

RACHEL Tell us, Jesus, was it here, in this place, where your mother received the visit of the angel and humbly accepted her destiny?

JESUS Why do you say humbly?

RACHEL Well, your mother Mary is a universal model of humility, obedience, submission to God’s will…

JESUS Really, Rachel, I don’t know what person you’re describing, but it doesn’t sound like my mother. She was a spunky woman.

RACHEL Spunky?

JESUS She had a lot of spirit. You know how the country women of my land are… Mary never let herself be cowed by anybody. Not even by Joseph. Not even by me. Want me to tell you something?

RACHEL Yes, Jesus, tell us, tell our audience…

JESUS When I first felt God’s call, then the problems began at home. My brothers, who were already grown up, didn’t understand, and my mother even less.

RACHEL That can’t be, because Mary knew God’s will concerning you from the beginning.

JESUS Just listen, Rachel. Once I was in Capernaum, trying to organize the first group and get our movement going. The house was full of people, and someone told me Jesus, they’re looking for you outside. Who’s looking for me? Your mother and your brothers. And what do they want? That you stop this craziness now and return to Nazareth. And imagine, the most obstinate of all was my mother.

RACHEL And what did you do?

JESUS I challenged them. I spoke up loud so they could hear me Who is my mother and who are my brothers? Those who support the plan of God and don’t disrupt it!

RACHEL And what did they do?

JESUS They were furious. But later, little by little, with time, they began to understand. They changed. My brothers and my mother eventually accompanied me wherever I went. They also entered into the craziness of God’s Kingdom.

RACHEL Your mother prayed a lot, didn’t she?

JESUS Not a lot. But when she prayed, she did it well.

RACHEL What was her favorite prayer, the Hail Mary?

JESUS What prayer is that? … No, she used to say an ancient prayer that I heard her recite many times “My soul magnifies the Lord, because he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted the humble folk. He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.” Yes, I remember, that’s the way she used to pray.

RACHEL But more than a prayer, that sounds like a revolutionary proclamation.

JESUS As I was telling you, my mother was a fighter.

RACHEL Everything you’ve told us is fine. … But what our audience wants to hear more about is the angel.

JESUS What angel?

RACHEL Gabriel, the one who announced to Mary that she would conceive virginally…

SACRISTAN Come now, come now, you two… You have to leave. We’re going to close the basilica.

JESUS I think they’re trying to get us out of here, Rachel.

RACHEL Well, then let’s take a commercial break and .. Stay with us, friends! This is Rachel Perez reporting from Nazareth for Emisoras Latinas.

MUSIC.

ANNOUNCER Another God is Possible. Exclusive interviews with Jesus Christ in his second coming to Earth. A production of María and José Ignacio López Vigil, with the support of the Syd Forum and Christian Aid.