Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Mary, Mother of God

BEADS OF JOY 01-01-13 
“Mary, Mother of God”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS
 
My Friends,


Silence is undoubtedly one of the mysteries of God. In scripture the minimal references of Mary does emphasize her maternal presence in our faith. Today we celebrate "The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Mother of God". Some wonder how she got such a title. It is in Jesus' human nature that Mary becomes Mother of God. All of this is in God's infinite plan of salvation for all of us. It was Ignatius of Antioch who explained that Mary's marriage to Joseph was a means to hide three most important mysteries from the devil.
  1. The Virginity of Our Blessed Mother
  2.  The Virgin Birth of God's Son
  3.   And Jesus' death and resurrection on the cross
One thing I must say. Our Lord has blessed us with so many saints to turn to for wisdom and insight. St. Ambrose of Milan's writings clearly shows his devout love for our Blessed Mother. What follows is an excerpt from his writings: "He is Son of man because the Virgin is a human creature. That which is born of flesh is flesh; that which is born of human being is called man. Christ assumed, not something resembling flesh, but the reality of our flesh; a true body." Ambrose further stated when all Jesus' friends abandoned Him: "His mother stood before the Cross, and, while the men fled, she remained undaunted. She did not fear the torturers. His mother offered herself to his persecutors."


 This study has been beyond exciting for me. Whenever I am led to learn from those who adore our Blessed mother, it just thrills my heart. St. Augustine of Hippo known as a giant of western theology absolutely loved and adored our Blessed Mother. Read this, it's so inspiring; so much joy fills my heart and soul. "I repeat, there is no more outstanding example of predestination than the Mediator Himself. The faithful Christian who wishes to understand this well should pay attention to this example, for in it He will find Himself." Please read on St. Augustine of Hippo is so insightful. "Then (at the foot of the Cross) He recognized her; yet, He had always known her. Even before He was born of her, He knew his Mother in her predestination. Before He, as God, created her from whom He would be created as man, He knew His Mother. And so He created a Virgin, whom He had chosen to be His Mother: a woman who did not conceive according to the law of sinful flesh; that is, not by the instinct of fleshly concupiscence. Rather she, with pious faith, merited to receive the holy seed within her. He chose her, to be created from her."


 Does this not explode with excitement within your heart so filled with joy? There is so much love, so much joy, so much wisdom that we can find in our Dearest Blessed Mother. The saints not only lead us to our Lord, but they also lead us to our Blessed Mother who leads us to her Beloved Son.

“The Blessed Virgin was eternally predestined, in conjunction with the incarnation of the divine Word, to be the Mother of God. By decree of divine Providence, she served on earth as the loving mother of the divine Redeemer, an associate of unique nobility, and the Lord’s humble handmaid. She conceived, brought forth, and nourished Christ” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 61).


 Prayer in Honor of Mary, Mother of God

 -Hail, Mary, Mother of God, venerable treasure of the whole universe, lamp that is never extinguished, crown of virginity, support of the true faith, indestructible temple, dwelling of him whom no place can contain, O Mother and Virgin! Through you all the holy Gospels call blessed the one whom comes in the name of the Lord. -Hail, Mother of God. You enclosed under your heart the infinite God whom no space can contain. Through you the Most Holy Trinity is adored and glorified, the priceless cross is venerated throughout the universe. Through you the heavens rejoice, and the angels and archangels are filled with gladness. Through you the demons are banished, and the tempter fell from heaven. Through you the fallen human race is admitted to heaven. -Hail, Mother of God. Through you kings rule, and the only-begotten Son of God has become a star of light to those who were sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Saint Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop and Doctor


“Jesus, I Trust in You.”
Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
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