Mary in Revelation to the Church

Mary of the Prototype of the Church

a.       Pilgrimage of Faith

Israel made a journey (pilgrimage) from Egypt to Cana. At this journey two things were there.

1. External-from  one place to another.

2. internal-from lesser faith to great faith

Church is the new Israel. So church is also making a journey pilgrim church.

Here also two things

1. external-spreading of faith from  one place to another

2. internal-depending on  faith (growth from within)

Certain stages of the devolvement of this concept

a)              Creation: the Spirit of God hovered over the water. Light came first-that marked the beginning of creation.

b)              annunciation: Holy Spirit overshadows Mary. Jesus the light of the world conceived- that marked the beginning of new creation.

c)               Calvary: Jesus gave up the spirit (Jn: 19:30) there was born symbolically the Church. Water and blood are flowing from the side of Jesus. Water stands for Baptism and blood stands for Eucharist. Baptism and Eucharist are the most fundamental sacraments of the Church. As Eve came from the side of Adam when he asleep, Church came from the side of Jesus while he was deep sleep. Therefore the church is the bride of Jesus. There, Mary presented Jesus in the church.

d)              Pentecost: The Spirit of God descended. That marks the beginning of the Church. There Mary was present. Now church started its journey of faith. It is the faith of Mary that apostles proclaimed. Mary does not appear anymore in New Testament. The church started its pilgrimage of faith. Where Mary left, the Church took in. The faith of the church is nothing but Mary’s faith is the beginning or basis of the faith of the church. As Mary accompanied Jesus in his life–time so Mary would accompany the Church.

Mary as Virgin Mother

1. Mary is Virgin

That is faith to God and decided to God. At the same time Mary is the mother because he gave birth to Jesus. Like Mary, church is also virgin and mother.

Virgin-faithful to Christ

Mother-he gave birth to children of God through Baptism.

What is said of Mary is said of the church. Therefore Mary is the proto-type of the church.

2. Mary is the Member of the Church

Through Mary is the Mother of God (highest in dignity among the creatures).  She is the member of the church. Why? She was also redeemed by God. What is the church? Church is the community of the redeemed. However Mary is the pre-eminent member of the church because she was redeemed in a prominent manner.

3. Mary is the mother of the church:

Jesus is the head

Church is the body

Mary is the mother of Jesus the head. Therefore Mary is the mother of his church the body. It means, mother of the head is also mother of the body. May blessed Mother Mary, lead us in her own way.

Bro. Emmanuvel