Catholicity

MARIOLOGY

My heart is stirred by a noble theme
as I recite my verses for the king;
my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
You are the most excellent of men
and your lips have been anointed with grace,
since God has blessed you forever.
Daughters of kings are among your honored women;
at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.
Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention.
Forget your people and your father’s house.
Let the king be enthralled by your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord.
Psalm 45, 1-2, 9-11

Then Bethsabee came to king Solomon, to speak to him for Adonias:
and the king arose to meet her, and bowed to her, and sat down upon
his throne: and a throne was set for the king’s mother, and she sat on
his right hand.
1 Kings 2, 19

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the
clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over
Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Therefore,
Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears
a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.
Micah 5, 1-3

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called
the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the
throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Luke 1, 31-33

My Explications of the Patristic Texts

Ephraem of Syria (ante A.D. 373)
Prayer to the Immaculate Queen

“O Virgin most pure, wholly unspotted, O Mary, Mother of God, Queen of the universe,
thou art above all the saints, the hope of the elect and the joy of all the blessed. It is
thou who hast reconciled us with God; thou art the only refuge of sinners and the safe
harbor of those who are shipwrecked; thou art the consolation of the world, the
ransom of captives, the health of the weak, the joy of the afflicted, and the salvation of
all. We have recourse to thee, and we beseech thee to have pity on us. Amen.”

The text attributed to Ephraim of Syria is a beautiful and profound hymn that reflects deep theological and devotional themes centered on the figure of the Virgin Mary.

The text begins by honoring Mary with several exalted titles – “O Virgin most pure,” “wholly unspotted,” and “Mother of God.” These titles emphasize her sinless nature, divine motherhood, and unique role in salvation history. By labeling her as “Queen of the universe,” it underscores her supreme status among all saints and her intercessory power.

The hymn describes Mary as “the hope of the elect” and “the joy of all the blessed.” This indicates that believers find hope and joy through her intercession, suggesting her maternal concern for humanity and her special relationship with God, as she mediated the Incarnation. The line “It is thou who hast reconciled us with God” highlights Mary’s role in the theological understanding of salvation. By bearing Jesus, she plays a key part in humanity’s reconciliation with God, placing her at the heart of the Christian narrative.

The text portrays Mary as “the only refuge of sinners” and “the safe harbor of those who are shipwrecked.” This imagery suggests that individuals in distress can find solace and support in her, a Mother who understands human struggles and intercedes for them. The mention of Mary as “the consolation of the world” and “the ransom of captives” highlights her compassionate nature. She is depicted as someone who brings comfort to the afflicted and liberation to those in bondage. This aspect speaks to her universal role in providing hope and healing.

The concluding petition, “We have recourse to thee, and we beseech thee to have pity on us,” reflects a heartfelt supplication. It acknowledges human vulnerability and the need for divine mercy, emphasizing faith in Mary’s intercession as a source of grace and assistance.

Ultimately, this text encapsulates a rich tapestry of Marian devotion, emphasizing her importance in Christian spirituality as a source of hope, comfort, and aid for those seeking mercy and healing. Through the lens of this hymn, Mary is not only revered for her role in salvation but also cherished as a compassionate maternal figure for all believers.

Theodotus of Ancyra (ante A.D. 446)
Homily 4:3

“Hail, our desirable gladness;
Hail, O rejoicing of the Churches;
Hail, O name that breathes out sweetness;
Hail, face that radiates divinity and grace;
Hail, most venerable memory…”

The passage is a profound expression of reverence and praise attributed to St. Theodotus, characterized by a series of heartfelt salutations or “hails” that convey joy and admiration. This traditional salutation, commonly employed in ancient times when addressing figures of royalty or sanctity, serves to elevate the subject’s importance.

The text powerfully celebrates the embodiment of desirable qualities such as gladness and joy, highlighting the rejoicing of the Churches as a collective expression of faith and gratitude. It emphasizes themes of sweetness, divinity, grace, and the venerable memory of those it honors. Through its poetic structure, the passage acts as a reverent acknowledgment of St. Theodotus, while also illuminating the exceptional virtues associated with the Virgin Mary, referred to as our Queen Mother in the heavenly kingdom.

In essence, this passage not only pays tribute to the saint but also encapsulates the deep admiration and love that the faithful hold for Mary, underscoring her role as an intercessor and a source of divine grace in the lives of believers.

St. Theoteknos of Livias (ante A.D. 560)
Assumption, 291

“Raised to heaven,
she remains for the human race an unconquerable rampart,
interceding for us before her Son and God.”

The phrase “Raised to heaven, she remains an unconquerable rampart, interceding for us before her Son and God” reflects the deeply held belief in the Virgin Mary’s significant role as an advocate and protector for humanity within the Christian faith. St. Theoteknos articulates Mary’s exalted status as our Queen Mother, who not only offers watchful care but also actively intercedes for us before her Son, Jesus Christ, and God the Father. This perspective emphasizes the veneration and faith that believers place in Mary’s intercessory powers, which they believe can positively influence divine mercy and grace. The description captures the essence of her maternal love and highlights the essential role she plays in the spiritual lives of the faithful, providing comfort and guidance as they seek her protection and support in their prayers.

Modestus of Jerusalem (ante A.D. 634)
On the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God

“The bright spiritual dawn of the Sun of Justice, [our Lady Mary], has gone to dwell
and shine in His brilliance; she is called there by the one who rose from her, and who
gives light to all things. Through her, that overwhelming radiance pours the rays of His
sunshine upon us, in mercy and compassion, rekindling the souls of the faithful to
imitate, as far as they can, His divine kindness and goodness. For Christ our God, who
put on living and intelligent flesh, which He took from the ever-Virgin and the Holy
Spirit, has called her to Himself and invested her with an incorruptibility touching all
her corporeal frame; He has glorified her beyond all measure of glory, so that she, His
holy Mother, might share His inheritance…“the Queen of mortal man, the most holy
Mother of God.”

St. Modestus beautifully encapsulates the theological significance of the Virgin Mary in relation to Christ and the divine plan of salvation. Here’s a breakdown of its key themes and concepts:

The author refers to Mary as the “bright spiritual dawn” and the “Sun of Justice,” highlighting her role as a source of light and guidance for believers. This imagery underscores her purity and importance in the Christian faith as a mediator of divine grace.

The phrase “who rose from her” emphasizes Mary’s integral role in the incarnation of Christ. By stating that she gave birth to Jesus, the text reaffirms the belief in her perpetual virginity and her unique status as the Mother of God.

The “overwhelming radiance” that pours from Mary symbolizes the mercy and compassion of Christ. Through her, believers are called to rekindle their souls and reflect Christ’s divine kindness and goodness in their lives, suggesting that Mary serves as an example for the faithful.

The text speaks of God glorifying Mary and investing her with “incorruptibility.” This notion aligns with the belief in her assumption into heaven and her exalted status among the saints, as she shares in Christ’s glory and inheritance.

Describing her as “the Queen of mortal man” and “the holiest Mother of God” signifies her elevated position not just in heaven, but also in the hearts of the faithful. This reflects the deep reverence that Christians have for Mary, as both a model of holiness and an intercessor.

In summary, the excerpt emphasizes Mary’s pivotal role in salvation history, her intimate relationship with Christ, and her ongoing influence as a symbol of divine grace. The language used evokes awe and reverence for her as a figure through whom believers can connect more deeply with the divine love and mercy of God.

John of Damascus (ante A.D. 749)
An Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, 4:14

“Concerning the holy and much-lauded ever-virgin one, Mary, the Mother of God, we
have said something in the preceding chapters, bringing forward what was most
opportune, viz., that strictly and truly she is and is called the Mother of God. Now let
us fill up the blanks. For she being pre-ordained by the eternal prescient counsel of
God and imaged forth and proclaimed in diverse images and discourses of the
prophets through the Holy Spirit, sprang at the pre-determined time from the root of
David, according to the promises that were made to him. For the Lord has sworn, He
says in truth to David, He will not turn from it: of the fruit of Your body will I set upon
Your throne. And again, Once have I sworn by My holiness, that I will not lie unto
David. His seed shall endure for ever, and His throne as the sun before Me. It shall be
established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. And Isaiah says:
And there shall come out a rod out of the stem of Jesse and a branch shall grow out of
his roots… “Must there not therefore be a Mother of God who bore God incarnate
Assuredly she who played the part of the Creator’s servant and mother is in all
strictness and truth in reality God’s Mother and Lady and Queen over all created
things.”

The text is a passage attributed to John Damascene, a prominent theologian and defender of the Christian faith in the early Byzantine period. In this excerpt, he elaborates on the significance of Mary, the Mother of God, emphasizing her unique role in salvation history.

The passage opens by affirming that Mary is both strictly and truly referred to as the Mother of God (Theotokos). This title acknowledges her divine maternity, as she gave birth to Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully man. This affirmation is crucial in establishing Mary’s importance in the Christian faith. John Damascene highlights that God’s eternal plan foreordained Mary’s role. He suggests that her existence was part of a divine plan set in motion long before her birth, illustrating the idea of predestination in Christianity.

The author references various biblical prophecies, with a particular focus on promises made to King David regarding a ruler from his lineage. The connection to Jesus emphasizes that Mary’s maternal role fulfills these prophecies. By being of the “root of David,” she is positioned as the link between the Old Testament promises and their New Testament fulfillment in Christ. The text cites specific biblical verses (Psalms and Isaiah) that assure the perpetuity of David’s lineage and the coming of the Messiah.

John Damascene underlines the unbreakable promise of God, indicating that Mary embodies this promise as the vessel through which God incarnated. He notes that Mary’s significance is not merely in her motherhood but also in her role as the servant of the Creator. This dual identity as mother and servant reinforces her exalted status as a “Lady and Queen” over all creation, which is often a theme in Marian doctrine.

By concluding that there must, therefore, be a Mother of God, he stresses the necessity of Mary in God’s salvific plan, thus elevating her status in the Christian tradition. The reflection embodies both respect and theological depth regarding her role in the mystery of the Incarnation. Overall, the passage serves to reinforce Mary’s pivotal role in Christian theology, portraying her as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, an essential figure in God’s redemptive plan.

A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun,
with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head.
She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth…
The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth
so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. She gave birth
to a son, a male child, who “will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.”
And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne.
Revelation 12, 1-5

SALVE REGINA