Many of us recall from our children’s catechism that the fall of Adam and Eve brought sin and death into the world. The story of Genesis was a crossroads in the history of humanity. Suddenly upon the scene there arose creatures that were both intensely self-aware and, having been made in God’s image, could know and love God in return. They opted to turn back in upon themselves. It was as if a creature suddenly stood on two feet to look up in wonder only to quickly drop back on all fours like the beasts, denying his nature and dignity. A pattern was broken and a new one established. There would be no preternatural gifts, no direct vision or immediate friendship with God, no harmony in either men or the creation around him, no life without death, and no awareness without suffering and pain. What would remain would be the struggle to embrace virtue against the increasing current of selfishness and temptation. Generations to come would be born in pain and concupiscence. This tragic story begins to be rewritten in Mary for whom the promised redemption first takes place. The Second Vatican Council reaffirms this Marian doctrine:
“Enriched from the first instant of her conception with the splendor of an entirely unique holiness, the virgin of Nazareth is hailed by the heralding angel, by divine command as “full of grace” (Lumen Gentium, no. 56).
Filed under: Catholic, Jesus, Mary | Leave a comment »
Blogger Priest 