mariologydogmati00pohl - Carmel Apologetics
mariologydogmati00pohl - Carmel Apologetics
mariologydogmati00pohl - Carmel Apologetics
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DIGNITY OF DIVINE MOTHERHOOD 21<br />
sole exception of her Divine Son, ("the first-born<br />
of every creature," with whom, of course, she<br />
cannot be compared either from this or any<br />
other point of view), she is undoubtedly the love-<br />
liest flower that ever bloomed on the tree of<br />
humanity, and we are perfectly justified in ad-<br />
dressing her as "Mystic Rose" and "Spiritual<br />
Lily." We show a still profounder conception<br />
of her dignity and mission when we venerate<br />
her as the human organ specially chosen by the<br />
Holy Ghost for the miracle of the Incarnation,<br />
whereby she became a most precious "Spiritual<br />
Vessel," for, as we pray in the Ave Maria:<br />
Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus."<br />
How are we to define Mary's relationship to her fellow-<br />
creatures ?<br />
She is not, of course, the " head " of the human race.<br />
That dignity belongs solely to Jesus Christ, the " second<br />
Adam," who restored our lost innocence. Mary gave<br />
birth to her own spiritual and supernatural head in the<br />
person of Christ. Her unique position in the mystic<br />
body of the Church has been likened to that of the<br />
" neck," 17 but she is perhaps more appropriately compared<br />
to the heart, which of all the bodily organs most<br />
perfectly reflects the energy of the head and most effect-<br />
ively sustains its vital functions. 18 Thus Mary's Divine<br />
Motherhood takes on the character and functions of a<br />
spiritual motherhood in relation to all men, especially<br />
those who are living members of the body of Christ.<br />
17 " Collum corporis mystici."<br />
18 Cfr. Scheeben, Dogmatik, Vol. Ill, p. 512.