494. At the announcement that she would give birth to “the Son of the Most High” without knowing man, by the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary responded with the obedience of faith, certain that “with God nothing will be impossible”: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be [done] to me according to your word.” Thus, giving her consent to God’s word, Mary becomes the mother of Jesus. Espousing the divine will for salvation wholeheartedly, without a single sin to restrain her, she gave herself entirely to the person and to the work of her Son; she did so in order to serve the mystery of redemption with him and dependent on him, by God’s grace:
As St. Irenaeus says, “Being obedient she became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race.” Hence not a few of the early Fathers gladly assert. . .: “The knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by Mary’s obedience: what the virgin Eve bound through her disbelief, Mary loosened by her faith.” Comparing her with Eve, they call Mary “the Mother of the living” and frequently claim: “Death through Eve, life through Mary.”
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
241. What is the center of the liturgical season?
522. How does one bear witness to the truth?
291. What is required to receive Holy Communion?
174. Why is the Church apostolic?
365. Why does everyone have a right to exercise freedom?
42. In what way does God reveal that he is love?
49. How do the three divine Persons work?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
What is the teaching on leading humble servants in 3 John 1:1-4?
What was David’s attitude toward Mephibosheth, and what can we learn from this story?
What is the role of church leaders according to Ephesians 4:11-12?
What was the story of King Amon’s violent death and rebellion in 2 Kings 21-22?
What does the phrase “we live by faith, not by sight” in 2 Corinthians 5:7 mean?
How does Lamentations address the issue of human suffering?
What does Malachi 2:1-2 mean about the danger of falling away from God?
