In his encyclical Redemptoris Mater, Pope John Paul II reflected intensely on the song in Ephesians one. Although it does not mention Mary by name, it is key to our beliefs about her as the Mother of God the Son, the Daughter of God the Father and the Bride of the Holy Spirit. And it is critically important in the understanding of our vocations as Jesus’ disciples.
First, Saint Paul praises God. Praise be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ…. If we are thanking God for all he has done for us, we should remember our thanks are about God and not about us. I love the way Muslims, when referring to God, echo Saint Paul’s praises. I wish Christians had as much enthusiasm for the sacred name of God.
Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens: From Mary’s body flowed the Lord Jesus Christ, who is “every spiritual blessing in the heavens.” She is a fountain of grace for us because she first received the grace of Jesus from God, according to God’s plan…
.. as he chose us in him. Mary’s election was not a matter of chance. The angel didn’t appear and say, “Congratulations, woman, you won the lottery.” Rather, she was chosen before the foundation of the world to be the mother of God, to be the worthy receptacle of God’s love.She was holy and without blemish before him.
She was destined for adoption to God through her role as the Mother of Jesus, in accord with the favor of his will. Saint Paul continually reminds us of the grace of God which is freely given to those who have not earned it or deserved it; it is by the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace, that he has poured blessings upon his beloved, Mary.
Reading Saint Paul’s Ephesians song as a story of Mary, we can return to Saint Paul’s original intent, which is about the Church! Praise God for what God has done for us. He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens! That is a lot of blessing!
And it flows through us to others. Each of us is pregnant with the Holy Spirit, overflowing with grace for others. Each of us was chosen. Although history, geography, politics and religion play their parts in your election, it was no accident that you were baptized. At some point your parents or you heard the call of God and you were presented to the baptismal font. Baptism is the sure and certain sign of your election, as are the follow-up sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. Marriage, Priesthood, Reconciliation and Anointing Of The Sick also mark you out for divine favor.
But it happened by adoption through Jesus. You weren’t chosen simply because you are a descendant of Adam and Eve. Despite the marketing agencies, not everybody is a winner. God’s graces are discriminating, given to each according to his circumstances and potential. Some might object “that’s not fair” but life is not a game and we’re not playing a game. This is how God saves the world; he pours grace upon the world through splendid people like Mary, and ordinary folks like you and me.
But read this song again. There is no end to its depth and beauty.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.