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To: kosta50; Agrarian; jo kus
The Orthodox see Mary as our model and hope, a promise that even ordinary humans can achieve theosis

The Roman Catholics see Mary not as an ordinary human but a very special and uncommon human with a special role that no one can emmulate

That is, I think, a grossly accurate outline. Two points on that:

- Mary reflects the pre-fall condition of man, and is then our hope of everlasting life in the Kingdom of Heaven, where we shall have our pre-fall condition restored. The saints show us how to live, but Mary shows us where we are going.

- Of course no one can emulate Mary (or Christ) in essence, as we are not going to have another Incarnation and Resurrection. But Mary did not receive anything different that the sanctifying grace we receive. It is true that Christ made her burden light. But He also told us that He will make our burden light.

6,005 posted on 05/09/2006 1:57:54 PM PDT by annalex
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To: annalex; kosta50; jo kus

"But Mary did not receive anything different that the sanctifying grace we receive."

This does not seem to mesh with the text of the Papal encyclical regarding the Immaculate Conception, which, as I understand it, does not reflect just an absence of the spot and stain of original sin, but also filling her with a plenitude of graces from the moment of her conception -- such that she has excess grace and merit that can be applied to others. I haven't the time right now to look it up, but I think you know the passages I refer to.

I do not believe that Catholicism teaches that at the moment of baptism, that one is automatically filled with grace in this way.

On the other hand, the Orthodox belief is that Mary reached a state of theosis that can and never will be attained by anyone else, since for 9 months her blood mingled with that of Christ, and her body enveloped the uncircumscriable God. This is a degree of union that left her changed forever, and is impossible for anyone else ever to experience. I would imagine that we would agree on this point -- but would disagree on the starting point.


6,098 posted on 05/09/2006 6:54:05 PM PDT by Agrarian
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