This must be a classic example
shalom b'SHEM Yah'shua HaMashiach
of RCC Hermeneutics and apologetics.
Posted on 12/27/2011 8:24:19 PM PST by RnMomof7
Rome, Italy, Dec 8, 2011 / 04:28 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Benedict XVI reflected on the biblical description of a “woman clothed with the sun” in his remarks at Rome's Spanish Steps on the 2011 Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
“What is the meaning of this image? It represents the Church and Our Lady at the same time,” the Pope told the crowd assembled before the nearby statue commemorating the 1854 definition of Mary's Immaculate Conception. “Before all, the 'woman' of the apocalypse is Mary herself.”
The 12th chapter of the Biblical Apocalypse – also known as the Book of Revelation – describes the glorification and persecution of “a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.”
Though not named, this woman is described as the mother of the Messiah. In poetic language akin to the Bible's other prophetic books, Saint John says she faced the threat of “a huge red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns,” and “fled into the desert where she had a place prepared by God.”
Pope Benedict, offering white roses in his traditional yearly act of Marian veneration, gave listeners his insight into the connection between the Virgin Mary and the Church – portrayed in the Apocalypse through the single image of the sun-clad woman.
“She appears 'clothed in sunlight,' that is, clothed in God,” observed the Pope. “The Virgin Mary is in fact completely surrounded by the light of God and lives in God … The 'Immaculate One' reflects with all of her person the light of the 'sun' which is God.”
“Besides representing Our Lady, this sign personifies the Church, the Christian community of all times,” he continued.
The Church, he explained, is “pregnant, in the sense that she carries Christ” and “must give birth to him to the world.”
“This is the labor of the pilgrim Church on earth, that in the midst of the consolations of God and the persecutions of the world, she must bring Christ to men.”
Because the Church continues to bring Jesus into the world, Pope Benedict said, it “finds opposition in a ferocious adversary,” symbolized in scripture by the “dragon” that has “tried in vain to devour Jesus,” and now “directs his attacks against the woman – the Church – in the desert of the world.”
“But in every age the Church is supported by the light and the strength of God,” the Pope said. “She is nurtured in the desert with the bread of his word and the Holy Eucharist.”
“And in this way, in every tribulation, through all of the trials that she finds in the course of the ages and in the different parts of the world, the Church suffers persecution, but comes out the victor.”
Pope Benedict said the Church should not fear persecution, which is bound to arise, but will be defeated.
“The only pitfall of which the Church can and must be afraid is the sin of her members,” he warned, highlighting the key difference between the Church and the woman who is its prototype.
“While in fact Mary is immaculate – free from every stain of sin – the Church is holy, but at the same time marked by our sins.”
While sinless herself, Mary remains in solidarity with the Church struggling against sin.
“That is why the people of God, pilgrims in time, turn to their heavenly mother and ask for her help,” explained Pope Benedict.
He stressed the world's need for the hope brought by the “woman clothed with the sun” – “especially in this difficult moment for Italy, for Europe and for different parts of the world.”
“May Mary help us to see that there is a light beyond the veil of fog that appears to envelop reality,” he declared.
“For this also we, especially on this day, never cease to ask with filial trust for her help: 'O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.'”
That shows an incredible lack of faith in God. You think He doesn’t find a way to draw those He chooses to Himself through His word?
“You think He doesn’t find a way to draw those He chooses to Himself through His word?”
Of course He did. We call that the One, Holy, Apostolic and Catholic Church. He called the Apostles, He gave them His Truth and His authority and they built His Universal Church. The Church that codified the Canon of the Bible and taught all of the nations the Good News. The Church you mock and despise.
This must be a classic example
shalom b'SHEM Yah'shua HaMashiach
of RCC Hermeneutics and apologetics.
Look carefully. See the cowardice that fears to identify the faith claimed. Why the fear? What cult do you claim?
Have a wonderful journey.Watch out for the questions at the Judgement.
They may be tricky for you.
Still unable to speak the name of the cult you follow? How very odd, and sad.
Ask about UFOs. Go ahead. :)
ph
You can call it whatever you want. Problem with the CC is that it has incorporated pagan practices and beliefs. No true church of Christ would allow pagan practices. It has become the apostate church people are warned to “come out of her”.
Problem with the CC is that it has incorporated pagan practices and beliefs.Yeah, like Christmas and Easter! What odd sect is it that you claim does NOT celebrate Christmas and Easter and yet claims to be Christian?
If Revelation 12 is speaking of Mary, then how do you get around the part that speaks of her in verse 2 "She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth."? Remember in Genesis 3:16 when God told Eve because of sin, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children."? So, if this Revelation verse is speaking of Mary, then she cried out in pain while giving birth and it meant she had the sin nature passed on from Eve. Yet, Roman Catholic teaching says Mary did not have a sin nature nor any pain birthing Jesus and she remarkably even remained a virgin. So which is it? Revelation 12 CANNOT be speaking about Mary. It can ONLY be Israel, who is persecuted during the last half of the Tribulation. No other way fits.
Would there be a church if there were no Jesus Christ???????
Well, duh, Einstein.....
If Uri doesn't belong to a cult, he can't name it.
So not so sad and not really odd.
Nicely stated Quix. Plus great graphics. Love the graphics especially the Dean Winchester NOPE. Good Job.
Wow! Great catch boatbums! I hadn’t caught that little tidbit but it is so true and telling.
After asking for the need to have a Savior when we are broken in spirit, should not prayer be praise and thanks and waiting and resting in and listening? Our other needs and wants seem not worth praying for.
Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV) I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.