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To: drstevej
It describes Mary:
[1] ...as the focus of our hope. (compare: Hebrews 11:2 -- Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith)

Blessed Mary is the "Hope of Christians", because in the ways God has glorified her, we also hope to receive His blessings. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reads in no. 966:

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians: "In giving birth you kept your virginity; in your Dormition you did not leave the world, O Mother of God, but were joined to the source of Life. You conceived the living God and, by your prayers, will deliver our souls from death." (Note 509 - Byzantine Liturgy, Troparion, Feast of the Dormition, August 15th)

[2] ...as our deliver and savior. (compare: Mathew 1:21 -- and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.)

First, because she gave birth to the Divine Son. Second, because she continues to intercede for us in heaven and distributes all of the graces of God. Third, because she is the "Gate of Heaven", just as God became man through Mary, so man becomes god through Mary, to expand on St. Athanasius' famous dictum.

The title is by way of appropriation, and is meant to reflect glory on the Son, by whom Mary has been given such power and exalted so greatly. You cannot rightly praise Mary without praising the Son she bore. If Jesus is the "Sun", with rays of Truth, Love, Mercy, and Justice pulsating outwards, Mary is the "Moon", and reflects all of these uncreated energies of the Most Holy Trinity within herself and to us as habitual sanctifying grace. It is from her prayers to her Son that we receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our souls.

Mary is our salvation not because she redeemed us from sin, which Christ did alone, but because she brought us and still brings us grace and truth.

BTW, many of Our Lady's titles may be found here.

11 posted on 09/15/2003 10:55:42 AM PDT by Hermann the Cherusker
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To: Hermann the Cherusker
Thank you for that link!

And our Archdiocese has commissioned an icon, Mary, Star of Evangelization!!
13 posted on 09/15/2003 11:21:18 AM PDT by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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To: Hermann the Cherusker
It describes Mary:
[1] ...as the focus of our hope. (compare: Hebrews 11:2 -- Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith)

Blessed Mary is the "Hope of Christians", because in the ways God has glorified her, we also hope to receive His blessings. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reads in no. 966:

DRSJ:  Jesus is the "blessed hope" of Christians according to Paul. Titus 2:13 -- 13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

 

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians: "In giving birth you kept your virginity; in your Dormition you did not leave the world, O Mother of God, but were joined to the source of Life. You conceived the living God and, by your prayers, will deliver our souls from death." (Note 509 - Byzantine Liturgy, Troparion, Feast of the Dormition, August 15th)

DRSJ:  Jesus is the firstfruits of the resurrection according to Paul. 1 Cor 15:20 -- 20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

[2] ...as our deliver and savior. (compare: Mathew 1:21 -- and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.)

.....

Mary is our salvation not because she redeemed us from sin, which Christ did alone, but because she brought us and still brings us grace and truth.

DRSJ:  Grace and truth come through Jesus according to John. John 1:18 -- 17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.


DRSJ:  Notice how many of the things ascribed to Mary by the Catholic Church are ascribed to Jesus in the Bible.

26 posted on 09/15/2003 11:57:03 AM PDT by drstevej
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