Eastern Mariology
Earlier this week it was the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It reminded me of a conversation I had with a member of the Eastern Catholic parish I often visit. I mentioned the fact that I always feel more comfortable with Mary when I’m praying in the Eastern Rite, but I wasn’t sure why…
He then made the observation that in Eastern Christianity, when Mary is mentioned, Christ is almost always mentioned explicitly in the next breath, whereas in the West He is more often implied. I realised he was right! That’s exactly why I found it so much easier when praying in the Eastern liturgy! For example, this is the Eastern form of the Hail Mary:
“Theotokos (God-Bearer) and Virgin, rejoice, Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast given birth to the Saviour of our souls“
I have often thought that if we (Western) Catholics allowed our Christology to be seen more clearly in our Mariology, fewer non-Catholics to get upset by the honour we give to Mary. Just a thought.
Honour the art and you honour The Artist
I agree that makes perfect sense! I was at a Christ in the City this week, which was lovely except I wasn’t a complete fan of the musician that sung. We had the laying of the hands for healing, and at first we were singing “Come Lord Jesus, come”, but being that it was the feast of the Immaculate Conception she also tried to have us sing, “Come Mamma, come.” I’m not at all against Mary being present and interceding for us, but somehow it didn’t seem right to call on her the same way as our Savior.
[screws up face]