MARY AS MEDIATRIX
Jesus is the Mediator, Mary is
the Mediatrix , but in a manner different from her Son. Jesus is
the Mediator of Justice; meaning, He died for us so that, in justice, He
paid for the sins of all men. Because He satisfied the demands of justice,
He can demand from the Father. Christ acknowledges to the Father that we are
sinners and debtors, but He paid up for our sins.
Mary is not a mediator in this
manner. She did not die for us. Even if she did so, it would have been
insufficient to cover up all the sins of mankind. As such, she cannot demand
anything from the Father. She does not even join the prayer of Christ to the
Father. Instead she joins her prayers to ours as we address them to Christ.
Being the Mother Christ greatly improves our chances with Christ.
When Christ prays in Heaven, He
prays in virtue of Himself. Mary does not pray in virtue of herself. She
prays as we do, but, being the Mother of Christ, with more influence. Her
special role in the Church is due to the special role and honor given to her
by God--the Divine Maternity. He who honors her, therefore, honors her Son.
Thus, in Christendom, two out of three churches are dedicated in her honor.
In fact, Mary's role is based on
her tri-honor of being the pleasing daughter of the Father, being the Spouse
of the Holy Spirit and being the Mother of Christ. Her special relationship
with the Three Persons of the Blessed Trinity is bound to make her very
influential with God.
Mary's role as powerful
Mediatrix is not a middle-age romantic figment of pietism. It is as solid as
Christian doctrine itself. In depicting the Assumption of Our Lady, St.
Ambrose repeats the short talks given by both Sts. Peter and Paul at the
death of Mary. Both enunciated her role as Mediatrix for mankind.
(05-22-03)
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