Mary The Image of the Church
Mary--Image of the Church This PowerPoint will focus on Mary as the image of the Church First we will look at Mary as the greatest disciple Second we will look at the passage from the Book of Revelation that shows Church and Mary as connected Finally we will look at each of the 7 sayings of Mary in the Scriptures and Mary at the foot of the Cross, to see what they tell us about being Church
Mary the 1 st Disciple We look at Mary as the greatest or model disciple because she: Said YES to God and allowed the incarnation to happen through her (Model of Surrender to God) She reflected on all these things, pondered them in her heart (Model of the shared interior life with God) She intercedes for others and continues to do so for us (Model of Prayer)
Mary in Revelation The Arc of the Covenant appeared in the sky. This was followed by a Great Sign a woman clothed with the sun. Her child was destined to rule the nations. Mary is the woman, the Great Sign of God s dwelling among us.
Mary in Revelation The woman escaped to the desert. The dragon waged war on the rest of her offspring, those who keep God s commands and bear witness to Jesus. Those offspring are Christians. Mary is the mother of all Christians, the image of the Church.
Mary s Seven Words There are seven times that Mary s words are recorded in the scriptures. Each word (saying) tells us about living as a disciple who keeps God s commands and bears witness to Jesus. Each word tells us about what it is to be Church and the mission of Church in the world.
Mary s 7 words Mary s First Word (to the Angel) How can this be, since I have no relations with a man? As Church we must answer God s call. But we must put everything to the test and keep what is Good, what is God s will. We must discern God s call.
Mary s 7 words Mary s Second Word (to the Angel) Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord Our testing is only because we are God s servants. We discern to make sure we are truly serving God and not our own desires.
Mary s 7 words Mary s Third Word (to God through the Angel) May it be done to me according to your word. Our transformation in Christ is God s work, but involves our cooperation, we must allow God s grace to create a dwelling for Christ within us.
Mary s 7 words As Church we give praise to God for his work within us, in our world, and by his faithfulness we look forward to our future. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.
Mary s 7 words Mary s Fifth Word (to Jesus) Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety. As Church, Jesus is intertwined in out lives, but we must still search for Him, because we love him and want to serve him. Jesus answer is important. Did you not know I must be about my Father s business. We find Jesus not where we want, but where he serves.
Mary s 7 words Mary s Sixth Word (to Jesus) They have no wine. Mary is the great intercessor. She brings the needs of others before the Lord. But what if it seems our prayer is not answered?
Mary s 7 words Mary s Seventh Word (to the servants--us) Do whatever he tells you. Mary responds to the seemingly unanswered prayer but calling others to serve, to follow the lead of Jesus.
Mary at the Cross Jesus to Mary and John Behold your mother & Behold your son The mother of all Christians begins her role at the cross. Jesus forms a new family, the Church.
Mary at the Cross The Silence of Mary being present at the death of her Son, Jesus The silence of Mary as she stands before the mystery of God working to bring life out of death and peace in the midst of violence. Mary witnesses to the reality that God s silence is not absence but creative presence.
Mary: The Image of Church As Church we see ourselves reflected in Mary, both individually (as disciples) and communally (as the Body of Christ): As Church we carry Christ within us to the World As Church we discern the will of God As Church we praise God who works within us to transform us and our world As Church we continually seek God and call others to serve as disciples As Church we stand in silent creative power of God