Theologically speaking, Mary as New Eve can be traced back to the early Church. Bishops in those early centuries often spoke of Mary as such a figure; fathers often called her that in their sermons or letters. Just like Eve was known as the mother of all living (Gen 3:20). So too Mary is known as such in Christendom (Revelation 12:17 says St John of Revelation refers to those descended from her who obey God and witness to Jesus).
2024 marks the commemoration of Mary, Mother of the Church on May 20. (Please see further down for more).
Are You Wondering If the Bible Mentions “Mother of the Church?”
Unfortunately, no. But Pope St. John Paul II highlighted several passages which allude to it in various ways;
Yet it reflects her profound maternal role within Christianity as evidenced by various New Testament passages.
At Cana, when Mary asked Jesus to exercise His messianic power, she made an invaluable contribution towards implanting faith among the first community of disciples and in initiating God’s kingdom which began at Cana itself (see Lumen Gentium n 5).
On Calvary, Mary united herself to the sacrifice of her Son and made an essential maternal contribution towards salvation, manifest in labor pains that birthed a new humanity.
He called out “Woman, behold your son” when. Addressed Mary as His Mother in John 11:52; by doing so. He declared her motherhood over every disciple, not just John himself. John 11:52 also states that Christ died “to gather into one all God’s scattered children” which indicates the Church is born from his redemptive sacrifice with which Mary’s maternal association became tangible.
St Luke emphasizes Mary’s maternal role in the newborn church by emphasizing her presence at Jerusalem (Acts 1:14), drawing comparisons with her role during Jesus’s conception and birth. Thus she becomes central in Mary’s relationship with those saved (General Audience September 17, 1997)
How did Mary Become Mother of the Church? Our Lord chose Mary among all women to become His Divine Son’s mother according to human nature and grace. In that capacity she also acts as Mother to His Mystical Body known as Church which He leads.
In Hebrews 2:9-13, the author clearly asserts that Jesus is our brother:
[We witness] Jesus, for a short while made lower than angels, being glorified and honored because he suffered death and through God’s grace could taste death for everyone.
As it was proper that God, who is responsible for and provides everything necessary, should bring many sons to glory through suffering, it was fitting that those sanctifying him and those being sanctified have one source. That is why he does not hesitate to refer to them as his brothers by calling them out by name and declaring:
“I will proclaim thy name among my brothers; in the presence of this congregation I will praise thy Name!”
“I will put my trust in him,” they repeated.
“Here am I, with the children He has given me.” (emphasis added).
As Jesus is our brother and Mary His mother, Mary must also be our mother.
At Jesus’ death on the cross, we witness an unforgettable scene when he gives Mary to John as He offers Himself up on that cruel cross. In John 19:26-27 we read about this tender moment:
As soon as Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved nearby, he exclaimed to both of them, “Woman, behold your son!” Before saying the same to his disciple: “And behold your mother!” From that day forward he took her into his home.
Tradition of the Church from its Apostles informs us that Christ placed all His disciples under Mary through St. John, as their leader.
Conclusion
In summary, Paul as a spiritual father to the Church and Mary as a mother of the Church exemplify two of the most vital nurturing roles both men played in early Christian communities. Paul provided leadership that laid a solid foundation for Christian beliefs while Mary provided maternal protection of faithful. Together their contributions continue to drive Christian missions of love, faith, and unity while we can better appreciate spiritual leadership with nurturing care in Church communities today.
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Last modified: October 24, 2024
