“This motherhood of Mary in the order of grace continues uninterruptedly from the consent which she gave in faith at the Annunciation and which she sustained without wavering beneath the Cross, until the fulfillment of all the elect.”

                                                                  Documents of Vatican II

                                                                        Lumen Gentium, 62

For Reflection:             

Consider the events in Mary’s life given to us in Sacred Scripture (cf., Gen 3:15; Is. 7:14; Lk 1:26-56; Lk 2:19, 51; Mt 2:13-23; Lk 2: 41-51; Lk 8:21 [Mt 12:48-Mk 3:33]; Jn 2:3-7; Jn 19: 26-27; Rev 12). How do they show Mary’s motherhood in the order of grace continuing uninterruptedly from the Annunciation to the Crucifixion? Of these events, which impresses you most deeply? Why? How was Mary’s consent “unwavering” in the event which most deeply impressed you? What do you make of the teaching that Mary’s consent continues “until the fulfillment of all the elect?” How does this apply to the Church Suffering (the Holy Souls) as well as the Church Militant (here on earth)?