Mary's Faith

MARY, THE MOTHER OF FAITH 

St. Augustine writes that: "When Mary consented to the Incarnation of the Eternal Word, by means of her faith she opened heaven to mankind." 

On account of her faith, St. Elizabeth called her blessed: "Blessed are you who have believed, because those things shall be accomplished in you that were spoken by the Lord" (Lk 1:45)

St. Augustine adds that Mary was more blessed by receiving the faith of Christ  than by conceiving the flesh of Christ.

Suarez takes that up telling us that the holy Virgin had more faith than all men and angels.

• She saw the infant in the crib of Bethlehem and believed him to be the Creator of the world.
• She saw him fly from Herod  and believed Him the King of kings.
• She saw Him born and believed him eternal.
• She saw Him poor and in need and believed Him the Lord of the universe.
• She heard Him weep and believed Him the joy of paradise.
• She saw Him in death, despised and crucified and her faith firm that He was God.

St. Cyril of Alexandria calls her, "Queen of the true faith". In the office for Mary, the holy church prays : ""Rejoice, O Virgin Mary, for you alone have destroyed all heresies throughout the world."

St. Ildephonsus exhorts us  to imitate Mary's faith, but how can we do this? Faith is not only a gift but also a virtue in as much as a soul has to exercise itself in the practice of it.

To have a lively faith is to live according to our belief as St. Augustine quoted, " You say, I believe; do what you say and it is faith."

Finally, St. James declares, " Faith without works is dead". (Jas 2:26). God searches among the faithful who have good works, and they seem few. Many have only the name Christian. 

Let us entreat this powerful Mother to obtain for us a faith come alive by charity.

Edited by Florence Mary from the Glories of Mary