The story of Mary’s life and her decisions represents the opposite of Eve and her disobedience to God at the beginning of time.
Among Mary’s many titles, the term “New” is often mentioned. Mary’s obedience to God is often compared to Eve’s disobedience. In many ways, Mary became what Eve was supposed to be, writes Aleteia.
Jesus is also referred to in some places as the “New Adam,” implying his obedience to the Father in contrast to Adam’s disobedience.
Saint Irenaeus explained it this way:
The Lord, coming into his creation in visible form, was supported by his own creation that he himself sustains in existence. His obedience on the cross reversed disobedience at the tree in Eden; the good news of the truth announced by the angel to Mary, a virgin betrothed to a husband, revealed the evil lie that deceived Eve, a virgin betrothed to a husband.
Just as Eve was deceived by the word of a fallen angel and thus fled from God after not obeying his word, Mary, on her part, received good news from the word of an angel and gave birth to God in obedience to his word. As Eve was seduced into disobedience to God, so Mary was persuaded into obedience to God; thus, the Virgin Mary became the advocate of the virgin Eve.
The ancient hymn Ave Maris Stella poetically expresses this truth in a similar way:
Hail, bright star of the ocean, God’s own blessed Mother, Ever sinless Virgin, Gate of heavenly peace, Taking that sweet Ave Which from Gabriel came, Confirm us in peace.
Many other saints have spoken of Mary as the New Eve, observing in her choice to follow God an introduction to a new creation, i.e., the Church and the abundance of spiritual children who will follow.
Mary, New Eve, pray for us!
Credit: medjugorje-info.com
