EARLY CHURCH TO MIDDLE AGES

 

                                                                                  Freepik

Three

Early church to Middle Ages

The Church's understanding of Mary developed gradually. Earliest Christian centuries already contained profound reflection upon Mary's relationship to salvation.

An influential description came from Saint Irenaeus of Lyons in the second century, with his comparison of Eve and Mary. Eve's disobedience had contributed to humankind's fall, while Mary's obedience contributed to God's plan of salvation.

St Irenaeus ascribed Mary as becoming, in a profound sense, the new Eve. ₆ This comparison became an important foundation for later Marian theology.

As centuries passed, Christian writers reflected upon Mary's role in salvation. Her motherhood and relationship with Christ were understood as unique. During the medieval period, Marian reflection underwent expansion.

Theologians and spiritual writers spoke of Mary's role as intercessor and Mediatrix of grace. Moreover, the language of Mary's co-operation in redemption also underwent significant expansion.

This theological development was not intended to diminish the role of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  On the contrary, the more deeply theologians reflected upon the spiritual stature of Mary, the more they recognised that her greatness came entirely from God. The conclusion which may be drawn, is that Mother Mary is great because the Trinity has done mighty things for her.

____________________

1.      6.  Irenaeus. Against Heresies (Book III, Chapter 22)

TO ACCESS THE BOOK,

PLEASE CLICK IN THE FOLLOWING LINK

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-Was6rkGryVtz_MTDfzlkz8GgmyCf8ak/view?usp=sharing

Image courtesy of Freepik with CN Whittle "Mother Mary and Lord Jesus"