WOF 055: Mary, The New Eve

On the first day of the calendar year, the Church celebrates The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. This day honors the Blessed Virgin Mary under the aspect of her motherhood of Jesus. With her great “yes” to the Divine Will, Mary effectively reverses the negative trajectory caused by the great “no” of the world’s first woman, Eve. Today’s episode of the Word on Fire Show discusses how Mary, the Mother of God, represents the New Eve who ushers forth the New Adam, the Savior of the World, Jesus Christ. The listener question asks about the perpetual virginity of Mary.

Topics Discussed

0:17 Introduction: Bishop celebrates the Virgin of Guadalupe in Los Angeles
5:08 – Why is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God so important
7:02 – What is the controversy behind calling Mary “The Mother of God”?
9:40 – Why were people parading through the streets when Mary was named “Theotokos”?
11:05 – How does Mary compare to Eve?
14:13 – What is the theological foundation for reverencing Mary?
16:10 – Was Mary aware of her role in salvation history?
18:16 – How should we understand the Angel’s words to Mary, “Hail, full of grace”?
19:40 – How is Mary the first disciple?
21:03 – How should we respond to Protestants or those who say that we ought not reverence Mary?
22:40 – Question from listener: What is the necessity of the Marian doctrine regarding Mary’s perpetual virginity?