Saint Virgin Mary
The lecture speaks about the unique status of Saint Virgin Mary in the divine economy, and why she alone was chosen to be the Mother of God, due to her deep humility, purity, and spiritual ability to endure the glory of the divine Incarnation.
1. The Virgin and Humility of Heart
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the Virgin Mary surpassed all women because God looked first at her humility. She endured honors and glory that many cannot bear without pride, thus becoming a rare example of true humility.
2. Divine Preparation and the Fullness of Time
The fullness of time awaited a humble woman who could bear the descent of the Holy Spirit, the visions of angels, and the praise of generations, without losing simplicity or feeling independent from God.
3. “Behold, I Am the Maidservant of the Lord”
The peak of humility appears in the Virgin’s complete acceptance of God’s will without argument when she said, “Let it be to me according to your word.” Her life was total surrender from within before outward obedience.
4. The Virgin as an Example of Unshaken Faith
She lived through poverty, exile, flight, and rejection without murmuring or doubting God’s promises, becoming a model of steadfast faith amid trials.
5. The Virgin as a Blessing Wherever She Was
She was a blessing in the house of Elizabeth, a blessing at the wedding of Cana of Galilee, and a blessing wherever she dwelt, because her presence was associated with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
6. Spiritual Upbringing and Seclusion
The Virgin was raised in the Temple, living a life of prayer, praise, memorization of the Psalms, silence, and contemplation, which appeared clearly in her hymn filled with the Word of God.
7. Her Status in the Faith of the Church
The Coptic Orthodox Church believes that the Virgin is greater than the Cherubim and Seraphim, and likens her to the Ark of the Covenant, the censer, and the burning bush, because she carried God in her womb.
8. Practical Lessons from the Life of the Virgin
The Virgin offers living lessons in purity, humility, service, silence, surrender, and inner joy in God regardless of outward circumstances.
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