In the Litany of our Lady, included is “Morning Star” - a reference to Jesus (Rev22:16). Some Litanies I have heard recited in some Churches, include other references to Jesus. What is the background to this?
In the Litany of our Lady, included is “Morning Star” - a reference to Jesus (Rev22:16). Some Litanies I have heard recited in some Churches, include other references to Jesus. What is the background to this?
It is applied in two different ways. The morning star is the first star before the dawn and before the Sun. In the book of Revelation, Christ speaks of himself this way because His incarnation among us is the prelude to the full manifestation of the glory of the Triune God. The Church uses this title in, for example, the Exultet at the Easter Vigil. His Resurrection, in which he shone over the darkness of the sin of death is the prelude to the coming glory.
When applied to the BVM we view the Sun as Christ who dawned upon us at his Incarnation. Mary, as she who gave birth to Christ, therefore takes on the image of the “Morning Star”, which precedes and gives way to Christ.
DISCLAIMER: Catholic Answers has turned over the archive to Catholic-Questions.org and no longer owns, manages, or moderates the forums. For additional apologetics resources please visit www.catholic.com.
