OK, so Mary is the Ark of the New Covenant

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why is it that this is important teaching? Was the old ark that carried the Commandments in Stone and Rod of Aaron to be venerated?

I’m just brushing up on my knowledge so that when I am challenged again, I’m better prepared than last time. Also, this has sort of been my hobby now, I’m loving learning about the Catholic faith which I have always taken for granted.
 
I don’t know it all, but I find this interesting. The ark of the covenant in the OT represented God dwelling with His people. The 10 commandments represent God’s law. The Rod of Aaron represents the priestly line chosen by God. There was also a jar of Manna as well Ex 16:33-34 “Moses then told Aaron, “Take an urn and put an omer of manna in it. Then place it before the Lord in safekeepnig for your descendants.” So Aaron placed it in front of the commandments for safekeeping, as the Lord had commanded Moses.”

All three represent Jesus. He fufilled the law. He was of the priestly line. He is the bread that came down from heaven.

The ark itself was not to be worshipped. If a man touched it he would die though. The lid was called the “mercy seat” where the Lord would be. So the people were actually worshipping the Lord’s Presence around the ark. The ark was kept in the “Holy of Holies” the very back room in the tabernacle and then the temple. The high priest would enter once a year on the Day of Atonement (yom kippur) and cover the ark with the blood of the lamb sacrificed to atone for the sins of Isreal for that year. That one day a year was the only day anyone was allowed in the Holy of Holies and it was only the High Priest. It was considered so sacred that when before the High Priest went in they would tie a rope around his leg in case he died while in there, then the others could pull him out. The veil was that separated God from the people was torn in two when Jesus died. Once the temple was destroyed the ark disappeared (not in thin air, no one can find it).

Its also an interesting meditation when you consider that Mary is called the ark of the covenant, how all the above applies to her.
 
*I am waiting for RCIA after reading Bishop Sheen. *Soon after starting to pray Hail Mary’s and reading Bishop Sheen I saw on my own that Mary is the Ark of the New Covenant. And wrote the following:

“Mary is the first and primary New Testament example. A Christian who is obedient to God’s Will gets precious rewards. When Protestants toss out Mary, they toss out so much. I never saw this before (instead I looked away from Mary because it is counter to my Protestant teaching). But I am confident that to early Christians (who knew the Hebrew Scriptures well) Luke chapters 1 and 2 made it obvious that Mary was the Arc of the New Testament. Whereas in ancient times the Hebrew children kept treasures resulting from their obedience to God in the Arc of the Old Covenant - Luke 2:19, ‘And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart’ - the New Testament has Mary Mother of Jesus and her Baby our Lord. And Mary is an example to us, to obey God, to let Christ live in us, to receive His blessings, and to focus our hearts on heavenly things where our treasure is. Mary shows us that even in this earthly life we have a powerful foretaste of heaven if we obey God and open our hearts to the treasures He wants to give us. Matthew 6:21 ‘For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.’ Mary shows us to meditate and to reflect on our heavenly treasure. It is obvious from the Old Covenant example with the Hebrew children that these treasures are to be shared with our children so that they may also learn.”

If you follow Mary’s example (Obey God, let Christ live in you, receive His blessings, focus your heart on heavenly things) you can experience a powerful foretaste of heaven. Bam! Doesn’t that really strike you with motivation? To get a taste of heaven now? Not pie in the sky?
 
In thinking about Mary as the Ark of the Covenant or trying to explain this or other Catholic teachings about Mary, we should immediately consider what this idea is trying to teach us about Jesus. Mary’s greatest dignity is that she always points us to Jesus.(see John 2:5) For example, when we call Mary the Mother of God, what does it say about Jesus? Answer: It affirms the fact that Our Lord was fully God. When we say that Mary is Queen of Heaven, what does it say about Jesus? Again, when we remember that in ancient cultures, inluding that of Israel, the queen of a nation was not the king’s wife (he might have hundreds of these), but his mother (see 1 Kings 2:19-20), it affirms the fact that Jesus is in fact King of heaven and earth.The examples could be multiplied.

I’ll leave the participants on this thread what the implications for our belief in Jesus as it relates to Mary as Ark of the Covenant, but I think the pattern is pretty clear.
 
For example, when we call Mary the Mother of God, what does it say about Jesus? Answer: It affirms the fact that Our Lord was fully God.
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And I would say, too, that it affirms that the Son of God became Man when we say that Mary is the Mother of Jesus. Mary is a human Mother. This beautiful title “Theotokos” points to the fact about Jesus two natures, Human and Divine, and the reality of the incarnation in the Human aspect of Mary.

Pio
 
And Mary being immaculate shows us a perfectly lived life – an example for us to follow. She shows us to love Jesus. She shows us to obey God. She shows us that her heart is where her treasure is (in heaven).

Luke 2:19, “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”

Mary shows us about Jesus, yes. And Mary shows us by example how we should live with Jesus. So she does bring us to Christ.
 
Okay, I dont understand what your trying to say here, so I am going to put in some thoughts/concerns based on your last comment.
wisdom 3:5:
The ark itself was not to be worshipped. Agreed If a man touched it he would die though. Agreed, basically, because it would have turned the ark into a false god The lid was called the “mercy seat” where the Lord would be. Are you saying that the LORD resides around Mary? So the people were actually worshipping the Lord’s Presence around the ark. The ark was kept in the “Holy of Holies” the very back room in the tabernacle and then the temple. Is this true of Mary as well? That she is kept away in the back room, where only the High Priest may enter? The high priest would enter once a year on the Day of Atonement (yom kippur) and cover the ark with the blood of the lamb sacrificed to atone for the sins of Isreal for that year.** Are you comparing Mary to the high priest here or the Ark?** That one day a year was the only day anyone was allowed in the Holy of Holies and it was only the High Priest. It was considered so sacred that when before the High Priest went in they would tie a rope around his leg in case he died while in there, then the others could pull him out. Again, is the comparison to the ark? That someone may die when in her presence? The veil was that separated God from the people was torn in two when Jesus died. Thats right, because all are allowed into the Most Holy Place now. The Father has made a way. Once the temple was destroyed the ark disappeared (not in thin air, no one can find it).

Its also an interesting meditation when you consider that Mary is called the ark of the covenant, how all the above applies to her. Trying to understand this sentence, but I just dont get it.
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When one thinks about the Ark, one remebers that it held the Word of God. It resided in the Most Holy Place~the actual dwelling place of God during the time of the Temple.

I enjoy reading about awesome men and women of the Faith, but I don’t understand the connection here that you seem to be trying to make.
 
I could be wrong. And I wonder where the first thread in this discussion came from. Is it in CCC? If so, please quote.

But everything about the new covenant is better than the old covenant (I heard that once on EWTN).

In Luke 2:19, “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” – she had just brought forth the infant Jesus from her womb.

See “Three Degrees of Intimacy” telecast by Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

The Old Covenant Ark carried the 10 commandments (only a written revelation of God – man’s first degree of intimacy with God). Mary brought forth the baby Jesus (God Incarnate – man’s second degree of intimacy with God). I suppose if Mary was the ark, it was while she carried Christ in her womb. And perhaps also while she was the Christ Child’s Mother. As doubting Thomas experienced, he touched Christ (a closer intimacy than the written Word (Old Covenant). And the woman (issue of blood) who touched the hem of His garment. Jesus said it was better for Him to go that He sends the Comforter. Bishop Sheen describes a final intimacy with God “… who enjoy a communion with Him that is almost an interpenetration of the Divine and Human, an embrace of love when He who is the Divine Host comes into the human heart as its Guest.”

So no. Mary isn’t in a back room. Nor are we.

But I would like to know the Catechism (CCC#) for the initial thread of this discussion.
 
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jmm08:
I could be wrong. And I wonder where the first thread in this discussion came from. Is it in CCC? If so, please quote.

But everything about the new covenant is better than the old covenant (I heard that once on EWTN).

In Luke 2:19, “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” – she had just brought forth the infant Jesus from her womb.

See “Three Degrees of Intimacy” telecast by Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

The Old Covenant Ark carried the 10 commandments (only a written revelation of God – man’s first degree of intimacy with God). Mary brought forth the baby Jesus (God Incarnate – man’s second degree of intimacy with God). I suppose if Mary was the ark, it was while she carried Christ in her womb. And perhaps also while she was the Christ Child’s Mother. As doubting Thomas experienced, he touched Christ (a closer intimacy than the written Word (Old Covenant). And the woman (issue of blood) who touched the hem of His garment. Jesus said it was better for Him to go that He sends the Comforter. Bishop Sheen describes a final intimacy with God “… who enjoy a communion with Him that is almost an interpenetration of the Divine and Human, an embrace of love when He who is the Divine Host comes into the human heart as its Guest.”

So no. Mary isn’t in a back room. Nor are we.

But I would like to know the Catechism (CCC#) for the initial thread of this discussion.
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I got it from all kinds of resources, Scott Hahn, it’s been made on EWTN, previous church fathers had made the connection too. Not sure if it’s in the Catechism.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by wisdom 3:5
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If a man touched it he would die though. Agreed, basically, because it would have turned the ark into a false god *

I can’t remember the verse, but when the ark was being moved it slipped off the poles and one of the men reached out to catch it, he died (I’m thinking in David’s time?). The ark was not to be touched because it was a thing consecrated for God.

The lid was called the “mercy seat” where the Lord would be. Are you saying that the LORD resides around Mary?

The Holy Spirit did overshadow her and she carried Him in her own body. She had a special relationship with God because of His gift to her, being free from the stain of original sin.

Quote:
So the people were actually worshipping the Lord’s Presence around the ark. The ark was kept in the “Holy of Holies” the very back room in the tabernacle and then the temple. Is this true of Mary as well? That she is kept away in the back room, where only the High Priest may enter?

That’s just silly, of course she wasn’t kept in a back room 😃 . As far as the other part to your question, she is only for the Lord. She was consecrated for God’s use in salvation. I’ve heard this example used to support the perpetual virginity of Mary, she was consecrated to God and St. Joseph didn’t father any children with her.

Quote:
The high priest would enter once a year on the Day of Atonement (yom kippur) and cover the ark with the blood of the lamb sacrificed to atone for the sins of Isreal for that year.** Are you comparing Mary to the high priest here or the Ark?**

No, Jesus is the Lamb sacrificed and the High Priest who covers our sins with His blood.

Quote:
That one day a year was the only day anyone was allowed in the Holy of Holies and it was only the High Priest. It was considered so sacred that when before the High Priest went in they would tie a rope around his leg in case he died while in there, then the others could pull him out. Again, is the comparison to the ark? That someone may die when in her presence?

No comparison to the ark here, this is just a bit of history only to indicate the holiness of God.

Quote:
Its also an interesting meditation when you consider that Mary is called the ark of the covenant, how all the above applies to her. Trying to understand this sentence, but I just dont get it.

I just like to make connections between the OT and the NT. The idea of Mary and her very close relationship with God, daughter of the Father, spouse of the Holy Spirit, mother of the Christ is interesting to me. Especially the idea of having the incarnate God inside her body. I’ve never been pregnant and it seems pretty awesome to me to have another soul dwelling within me, so the idea of God doing that is even more awesome to me.

“I enjoy reading about awesome men and women of the Faith, but I don’t understand the connection here that you seem to be trying to make”

I think the connection I’m trying to make is the forshadowing aspect of the OT. The idea that the NT is hidden in the OT and the OT is revealed in the NT. (does that make sense?) There are others that I like to pray about when I’m trying to understand God and His plan of salvation.
 
I found that part about the man who touched the ark & died. 2 Samuel 6:6
 
Mary as the Ark of the New Covenant is also important in understanding the Immaculate Conception:
  1. The original Ark contained: the tablets of the Law (Word of God), the jar of manna (bread from heaven), and the staff of Aaron (symbol of the high priesthood). All these are symbols prefiguring Christ: Word of God made flesh, the Bread of Life, and the eternal High Priest. Since our Lady bore the fulfillment of all these things, she is rightly called the Ark of the New Covenant.
  2. The original Ark had to be constructed out of acacia wood (a hardwood, almost incorruptible) and overlaid completely in gold. Why? Because the symbols it contained deserved nothing less. Is it then conceivable that the new Ark that held the fulfillment of these symbols be tainted and corrupted by sin? That would make the original Ark holier than our Lady. But types are never superior to their antitypes.
This shows that we teach Mary immaculately conceived not because of her, but because it dignifies the One she bore in her womb.
 
I believe that it also ties into the teaching of the Assumption of Mary also ties in here as the Ark in the old testament was made of incorruptible wood, and thus the teaching of Mary’s body being incorruptable works perfectly, even before this analogy existed.
 
wisdom 3:5:
Quote:
Originally Posted by wisdom 3:5

The Holy Spirit did overshadow her and she carried Him in her own body. She had a special relationship with God because of His gift to her, being free from the stain of original sin.
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Did the Spirit ‘overshadow’ her? Sure, if thats what you want to call it. The Spirit has filled believers for some time, and we must decrease so the LORD may increase. The Spirit must overshadow all of us, this is not a one person type show.

But the question I have is from this “Free from the stain of original sin” Book chapter and verse please. The stain/sting of original sin brought physical death, and a spiritual seperation from the Father. Please explain your comment here. Thanks
 
Originally posted by facedown
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Did the Spirit ‘overshadow’ her? Sure, if thats what you want to call it. The Spirit has filled believers for some time, and we must decrease so the LORD may increase. The Spirit must overshadow all of us, this is not a one person type show.
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Well unless you claim to have bore Christ in you womb, or know someone who has, this IS a one woman show. The Spirit overshowing her comment is in relation to her becoming “with Child”. The Bible only talks of one human who bore a child, fully human yet fully God. That woman is Mary.
But the question I have is from this “Free from the stain of original sin” Book chapter and verse please.
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Others can (have and will) do a much better job but here’s one to start you off on.

Luke 1:28 Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!

Which also happens to be the start of the “Hail Mary”, quotes from Scripture.
God Bless
 
I wanted to address the “why” part of your question (why is this important): I think that it points out the importance of consecrated life, in a way. The Old Testament Ark wasn’t just any old vessel that happened to be handy—its fashioning was directed by God. It was not used for any other purpose: it was consecrated as the Ark, as the carrier of the Word. It wasn’t used to haul grain or wood! So it is with Mary—she was fashioned by God to carry the Word Incarnate. This connection with the Old Testament Ark supports the idea of her Perpetual Virginity—she was consecrated for her role as Theotokos. This is why I find it odd, and almost funny, that Protestants (well, some of them) think that Mary had other children after Jesus: sure, after bearing the Saviour of the world, it’s back to normal life! Don’t worry, St. Joseph, she’s just a regular woman, don’t be intimidated by her role in salvation history! Yeah, right…This is echoed by those taking vows to consecrated life (priests and sisters): they are dedicating their life to one purpose, serving God.
 
MariaG is correct. Luke 1:28. As I’ve read many places, the greek word ‘kecharitomene’ is found only once in the Bible. Unlike what you may have read, it does not mean “highly favored daughter”. It means “full of grace” as a grace that has been granted to her so as to keep her from having the stain of original sin. She is 100% full of grace, 0% sinner.
 
facedown said:
Did the Spirit ‘overshadow’ her? Sure, if thats what you want to call it. The Spirit has filled believers for some time, and we must decrease so the LORD may increase. The Spirit must overshadow all of us, this is not a one person type show.

But the question I have is from this “Free from the stain of original sin” Book chapter and verse please. The stain/sting of original sin brought physical death, and a spiritual seperation from the Father. Please explain your comment here. Thanks
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i think that the “new ark of the covenant” idea is just one of the pieces of the complex puzzle that leads to her lack of original sin. i guess it would take not only reason, but faith to accept this one piece of the puzzle, then to move on to the many other pieces that the Church has already critically examined for us.

to think when one first hears “Mary is the new Ark of the Covenant” and how far off it may sound… how preposterous protestants think the Catholic Church is for saying such a thing… but how blessed are the few who actually sit a moment to listen to the evidence and are amazed at the perfectly logical conclusion.

“gee, there may be more to Mary after all!” :eek:
 
go_Leafs_go said:
why is it that this is important teaching? Was the old ark that carried the Commandments in Stone and Rod of Aaron to be venerated?

I’m just brushing up on my knowledge so that when I am challenged again, I’m better prepared than last time. Also, this has sort of been my hobby now, I’m loving learning about the Catholic faith which I have always taken for granted.
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1 Chron. 15 and 16 - these verses show the awesome reverence the Jews had for the Ark - veneration, vestments, songs, harps, lyres, cymbals, trumpets.

Luke 1:39 / 2 Sam. 6:2 - Luke’s conspicuous comparison’s between Mary and the Ark described by Samuel underscores the reality of Mary as the undefiled and immaculate Ark of the New Covenant. In these verses, Mary (the Ark) arose and went / David arose and went to the Ark. There is a clear parallel between the Ark of the Old and the Ark of the New Covenant.

Luke 1:41 / 2 Sam. 6:16 - John the Baptist / King David leap for joy before Mary / Ark. So should we leap for joy before Mary the immaculate Ark of the Word made flesh.

Luke 1:43 / 2 Sam. 6:9 - How can the Mother / Ark of the Lord come to me? It is a holy privilege. Our Mother wants to come to us and lead us to Jesus.

scripturecatholic.com/blessed_virgin_mary.html#the_bvm-II
 
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