Tom:
I absolutely agree, however, I can see the other side of the argument also. When I first heard of her called a “co-redemptrix” I was shocked. The reason, my understanding of the “co” was not what the Church meant by “co”. I think of a “co” as an equal partner. After reading the Church stance on calling her a co-redemptrix I understand the Church’s meaning, which of course is correct (but unnecessary). However many hear us call her that and don’t take the trouble to find out the truth. To me, the language “co-redemptrix” begs for misunderstanding. Why did we do that? She shares in redemption, but, so do you and I and all the saints. It seems to me we (the Church) used this terminology to bait. I love Mary; she is my mother in faith. Using the title co-redemtrix drives an unnecessary wedge between Christians.
Hi Tom,
I appreciate your reply. Yes, I agree that the title itself can cause confusion and uncertainty when not understood properly. Coupled with that, many Protastants already have major issues with most of the Marian dogmas defined by the church. These misunderstandings arise from the "so-called’ silence of scripture concerning our Blessed Mother.
I have been in that boat, and at times found myself very angry with the Catholic church for what I understood to be “deceptive doctrines of men”. So I symphathise with those who are looking from the outside in, these teachings can be painful, especially to someone who feels they are following the truth as best as they can, not understanding the Catholic churches teachings on Mariology. We speak tw0 completely different languages.
I do have to disagree with you on the point you made about all of us having the ability to share in the redemption. This is true to a point, but where the arguement falls apart is in Mary’s sinlessness. (
her body prepared to bring forth the Messiah)
This was granted to her from the beginning of time for the scripture speaks of Christ as “The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world”. Here we know that a body would be prepared for the Messiah (
for only with a body could he become the lamb) and coupled with that, Mary was chosen to be called ‘full of grace’ or “transformed by grace” to bring forth the Messiah in the flesh. No other creature in history would be created (past or future) to give birth to God especially in this fashion. She stands her in a league of her own correct?
So when we speak of the Blessed Virgin Mary as
’Co-Redemptrix’ we have to consider several things:
(1) She shared in the
flesh that was nailed to the cross, bringing us the redemptive fruits of salvation.
(2) She shared in the
"Blood of the new Covenant" for it was her blood as well.
(3) The heart of Jesus that was pierced bringing forth blood and water was
her heart as well.
(4) And to top it off, her heart was *spiritually pierced with a sword *that she could fully enter into suffering with her Son dying on the cross. the agony in her soul must have been unbearable.
I think these things alone merit her the title, not that she rivals her Son for only he is divine, but that he created her from the foundation of the world to give birth to Him and to suffer with Him. I would love to dialouge more with you on this Tom, I think this is a fascinating mystery and the one that gets me the most excited!
:) Have a wonderful day
