For any who might think that the theology of the body, with its nuptial elements and emphasis on the feminine is newly contrived, he would do well to look into the Church Fathers, who were immersed in the Motherhood of the Church. Today, on the feast of Saint Leo the Great (d. 461)we might consider his inspired words on baptism, composed when he was a deacon:
The Church, Virgin-Mother, brings forth from the river the children she conceived by the breath of the God.
Later, he wrote more on the topic:
For every man who is born again, the water of baptism is the symbol of the womb of the Virgin: for it is the same Spirit that gives power to the fountain as gave power to the Virgin to conceive... It was the power of the Most High and the shadow of the Spirit that enabled Mary to give birth to the Redeemer: by the same power the waves of regeneration are able to give birth to the faithful.
Every woman is a part of this mystery as each is called to manifest the feminine-genius, to be an icon of the Spotless Bride, whose vocation it is to populate heaven by means of the Word of God. A lofty call -- and more authentic dignity than in any other religion. A privilege, and a sacred trust. Live your motherhood well!
The spousal relationship of God and his people as the Bride is also in the Old Testament. It's in Hosea, it's in Song of Solomon, and it's in other places as well.
Posted by: Julie | Tuesday, 20 November 2007 at 03:43 PM