Towards the Theology of Hope of Mary, the Mother of God

Abstract

The believer's hope is based on his faithfulness to God's love that is shown in the beauty of salvation, whose image is the Blessed Virgin Mary. However, the mystery of man's salvation constantly needs its ecclesial actualization. In the present reflection we put the question about the presence of the Virgin Mary on the way of a full realization of man's hope. Her presence as that of a Mother and Teacher, who – as the latest Council stresses – “does […] shine forth on earth, until the day of the Lord shall come, as a sign of sure hope and solace to the people of God during its sojourn on earth”.

Giving our attention to the nature of Mary's hope we notice that it is built on the foundation of the relation of faith between Her and God. Undoubtedly the mystery of Annunciation is a test of the Virgin Mary's faith, and at the same time of Her hope. Mary assumes a deeply dynamic attitude here, pinning Her full hope upon God's grace. This attitude accompanies Her during Her whole life. Then, a view of Mary's hope in the ecclesial dimension is important. It has two complementary elements, as the Virgin Mary is at the same time a member of God's new people and their Mother. Contemplating the events in Her life the Church finds in Mary's person and life its paradigm of hope. And finally, we can see Mary as a sign of a certain hope on the way of every man heading towards God. Mary's participation in the realization of our salvation, and Her presence in the Church shows us the foundation and the aim of our hope: God, who grants the creation the possibility to eternally participate in His Divine life of love.